In a bid to push for space tourism in the future, a commercial startup known as Space Perspective has unveiled its latest take on a vessel that will bring humans to the cosmos, the Neptune. This is the company's first test capsule unveiled to the world, and it is unlike other human-carrying vessels introduced by other space companies before, unique in its way.
Space Perspective Reveals the Neptune Test Capsule
A new space company called "Space Perspective" is now making waves with its latest test capsule, the Neptune, as the company unveiled its first step towards venturing to tour the cosmos.
The company has unveiled its earliest take on the Neptune, with the test capsule now ready for test flights, confident that it can make the trip and back with its tech.
Space Perspective also boasts that it is the "world's only carbon-neutral" spaceship, talking about Neptune, centering on a different kind of journey that will showcase the planet and space.
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Spaceship Neptune to Bring You to Space Uniquely
Spaceship Neptune is a capsule that will offer luxurious experiences in its travels, and one of its key features is that it will not use a first-stage rocket to bring the vessel outside the planet. Rather, it will use the so-called 'SpaceBalloon' and Reserve Descent System that will bring it up and down the planet.
Neptune would remain attached to the capsule the entire flight, with Space Perspective claiming a safe and gentle experience throughout.
Space Tourism Industry: Commercializing Travels
Before, it was only astronauts, cosmonauts, and certified individuals who could go to off-Earth destinations, may it be in orbit or towards the natural satellite of the planet, the Moon. However, for those willing to pay the hefty price, space tourism is massive now, especially with the emergence and success of renowned companies including the likes of SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and more.
The latter two, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, have already proved this to be possible, centering on space tourism as their top offer, but have varying methods behind it.
First off, Blue Origin is the more traditional space company with the need for a first-stage rocket that will detach with its capsule once it reaches the right altitude. Its first mission took place in 2021, bringing Jeff Bezos, its founder, to orbit.
There is also Virgin Galactic, and while it is also a traditional company with a first stage and then the capsule, it uses massive airplanes to bring the rocket to the skies before venturing into space. It also brought its CEO, Sir Richard Branson, to space in their first mission.
SpaceX has not yet started its space tourism, as its mission, while bringing humans to the International Space Station, is part of NASA's Commercial Crew program.
That being said, there is a new player in town, and Space Perspective is not using any rockets to propel its Neptune capsule to orbit or other locations, but a balloon that would carry them to and from their launch point.