A French company has developed a stratospheric balloon to take tourists to eat at an altitude of 25 km from the end of 2024.
By Valentin Dechambre for Le Point
© NASA / JOHAN SWANEPOEL / SCIENCE PHO / JSW / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY VIA AFP
Published on
Subscriber-only audio playback
Vexperience the ecstasy of space, with a view of Earth: space tourism is full of promise. The latest comes from a French company: Zephalto. Launched in 2016, the project provides for the take-off of the first passengers aboard its stratospheric balloons. The flight test campaign should begin in 2023, with a view to certification by the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) at the end of 2024. The first flights are planned in stride with 60 flights in the stratosphere. per year, by the end of 2024, reports Le Figaro.
In addition to the panorama, the start-up will offer its guests gourmet dinners and wine tastings. In a 20 m² capsule, the capacity of which is to accommodate six guests as well as two pilots, the guests will reach an altitude of 25 km, a level which allows them to enter the stratosphere and therefore to dispense with medical tests or of workouts. According to the Toulouse company, this distance is sufficient to reach darkness and enjoy a breathtaking view of the earth’s curve.
Low environmental impact
Another advantage of this experience: its carbon footprint. The capsule of the start-up will fly away thanks to a helium balloon. A space trip with a low environmental impact since the experiment would generate only 26.6 kg of CO2 for the entire flight. But all is not ready yet. Zephalto made a few test flights, none of which managed to enter full altitude. And it will cost 120,000 euros per person to be able to eat in the stratosphere.
READ ALSOQuiriny – Is space tourism corny?
Science and tech newsletter
Great interviews, major discoveries, innovations and behind the scenes… Every Saturday, dive into science and tech news.
The editorial staff of Le Point advises you