The first human being to experience what is now known as the “overview effect” was Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin, who became the first person to view our planet from space just over 63 years ago.
Seeing that curvature for the first time, he exclaimed: “I see the Earth! It’s so beautiful!” He was the first of many astronauts to report feeling a cognitive shift about his place in the universe – a phenomenal sense of transcendental awe.
There are three types of space tourism companies now competing to open up this experience to the rich, the super-rich and the otherworldly rich.
At the top of the heap is Elon Musk EspaçoX. For those with tens of millions to spare, it promises rocket rides to orbit, to the weightless wonder more than 300 kilometers (185 miles) above Earth.
Then there are suborbital experiences, offered by people like Jeff Bezos Blue Origin and Richard Branson virgin galactic. O price tag as this costs up to $450,000 and takes you 50 to 70 miles to experience some zero gravity.
The Kármán line, 100 kilometers above sea level, is the altitude recognized internationally as the border between Earth and space.
Finally, there are quasi-space adventures, where companies like Spatial Perspective, World Vision and now Spanish startup HALO Space they hope to bring passengers on balloon flights about 25 to 40 kilometers above the Earth, for the relatively cheap price of US$50,000 to US$200,000.
Commercial flights in 2026
Last week in London, HALO Space CEO Carlos Mira revealed the interior design of his Aurora space capsule, which his team hopes will carry 10,000 passengers into near space by 2030.
The pressurized capsule – designed by the legendary Frank Stephenson, car designer for Ferrari, Alpha Romeo and more – measures 5 meters (16.5 feet) wide and 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) high and will be suspended from a huge helium balloon. Eight passengers will be seated inside for trips lasting up to six hours.
HALO Space stated in the presentation that it is offering “new, safe, zero-emission alternatives to spaceflight” and, having already completed five successful test flights, that it is the most advanced company in its sector.
Founded only in 2021, it has the ambitious goal of starting to offer commercial flights in 2026, starting at US$164,000 each.
Mira explained that her team was able to get to work “using mature technologies” and not trying to reinvent the wheel.
“The operating model we have is not to build everything in-house,” he said. “The approach we take is to partner with the best aerospace players across different domains,” including CT Engineering Group, Aciturri, GMV and TIFR.
Introducing the capsule’s modern, lightweight design, Stephenson said: “It’s one thing to design a beautiful interior; It’s another thing to make it work.” There are “weight goals, safety goals, ergonomic goals” to meet, but his goal was to create “something you feel comfortable with from the start.”
A very special sunrise
After all, end consumers are well-heeled adventurers who undoubtedly fly first class every day and are accustomed to luxury. In a very limited space, comfortable seats, large panoramic windows, storage areas and, most importantly, a toilet cubicle had to be integrated.
“It is necessary to ensure that passengers are constantly informed, entertained and relaxed,” while the ability to eat, drink and socialize must also be accommodated. This is one of the advantages of the experience of not being in zero gravity – you can move normally and no special training is required.
The company is testing a full-size capsule prototype, and the next test flight is confirmed for June. Mira says HALO Space plans to operate year-round on four continents, with locations chosen for their “excellent geographic and climatic conditions.”
The drier and less windy the better, as strong winds and cloudy skies are a big no-no when it comes to offering passengers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Flights will launch before dawn, so guests can experience a “white” sunrise at the edge of the stratosphere with the deep black of space beyond.
Is it worth the several thousand dollar price tag? This is up for debate. But it will definitely be a morning like no other.
For more news and newsletters from CNN, create an account at CNN.com
