Halo Space, a Spanish company developing a stratospheric balloon for tourists is to conduct its next test flight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this September.
This test flight will be Halo Space’s sixth and use the company’s real-size prototype capsule, Aurora, which will ascend 30km above the Earth’s surface.
The primary objective of the flight is to validate the integrated operation of all critical systems developed over the past three years.
Alberto Castrillo, chief technology officer of Halo Space said, “The dates and location were set to ensure the reliable operation of our equipment and safe conditions for the teams that will be on the ground operating the flight.”
Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has been working with and supporting Halo Space since the beginning of the year, overseeing preparations for the test flight.
Halo Space has also decided to establish its flagship operational base and final assembly site in Saudi Arabia.
Frank Salzgeber, acting deputy governor for the space sector at CST said, “This innovative project represents a significant step forward in space tourism, and in support of such technological advancements and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, CST is always committed to providing regulatory frameworks that foster innovation among companies and projects like Halo Space while ensuring the safety of personnel and materials.”
Carlos Mira, CEO of Halo Space said, “Collaborating closely with both private and public institutions to adopt safety standards and certification procedures is key to our mission. Our collaboration with CST underscores our commitment to creating the safest near-space flight experience possible.”
Halo Space plans to start manned flights next year and commercial flights in 2026. These flights will fly passengers to an altitude of up to 35km in a balloon-lifted capsule over six hours to witness the Earth’s curvature and space.
Halo Space revealed the design of its capsule and other details of its project at an event in London, UK earlier this year.
