Richard Branson to Co-Pilot World’s First Crewed Hydrogen Space Balloon
Richard Branson, the billionaire entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Galactic, is set to embark on a new adventure by co-piloting the world’s first crewed hydrogen “space balloon.” This innovative flight, named ‘Spaceship Neptune,’ is operated by Space Perspective, a space tourism company based in Florida. The journey will take eight passengers 20 miles into Earth’s stratosphere, offering a unique spaceflight experience.
Spaceship Neptune: A New Era in Space Travel
Space Perspective describes the flight as the safest, most accessible, and first carbon-neutral human spaceflight. The capsule is the largest of its kind and offers luxurious amenities, including Wi-Fi, cocktails, fine dining, and panoramic windows for breathtaking views. The entire flight will last about six hours, with two hours of ascent, two hours at the peak altitude of 100,000 feet, and a gentle two-hour descent.
Adventure Awaits
Passengers will witness stunning views of Earth and the night sky, with the ability to see 450 miles in all directions. Upon splashdown in the ocean, a ship will retrieve the explorers. The first commercial flights are planned for 2025, with tickets priced at USD 125,000. Over 1,800 people have already reserved their seats.
Branson’s Ballooning Legacy
Branson has a rich history of ballooning adventures, including crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He expressed his excitement for this new venture, calling it the ultimate ballooning adventure. Joining him on this journey are Space Perspective’s founders, Taber MacCallum and Jane Poynter.
Doubts Revealed
Richard Branson -: Richard Branson is a famous businessman from the UK. He started a company called Virgin Galactic, which is known for space travel.
Virgin Galactic -: Virgin Galactic is a company that wants to take people to space for fun. It was started by Richard Branson.
Hydrogen Space Balloon -: A hydrogen space balloon is a special type of balloon that uses hydrogen gas to float. It can go very high, almost to space.
Spaceship Neptune -: Spaceship Neptune is the name of the hydrogen space balloon. It is operated by a company called Space Perspective.
Space Perspective -: Space Perspective is a company that plans to take people on trips to the edge of space using balloons.
Stratosphere -: The stratosphere is a layer of Earth’s atmosphere. It is very high up, above where airplanes usually fly.
Carbon-neutral -: Carbon-neutral means that the activity does not add extra carbon dioxide to the air. This is good for the environment.
USD 125,000 -: USD 125,000 is the cost of a ticket for the space balloon ride. In Indian Rupees, it is a very large amount of money.