In a pioneering venture, tourists visiting Saudi Arabia will soon have the opportunity to embark on voyages to the earth’s stratosphere, slated for commencement in 2026.
Priced at $164,000 (Dh602,000) per person, these expeditions promise a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Halo Space Company, established in Madrid in 2021, specializing in outer space excursions, has selected the Kingdom as one of its primary launch sites. Scheduled for a trial run in June, this will mark Halo Space’s sixth test, deploying its second prototype approximately 32km above the Earth’s surface.
Securing conditional approval from the Saudi regulatory body, the Communications, Space & Technology Commission, Halo Space is gearing up for its test flight. The spacecraft, featuring an aerospace balloon coupled with a pressurized capsule, is designed to accommodate eight passengers along with a pilot. Adorned with panoramic windows, the capsule guarantees a breathtaking 360-degree view of our planet.
With a target to commence commercial operations in 2026, Halo Space aims to conduct 400 flights annually by 2029. Each flight is anticipated to last between four to six hours, providing one to two hours of maximum altitude, offering passengers a crystal-clear view of the Earth’s majestic curvature.
Highlighting the accessibility of their flights, the company emphasized, “Because the helium balloon-powered ascent is gradual, there is no heavy acceleration or G-forces, meaning nearly anyone can board a Halo flight without the need for special training.”
