Space balloon for tourists set for landmark test flight

A “space balloon” for tourists is set for a test flight in Saudi Arabia this September.

Spanish startup Halo Space built the balloon for zero-emission trips into the stratosphere. Each ticket is expected to cost around €150,000.

On each flight, Halo plans to welcome aboard eight passengers and one pilot. The balloon will then ascend to altitudes of up to 35km. From this lofty perch in the sky, the tourists will enjoy views of the cosmos.

But before that vision becomes reality, Halo needs to prove that the balloon is safe. The Saudi test aims to produce fresh evidence.

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If all goes to plan, the real-size prototype capsule — Aurora —  will rise to 30km above the Earth. Throughout the flight, Halo will probe the technology’s performance.

 “This mission is designed to meticulously validate all our critical systems we’ve been developing for the past three years,” said Alberto Castrillo, the startup’s CTO.

Saudi Arabia’s space ambition

Saudi Arabia has been a key partner for Halo. The country plans to become a global leader in near-space exploration and has given substantial support to the sector.

Halo has welcomed the assistance. The company has established its flagship operational base and final assembly site in the kingdom.

The startup has also worked closely with the kingdom’s regulator for the sector, the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST).

Both CST and Halo have pledged to prioritise safety during the test flight.

If the mission is successful, space tourists could soon purchase tickets. Halo plans to launch crewed flights next year. Commercial trips are set to follow in 2026.