Richard Branson: co-pilot on the world’s first commercial balloon flight to reach the stratosphere

Imagine traveling in a space balloon with British Sir Richard Branson, co-founder of Virgin, as your co-pilot.

In the capsule that will take you to the stratosphere, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite cocktail while staying connected to Earth via Wi-Fi.

Branson confirmed that he will be co-pilot on the world’s first commercial flight with a balloon reaching the stratosphere, according to the New York Post.

During the flight, Branson and the other two pilots will attempt to ascend 32 kilometers into the sky inside a pressurized capsule, which will be lifted by a balloon.

He has broken two world records with a balloon

The Virgin co-founder is no stranger to daring balloon adventures, having set two world records by crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in a balloon in 1987 and 1991, respectively.

“Some of the most wonderful experiences of my life have happened on balloon missions, and I’m excited to support Space Perspective on this journey,” Branson said. “I’m passionate about adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs achieve their business dreams.”

It is noted that Branson will be one of three pilots on Space Perspective’s maiden voyage in 2025, alongside company co-founders Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum.

At launch, the massive space balloon will be inflated with hydrogen, lifting the pressurized capsule skyward at a speed of approximately 19.3 kilometers per hour.

Once fully inflated, the balloon will stand almost as tall as the Eiffel Tower and cover an area equivalent to a football field.

Once the capsule reaches an altitude of about 32 kilometers, it will float at levels above the atmosphere never before achieved in a commercial balloon flight.

It’s noted that a successful unmanned test flight following the same path and altitude as the future trips took place in September.

The maiden flight in 2025

“Richard’s pioneering efforts in the ballooning industry were a key inspiration for us when we founded Space Perspective,” said company co-founder Jane Poynter. “We are now on a mission to offer explorers breathtaking views of Earth against a black sky, in a gentle way that only balloons can provide.”

While no specific date has been set yet for the maiden flight, Space Perspective confirmed that it will take place in 2025.

On his part, the other company co-founder, Taber MacCallum, expressed his excitement about Branson’s decision to join as co-pilot on the first crewed flight, utilizing his vast ballooning experience to ensure a successful maiden journey.

Branson, along with other investors, has also made an investment in Space Perspective, which according to the company, will accelerate the development and testing flight program.

The capsule can accommodate eight passengers

If Branson’s flight is successful, it could pave the way for future tourist flights.

The capsule will have a capacity for eight passengers, with a ticket price of €115,000.

Passengers will also be able to enjoy cocktails, meal service, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an incredible view of the planet.

What the space capsule journey will offer

The space capsule will take two hours to reach its maximum altitude and two hours to descend back to Earth.

Passengers can even enjoy the view while using the bathroom, which features “soft, relaxing tones, vibrant plants, stunning window views, and high-tech products,” according to Space Perspective.

So far, despite the steep ticket price, Space Perspective has received over 1,800 reservations.

Branson is preparing for new adventures three years after becoming the first billionaire in space, having traveled to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere aboard a Virgin Galactic spacecraft, as reported by the Daily Mail.

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