Zephalto and CNES will launch tourist flights into the stratosphere by 2025

The French company Zephalto announced a collaboration with the National Center for Space Studies (CNES) and plans to organize tourist flights in sealed capsules into the stratosphere to an altitude of 25 km.

Inflatable balloons will be used to bring tourists closer to space. The travelers will be in flight for about 6 hours, of which they will spend 3 hours at maximum altitude, being almost in the darkness of space. The capsules are expected to accommodate up to six passengers and two pilots.

The flights are expected to begin as early as 2025, and the company is already taking pre-orders for capsule seats on its website. The cost of the flight is about $132,000 per person, including Wi-Fi access and meals worthy of Michelin-starred restaurants.

In contrast to the American company Space Perspective, Zephalto will land on land, not on water. The company will require a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certificate as a “commercial airliner” before it can begin commercial flights.