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 Luxury space balloon infographic
Graphic shows details of the Celeste balloon project.
GN44196EN

SPACE

Startup offers lunch at the edge of space

By Jordi Bou

July 22, 2020 - French start-up Zephalto has partnered with its national space agency to take tourists into the stratosphere, offering unparalleled views and Michelin-starred fine dining.

France’s Zephalto is offering passengers the chance to travel to the stratosphere in a balloon, starting at €120,000 ($132,000) per person in 2025, Bloomberg reports.

Balloons filled with helium or hydrogen will depart from France with two pilots on board and six passengers and rise 25km (15.5 miles) into the stratosphere.

Once at peak altitude, the balloon will stay for three hours, giving guests a chance to take in views previously seen only by astronauts. While in the air, guests will be served high-end French food and wines.

The interior of the balloon’s pressurised capsule will be brought to life by Joseph Dirand, the French designer responsible for chic Balmain and Givenchy stores in Paris.

Zephalto is a new European entrant in the commercial space race, but it’s not the only space balloon in the game. Florida-based Space Perspectives is offering voyages aboard its Neptune One vessel, going a little higher (30km) for a little less money: $125,000. Flights will begin in 2024.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 21/04/2023; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Zephalto
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