After more than a decade of development and a successful prototype in December 2023, Space Perspective has completed construction of Excelsior, the world’s largest spaceflight test capsule. Excelsior is the core of Spaceship Neptune, designed to transport eight passengers and a captain to and from outer space.
Progress on related projects
Alongside Excelsior, Space Perspective has made significant progress on two other crucial projects: the SpaceBalloon and the launch vessel, Marine Spaceport Voyager. The SpaceBalloon, which uses renewable hydrogen to lift the capsule, is already complete. The Marine Spaceport Voyager, designed to serve as a floating launch platform, is in its final stages of preparation. With Excelsior now complete, Space Perspective is gearing up for test flights and plans to offer commercial space travel by 2025.
The largest spaceflight test capsule
Excelsior is poised to become the largest human spacecraft in operation, excluding space stations. It measures 16 feet in diameter with a pressurized volume exceeding 2,000 cubic feet. For comparison, this is twice the volume of Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Two and Blue Origin’s New Shepard, and approximately four times that of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
Journey and passenger experience
Space Perspective’s ambitious plan involves a six-hour journey for eight passengers and one captain, lifted by a SpaceBalloon at around 12 mph. The experience promises minimal physical strain, as it involves no rockets or heavy G-forces. Upon descent, the Marine Spaceport Voyager will serve as the dedicated spaceport for safe landings.
Passengers, referred to as Explorers, will enjoy a first-class experience in the Space Lounge, which features Wi-Fi, gourmet culinary offerings, plush seating, luxury amenities, and the Space Spa—a combination of a spa and restroom. The capsule’s design prioritizes passenger comfort and panoramic views, thanks to its spherical shape and vertical windows, which avoid the visual distortion caused by horizontal windows.
Upcoming launches and global expansion
Space Perspective aims to commence flights in 2025, with initial launches from Florida’s Space Coast. The company is also exploring expansion into the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. With over 1,750 tickets already sold and expectations to reach 4,000 by the end of 2024, Space Perspective anticipates around $400 million in bookings. Each seat on Spaceship Neptune is priced at $125,000.
Design and technical details
Excelsior’s spherical design provides an ideal pressure vessel, combining lightness with strength. The vertical windows ensure panoramic views while protecting passengers from harmful sunlight and managing internal temperature without altering the colors of the view outside.
Space Perspective’s comprehensive in-house development includes a carbon composite manufacturing facility, a material testing laboratory, and a capsule integration hangar. The company has developed its own flight electrical and power systems, software, mission control, and environmental control and life support systems, which include atmospheric and thermal regulation.
Experienced team
The team behind Space Perspective boasts over 40 years of experience in U.S. human spaceflight, having worked on high-profile projects with NASA, SpaceX, Boeing, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and the U.S. Navy. This extensive expertise underpins the development and anticipated success of Excelsior and Spaceship Neptune.
Conclusion
With the completion of Excelsior, Space Perspective stands on the brink of revolutionizing commercial space travel. By 2025, the company plans to offer a unique and luxurious journey to space, providing a new frontier for space tourism. With its experienced team and innovative technology, Space Perspective is set to make significant strides in making space travel accessible and enjoyable.
Source: Space Perspective
