Aerospace tourism near space

No need to rely on rocket technology, passengers can still enjoy a unique green space-friendly environment thanks to the elegant helium-powered balloon produced by a Spanish company. .

Helium balloon is designed by Zero2infinity to bring passengers to a height of 36km, near the universe. Last year, the experimental model was successfully elevated to 33km. The company expects the first tours to start after 2013, information on the Zigmag site said.

Helium balloons can be brought to a height of 36km, a suburban area for tourism and climate research. (Photo: Gizmag)

Helium balloon has a structure of four parts including steering system, connection system, cabin and landing system. The sail is the top circumference of 129 meters, filled with helium gas.

This sail is capable of carrying one room perimeter cabin 4.2 meters maximum capacity for six people, four passengers and two pilots. The cabin has a transparent glass panoramic window that helps to see the landscape. Visitors can move in groups of four or split into two pairs according to the seat position if they prefer to have private space.

The landing system consists of an upper parachute and 8 absorbing airbags that impact below the cabin. (Photo: Gizmag)

In addition, the sail connector and cabin parts are equipped with the most advanced technology. It works as a train control system, capable of operating in extreme weather and other emergency situations. Materials for making sails are a special substance not affected by external pressure.

Finally, the landing system helps the ship land safely on the ground. Speed ​​brake system and steam detector system ensure the safety of airship.

The only requirement is that passengers only need to spend two hours of training before boarding the balloon the night before flying to get used to the airship safety system.

The balloon will take about an hour to fly from the ground to a height of 36km without creating any noise or emissions. At this height, passengers are served meals while watching the scene, including the curve of the earth, thin blue atmospheres and twinkling stars in daylight.

Enjoy the panoramic view of the universe through transparent glass windows. (Photo: Gizmag)

After traveling for about two hours, the balloon will begin to degrade by opening the helium vents from the sail, which takes about 1 hour. The sail will then be gently removed so that the balloon falls back to Earth, experiencing 25 seconds of varying degrees of gravity from the Moon's gravity and Mars's gravity.

After 10 minutes, a parachute will be erected, continue to drive the cabin to the earth within 30 minutes to one of the predetermined parking locations. 8 air vents are deployed at the bottom of the cabin to reduce impact when touching the ground.

In addition to serving tourism, this balloon is also used for climate research purposes . Currently, the reservation price for each travel flight is USD 158,000.