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10/10/2023The new frontier of luxury: How Mercedes-Maybach and Space Perspective are changing the game of space tourism
Space tourism is no longer a distant dream, but a reality that is becoming more accessible and affordable for adventurous travelers. However, not everyone is willing to endure the harsh conditions and risks of rocket launches and orbital flights. That’s why two companies, Mercedes-Maybach and Space Perspective, have teamed up to offer a different kind of space experience: a gentle and luxurious ride to the edge of space in a high-tech balloon.
Mercedes-Maybach, the renowned luxury car brand, has announced that it will design the interior of the capsule that will carry passengers to an altitude of 100,000 feet (30 km) above the Earth’s surface. The capsule, named Neptune, will be attached to a hydrogen-filled balloon that will lift off from various locations around the world, such as Florida, Alaska, Hawaii, and Australia. The capsule will have a capacity of eight people, including a pilot and a flight attendant, and will feature panoramic windows, reclining seats, a bar, and a bathroom.
Space Perspective, the company behind the balloon flights, claims that its mission is to offer a “profoundly life-changing experience” that is also environmentally friendly and carbon neutral. The flights will last about six hours, with two hours of ascent, two hours of floating in near-space, and two hours of descent. The capsule will land on the ocean and be retrieved by a ship. The company plans to start test flights in 2024 and commercial flights in 2026. The price for a ticket is expected to be around $125,000 per person.
The partnership between Mercedes-Maybach and Space Perspective is an example of how luxury brands are expanding their horizons and exploring new markets in the emerging space industry. By combining their expertise in design, engineering, and hospitality, they aim to create a unique and memorable experience that will appeal to wealthy and adventurous customers who want to see the Earth from a new perspective.
