Spaceship Neptune
Developed to be the most accessible, sustainable, and safest spacecraft on or above planet Earth, Spaceship Neptune comprises the SpaceBalloon™, reserve descent system, and capsule. The capsule interior maximizes both space and comfort and accommodates eight Explorers and a Captain. Once in commercial operations, Spaceship Neptune will set the record for the most people taken to the edge of space – one more than the NASA Space Shuttle mission STS-61-A.
The SpaceBalloon™
Spaceship Neptune is lifted gently to space by our SpaceBalloon, which is propelled by renewable hydrogen at the gentle speed of ~12 mph. Based on proven technology, our SpaceBalloon is the same type that has flown to space more than a thousand times by NASA and other reputable entities – not to mention by our own team members – including with payloads heavier than our Spaceship Neptune capsule.
The Reserve Descent System
In addition to our primary flight system, Spaceship Neptune is equipped with a backup descent system— four parachutes situated between the capsule and the SpaceBalloon that can take over seamlessly and instantaneously in the event of a contingency, ensuring a safe landing. This kind of parachute has been used by space-faring agencies on more than a thousand flights over decades with a 100-percent success rate.
The Capsule
Soon to be the largest human spacecraft in operation (excluding the space stations), Spaceship Neptune's spherical capsule is 16 feet (4.9 meters) in diameter, providing a pressurized volume of more than 2,000 cubic feet (60 cubic meters) – roughly two times the volume of Virgin Galactic's Spaceship Two and Blue Origin's New Shepard, and about four times that of SpaceX's Crew Dragon.
The Seats
Every seat is engineered for safety and comfort. Seats are oriented within the cabin to maximize views of the stars above and Earth below. Ergonomically designed, these seats merge the best of aerospace innovation with the luxury of first-class travel.
The Space Spa
Our one-of-a-kind restroom provides a serene and spa-like sanctuary during the six-hour spaceflight. The lavatory will not only surpass the experience you would find in a first-class airplane cabin, but also will serve as a solo oasis. Because the capsule is pressurized, there is no need for a vacuum toilet like on other spacecrafts. Having a proper and beautifully designed lavatory on board contributes hugely to the accessibility and uniqueness of the experience we are offering.
"We are on the cusp of a staggering shift – not only in the way we humans experience space, but also what we conjure in our minds when we think of the spaceship that gets us there. We are redefining the category and paving the way for accessible space travel for years to come."
Taber MacCallumFounder, Co-CEO & CTO of Space Perspective