This carbon-neutral spaceship invites passengers to take a trip from Earth and back

by Verus Real Estate

Florida-based Space Perspective has released images for their new spacecraft that offers a unique opportunity to anyone who wants to travel outside the Earth. Potential voyagers can book a 6-hour round-trip flight from Earth to space and back.

The Spaceship Neptune can take eight passengers and one pilot to a maximum altitude of 100,000 feet (30,000 meters). The 360-degree windows open surreal panoramic views of the Earth and cosmos. Aboard, you will find comfortable reclining seats, a refreshments bar, a Wi-Fi signal, and screens with flight details. This spaceship might even accommodate a romantic dinner for two or a wedding.

*The first zero-emissions spaceship (Image credit: Space Perspectives)*

According to Space Perspective, the interior lounge is large enough for passengers to stand and move freely within. In addition, there are also multiple plants and herbs onboard, including lavender, basil, and rosemary, that can be used for food and drink prep. As CNN reports, tickets for this above-the-Earth experience cost $125,000 per person, and the company says they already sold 900 of them. The first flight is scheduled to take place by the end of 2024.

The unique balloon-like structure allows Spaceship Neptune to be carbon-neutral. So far, this is the only spaceship that has this feature. Other space rockets can produce up to 300 tons of carbon dioxide into the upper atmosphere per launch. The Spaceship Neptune is all reusable, except for the skin of the balloon, which will be recycled at the end of each flight.

*The interior lounge (Image credit: Space Perspectives)*

"Centuries of balloon and parachute operation and development demonstrate that always flying with the balloon from launch through landing…is the safest and most robust solution," Space Perspective's co-founder, MacCallum, said in a statement. "Our proprietary flight system means that the capsule and SpaceBalloon always remain connected, and take-off and landing conditions are always within our control."

Resources:

“Tour This Newly Unveiled Luxury Spaceship,” by Katherine McLaughlin (Architectural Digest, 2022)

“Take a look at the 'world's only carbon-neutral spaceship',” by Maureen O'Hare (CNN, 2022)

“How the billionaire space race could be one giant leap for pollution,” by Katharine Gammon (The Guardian, 2021)