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Space Perspective, the world’s first stratospheric balloon flight experience company, was profiled on mainstream breakfast TV in Australia this morning (Friday 18 October), with news Sir Richard Branson will co-pilot the first test flight of the balloon and capsule, alongside its founders.

Branson is no stranger to ballooning having set record-breaking ocean crossings decades ago. The human headline appeared on Channel 7’s Sunrise this morning, heralding Space Perspective, and highlighting the key differences between this soon-to-launch space venture and his business, Virgin Galactic (which isn’t taking flight again for commercial services until 2026).

“I absolutely love ballooning and when I heard about this venture I couldn’t say no,” Branson said.

“It’s completely different from Virgin Galactic that went from 0 to 250,00 miles-an-hour in 8 seconds into space and you could float.

“Space Perspective is a most beautiful gradual flight going up at 10 miles an hour, going right up to 100,000 feet – three times higher than aeroplanes can go. And with wonderful, enormous cabin and great views. So I’m very excited,” he said.

Asked how Space Perspective may change space tourism, Taber MacCallum, Founder and CTO of Space Perspective,said”This is a way for people to get very accessible, half way to seeing the dark sky, the curvature of the earth, the thin blue line of the atmosphere, it is all about a different category of taking people that haven’t experienced floating on top of earth’s atmosphere in a capsule that is really comfortable.”

“Having a legendary balloonist will be awesome,” MacCallum said.

As recently reported in LATTE, Space Perspective’s historic, uncrewed test flight took place last month, which successfully followed the same flight trajectory and altitude as future commercial flights. The pressurised capsule uses hydrogen-power to gently fly eight-passengers to 20 miles, floating at levels above the atmosphere never before achieved in a commercial balloon flight. The pioneering company is now entering its next phase of growth.

“Richard’s pioneering efforts in the ballooning industry were a key inspiration for us when we founded Space Perspective. We are now on a mission to give Explorers breathtaking views of the Earth against a black sky and do so gently in a way that only balloons enable.” said Jane Poynter, Founder of Space Perspective. Poytner will also be aboard the first test flight with MacCallum and Branson.

Branson broken two ballooning world records crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in 1987 and 1991 respectively. Sir Richard Branson said Space Perspective has the potential to revolutionise balloon flying, opening a world of new possibilities for adventure-seekers all over the globe.

Said Branson, “Some of the most magnificent experiences of my life have happened on ballooning expeditions and I’m excited to support Space Perspective in its journey. I’m passionate about adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs reach their business dreams. I look forward to dusting off my old ballooning license ahead of some magnificent test flights.”

Branson has also, along with other investors, made an investment in the company. The investment will accelerate Space Perspective’s development and test flight program and confirms its leadership position in affordable, hydrogen-powered, stratospheric ballooning.

Space Perspective has raised US$100 million to date and is funded by a diverse portfolio of investors led by investment group Prime Movers Lab, and other notable venture capital funds like LightShed Partners, E2MC, Base, Green Sands Equity, Kirenaga, and SpaceFund.

Questioned by Sunrise on when the test flight will lift off, MacCallum’s response was: “When we’re ready.”

A series of flights without people onboard will be conducted and analyised before the first human Space Perspective flight lifts off with the trio onboard.

In 2022, and as reported at the time by LATTE, Space Perspective signed a partnership with luxury travel consortia, Signature Travel Network.

A standard reservation aboard Space Perspective’s pressurised capsule is currently priced at US$125,000. To date, 1,800+ reservations have been made.

See spaceperspective.com.

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