Reaching for the Stars: Stratospheric Balloon Rides Offer New Frontier in Tourism

A new frontier in high-altitude tourism is emerging, offering travellers a chance to witness Earth from a vantage point once reserved for astronauts and high-flying aircraft.

Three innovative companies—Zephalto, Space Perspective, and World View—are developing stratospheric balloon rides that promise to lift passengers to heights of 15 to 19 miles above the Earth's surface.

These ventures aim to provide a unique experience that, while not technically reaching space, offers breathtaking views of our planet from the edge of the atmosphere.

Ryan Hartman, CEO of World View, describes their offering: "Our capsule is designed to accommodate eight customers and two crew members, featuring a central bar area for socialising and onboard facilities for comfort during the six-hour journey."

Jane Poynter of Space Perspective argues that despite not crossing the internationally recognised boundary of space (about 50 miles up), the experience is remarkably close. "We're regulated as a spaceship. Above 98,000 feet, you're essentially in a vacuum, with 99% of Earth's atmosphere below you," she explains.

One key advantage of these balloon-based trips is their accessibility. Unlike rocket-powered space tourism, passengers won't need special physical training or experience weightlessness. Vincent Farret d'Astiès of Zephalto emphasises, "If you can board a standard aeroplane, you can join our balloon flights."

Consumer interest appears strong, with World View and Space Perspective reporting over 1,000 ticket sales each. Prices range from £40,000 to £145,000 per seat, positioning these experiences as premium but more attainable than orbital space tourism.

However, the industry is still in its infancy. Only Zephalto has conducted crewed tests thus far, though not at full operational altitude.

As these companies work towards their first commercial flights, they're poised to open up a new chapter in the burgeoning field of space-adjacent tourism, offering well-heeled adventurers a chance to see our planet from an extraordinary perspective.

But the question remains... would you venture into the boundaries of space in what is essentially a giant balloon?