Arizona-based company World View Enterprises is conducting test flights of a special balloon that it hopes will be able to lift people into the stratosphere, the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere.
The company recently conducted a successful test flight of the balloon, that may one day take six passengers to an altitude of 32 km above the earth. This technically isn't 'space' but from that high up, passengers will still be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the curvature of the Earth. The flights will cost $75,000 per person.
The giant balloon, similar to the one used by Felix Baumgartner for his Red Bull-sponsored high-altitude jump, will lift a capsule that is large enough for passengers to walk around in.
World View Enterprises says it is hoping to fly its first passenger in only two years time.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Space Tourism
- The rise of space tourism as a new form of luxury travel and adventure, with potential for innovative experiences and services.
- High-altitude Balloons
- The development of high-altitude balloons for transportation and research, offering a more affordable and sustainable alternative to rockets and airplanes.
- Stratospheric Viewpoints
- The demand for unique and extreme viewpoints, creating opportunities for businesses to offer new products and services that allow customers to experience the stratosphere and beyond.
Sectors Adopting This
- Tourism
- The tourism industry can explore new markets and customer segments by developing space tourism packages and collaborations with space exploration companies.
- Aerospace
- The aerospace industry can lead the development of high-altitude balloons for transportation, surveillance, and communication, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Photography and Filmmaking
- The photography and filmmaking industry can offer new products and services that capture unique and spectacular views of the Earth from the stratosphere, opening up a new niche market for high-end media content.
