Space tourism capsule to fly 32km above Saudi Arabia

Credit: HALO Space

Stratospheric commercial flights company Halo Space says it plans to launch its sixth test flight in Saudi Arabia in June this year.

This comes after the Spanish headquartered company received the green light from Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST).

This test flight will launch Halo’s second real-size prototype capsule 32 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. The capsule is tagged along by a helium balloon that slowly ascends and lands back on earth during a 4-6 hour flight time. 

Halo plans to kick off its commercial flights in 2026, starting at $164,000 for a ticket. The company is targeting getting at least 10,000 humans to space this decade to experience what is known as the Overview Effect — the blue halo around the curvature of the Earth.

Passengers can expect 1-2 hours at maximum altitude of up to 35 km where they can take in 360º views of Earth with what the company says are “much larger windows than those on traditional planes or rockets”.

“I’ve spoken with several astronauts about the feeling of profound transformation when you view the Overview Effect. Everyone should get the chance to see our home from such a view,” says HALO Space CEO Carlos Mira. 

Halo is working with space authorities in the US, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Spain. The locations have been chosen based on their meteorology, territory, and airspace for safe near space stratospheric flights.

“It is magnificent to see our vision of making space flight more accessible come to life,” said Mira. “To prove our concept and showcase all systems working together will signal to the world that near space tourism with Halo Space is ready for lift off.”