Richard Branson to co-pilot first crewed stratospheric balloon flight
Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson will co-pilot the world’s first stratospheric balloon flight and the price for a seat on board is not for the faint-hearted.
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Billionaire Richard Branson will co-pilot the world’s first crewed stratospheric balloon flight.
The Virgin entrepreneur will take the reins of Space Perspective’s balloon flight, which will fly eight passengers 32 kilometres, floating at levels above the atmosphere that have never previously been reached during a commercial balloon flight.
The flight is scheduled to take place during 2025.
Mr Branson said Space Perspective had the potential to revolutionise balloon flying, opening a world of new possibilities for adventure-seekers all around the world.
“Some of the most magnificent experiences of my life have happened on ballooning expeditions and I’m excited to support Space Perspective in its journey,” Branson said.
“I’m passionate about adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs reach their business dreams. I look forward to dusting off my old ballooning license ahead of some magnificent test flights.”
Space Perspective undertook an uncrewed test flight last month, which followed the same flight trajectory and altitude as the company’s crewed flights plan to take.
And it seems those with some spare cash can’t wait to be a part of it; a standard reservation aboard the balloon are currently priced at A$186,000 and more than 1800 reservations have been made.
Mr Branson, who is an investor in the company, is no stranger to balloon flights, having broken two ballooning world records crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in 1987 and 1991.
“We’re delighted by Richard’s decision to join Jane and I as co-pilot on the first crewed flight, leveraging his deep experience in ballooning to ensure a successful maiden voyage,” said Taber MacCallum, Founder and CTO of Space Perspective.
“Richard’s pioneering efforts in the ballooning industry were a key inspiration for us when we founded Space Perspective. We are now on a mission to give Explorers breathtaking views of the Earth against a black sky.” said Jane Poynter, Founder of Space Perspective, “and do so gently in a way that only balloons enable.”
Mr Branson has built his wildly successful Virgin business through retail, music, and transport. In 2007, he was named on Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World list. In June 2023, Forbes listed his estimated net worth at A$4.5 billion.
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Originally published as Richard Branson to co-pilot first crewed stratospheric balloon flight
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