Space Tourism: Will You Have the Courage to Travel in the Halo?

The Frank Stephenson design remains steadfast in its ambition to launch a pressurized space capsule capable of reaching an altitude of 35 km.

The tragedy of the submarine Titan, which disappeared on June 18, 2023, with five passengers on board at a depth of 4,000 meters while approaching the wreck of the Titanic, did not dampen the enthusiasm of extreme travelers. The company Halo Spaceflight is still committed to its project of sending a handful of clients into space, at an altitude of 35 kilometers, in a kind of pressurized hot air balloon. Its name: The Aurora.

The interior of this capsule was unveiled in London on Thursday, April 11, 2024. It features an innovative design that combines luxury and safety to redefine the experience of space tourism close to Earth. The interior design of “The Aurora” integrates cutting-edge resources, design principles, and technologies to provide passengers with an unforgettable visual experience of space travel.

Frank Stephenson, founder and creative director of Frank Stephenson Design, stated: “Working on a project of such magnitude presents numerous design challenges. Creating an elegant interior for passengers while considering factors such as strict safety regulations and weight distribution posed considerable obstacles while remaining fully dedicated to providing both luxurious aesthetic appeal and functionality. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved.”

The design incorporates lightweight materials such as aluminum alloy and composites, ensuring a total launch weight of 3.5 tons while providing a spacious environment for 8 passengers and 1 pilot. The capsule features large panoramic windows, totaling 2.82 square meters, offering breathtaking views of Earth from the edge of space.

“We wanted every minute of the journey to be unforgettable for our passengers,” said Carlos Mira, CEO of HALO Space. “Frank and his team have created a capsule that embodies not only luxury and elegance, but also prioritizes safety and functionality. It is a testament to our commitment to providing the ultimate spaceflight experience.”

Safety Present in All Statements

Inspired by the architecture and design of the space age, “The Aurora” features curved lines, edges, and reflective materials, evoking the impressive beauty of the cosmos. The seating arrangement, reminiscent of the arms of the Milky Way, provides passengers with optimal viewing angles, thus enhancing the overall experience of space exploration.

HALO Space’s stratospheric commercial flights offer a unique ascent via a helium balloon, ensuring a gradual climb with minimal G-forces. With average flight durations of 4 to 6 hours and a maximum altitude of up to 35 km, passengers can immerse themselves in the wonders of space for an extended period.

HALO Space aims to make space tourism accessible to a broader audience, with plans to serve 10,000 passengers by 2030. Furthermore, the company is developing initiatives to eliminate financial barriers, allowing passionate individuals to realize their dreams of space exploration through staggered payment plans.

The first tests began as early as 2022, particularly for landing phases, in the Cuddeback Desert in California. Halo Space plans to launch its first commercial flights starting in 2025 at a rate of 400 flights per year. The price is yet to be determined, as well as the departure and arrival locations of the flights…

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