NewsPosted 2 months ago

Sir Richard Branson to Co-Pilot First Crewed Flight, Invests

SIR RICHARD BRANSON TO CO-PILOT FIRST CREWED FLIGHT FOR SPACE PERSPECTIVE – THE WORLD’S FIRST STRATOSPHERIC BALLOON FLIGHT COMPANY

Space Coast, Fla., October 17, 2024 – Space Perspective, the world’s first stratospheric balloon flight experience company, announces today that Sir Richard Branson will serve as co-pilot on its first crewed flight, bringing his unparalleled ballooning experience that led to record-breaking Atlantic and Pacific Ocean crossings to the organization.

Space Perspective’s historic, uncrewed test flight took place in September, which successfully followed the same flight trajectory and altitude as future commercial flights. The pressurized capsule uses hydrogen-power to gently fly eight-passengers to 20 miles, floating at levels above the atmosphere never before achieved in a commercial balloon flight. The pioneering company is now entering its next phase of growth.

“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.” added Jane Poynter, Founder of Space Perspective, “and do so gently in a way that only balloons enable.”

Branson, a renowned entrepreneur, is no stranger to world-first adventures, having broken two ballooning world records crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in 1987 and 1991 respectively.

Sir Richard Branson said Space Perspective has the potential to revolutionize balloon flying, opening a world of new possibilities for adventure-seekers all over the globe.

Said Branson, “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. 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.”

Branson has also, along with other investors, made an investment in the company. The investment will accelerate Space Perspective’s development and test flight program and confirms its leadership position in affordable, hydrogen-powered, stratospheric ballooning.

Space Perspective's dedication to innovation is demonstrated by its robust patent portfolio, which includes 14 granted patents and covers all major systems. This includes the hydrogen-powered balloon, reserve descent system, the capsule structure and its large, vertical windows, the heat-rejecting radiator technology, and the Splashcone at the base of the capsule used to provide a gentle ocean landing and stabilization. These features, along with the distinction of being the first stratospheric balloon experience company developed without significant government funding, showcase Space Perspective's technological advancements.

Space Perspective has raised $100 million to date and is funded by a diverse portfolio of investors led by investment group Prime Movers Lab, and other notable venture capital funds like LightShed Partners, E2MC, Base, Green Sands Equity, Kirenaga, and SpaceFund. A standard reservation aboard Space Perspective’s pressurized capsule is currently priced at USD $125,000. 1,800+ reservations have been made to date.

For more information about Space Perspective or to book a seat, please visit www.spaceperspective.com or contact fly@spaceperspective.com.

About Space Perspective

Space Perspective is the world's first stratospheric balloon flight experience company. Its innovative pressurized capsule propelled by a giant, renewable hydrogen-filled balloon, offers a safe and transformative six-hour journey to the highest altitude of any commercial balloon flight in the world. The company successfully completed the uncrewed maiden voyage of the fully operational capsule, executing the full flight profile that customers will experience.

With no rockets, weightlessness, heavy g-forces, or training required, the experience is designed to be as easy as an airplane flight. Those who fly with Space Perspective, which is regulated by the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard and follows guidelines established by NASA, enjoy a world-class meal and cocktail service, Wi-Fi, unprecedented views through the largest windows ever to adorn a pressurized capsule, and a proper restroom, which it calls the Space Spa.

Based on Florida's Space Coast, Space Perspective was founded by human spaceflight veterans Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum, who met as original crew members in Biosphere 2. They went on to launch Paragon Space Development Corporation, which develops tech for environmental control systems that can be found on the International Space Station (ISS). In 2014, Jane and Taber led the team that flew Google

Executive Alan Eustace to 136,000 feet that today holds the world records for the highest human flight under a space balloon and the highest space dive. Space Perspective's team more broadly has been instrumental in the development of every U.S. human spacecraft for the past 40 years.