Spaceship Neptune
Spaceship Neptune was developed to be the most accessible, most sustainable, and safest spacecraft on or above Planet Earth. It comprises the SpaceBalloon, Reserve Descent System and Neptune Capsule. Unlike all other spacecraft whereby the crewed compartment separates from one flight system mid-flight and transfers to another flight system, Spaceship Neptune’s capsule remains secured to the SpaceBalloon the entire flight from liftoff to splashdown, creating a seamlessly safe and gentle flight.
The SpaceBalloon
Spaceship Neptune is lifted to space by our SpaceBalloon, propelled by renewable hydrogen, with no rockets and none of the associated carbon footprint. Rather than blasting off, we rise slowly at 12mph, making the experience accessible to anyone medically fit to fly with a commercial airline. Our balloon is proven technology, used for decades already by our team on missions with NASA and other government agencies to lift research telescopes and other heavy, sensitive instruments.
Neptune SpaceBalloon launch | photo credit Jake Chessum
The Reserve Descent System
In addition to our primary flight system, Neptune is equipped with a backup descent system—four parachutes situated between the capsule and the SpaceBalloon. The chutes can take over for our primary systems 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
Welcome aboard
The pressurized, roomy capsule, where every seat is the best seat in the house, allows Space Explorers to experience the majesty of gliding through space while sipping their beverage of choice.
Specifications
- Nine reclining, plush seats, for eight Space Explorers and a pilot. These may be reconfigured to accommodate a special event, like a dinner for two or a wedding.
- 360-degree panoramic windows, each 0.56 meters wide x 1.54 meters high, the largest flown to space.
- Dark and tactile materials throughout the interior to reduce glare and reflection.
- Refreshments bar and cabinet for belongings.
- Wi-Fi connection, with communications devices to enable live streaming.
- Accommodations for scientific instruments supporting research projects.
- Splashdown cone at base allows for smooth landing on the water.
The Space Lounge
A room unlike any other
Our pressurized, roomy capsule’s lounge is designed to comfortably seat eight Explorers and one pilot. Aboard you’ll find plush seating, interactive lighting and sound systems, a bar for sky-high toasts and sensors and screens offering in-depth science data about your flight. Plants and herbs brought onboard, such as lavender, basil and rosemary, are also used in food and drink prep. The lounge is spacious enough for Explorers to stand and move freely within, and a steady Wi-Fi signal keeps you as connected as you wish to be to your friends and family far below.
I could not be more proud of the performance of the team and the flight system. It was spectacular to witness the teamwork and the high level of expertise yield such a successful result.
Taber MacCallumFounder & Co-CEO