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Richard Branson to join first commercial stratospheric balloon flight

By T.K. Randall
October 20, 2024 · Comment icon 1 comment
Space Perspective
Concept image of the capsule. Image Credit: YouTube / Space Perspective
The Virgin Galactic entrepreneur will be part of a three-man crew venturing 20 miles above the Earth's surface.
Branson is certainly no stranger to adventure, having previously embarked on numerous world record-breaking stunts ranging from crossing the English channel in the fastest time using an amphibious vehicle to attempting to circumnavigate the planet in a hot air balloon.

His latest venture will see the 74-year-old join an attempt to reach the stratosphere as part of what is being hailed as the world's first commercial stratospheric balloon flight.

Designed and built by high-altitude flight tourism company Space Perspective, the capsule will use renewable hydrogen to slowly rise to an altitude of 20 miles.

"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," said Branson.

"I'm passionate about adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs reach their business dreams. I look forward to dusting off my old ballooning licence ahead of some magnificent test flights."
If all goes to plan, the company will offer paying customers the opportunity to fly up to the stratosphere for the princely sum of $125,000 per seat.

So far, as many as 1,800 people have signed up to go.

With an uncrewed test flight having already been successfully accomplished, it is believed that the first crewed flight (on which Branson will be flying) will be taking place some time in 2025.

"Richard's pioneering efforts in the ballooning industry were a key inspiration for us when we founded Space Perspective," said company co-founder Jane Poynter.

"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."



Source: Independent | Comments (1)




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