Space Perspective, the world’s first carbon-neutral spaceflight experience company, has successfully completed a full flight profile of its uncrewed Spaceship Neptune- Excelsior, the fully-operational test vehicle of the spaceship that will take Explorers to space.
The flight, which launched from Marine Spaceport (MS) Voyager off the coast of St. Petersburg, Florida on 15 September 2024, is a demonstration of the industry-defining spacecraft Space Perspective has designed and built, and marks the next benchmark on the way to crewed test flights.
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The full flight profile demonstration began with a precise launch from MS Voyager, propelling Spaceship Neptune to an altitude of approximately 100,000 feet—above 99% of Earth’s atmosphere. Over the course of the six-hour journey, the spacecraft reached its peak altitude before performing a controlled descent and splashdown, showcasing its full flight profile and validating key technological advancements.“Completing Development Flight 2 is a defining moment for Space Perspective,” said Taber MacCallum, Founder and CTO of Space Perspective.
“I’m so proud of our devoted team who has worked relentlessly to execute this mission, drawing from their deep expertise and designing solutions for never-been-seen technologies. This uncrewed flight not only proves our pioneering technology but also brings us a giant leap closer to making space accessible for everyone and reaffirms our belief in the transformative power of space travel.”
With the successful completion of Development Flight 2, Space Perspective has made significant advancements in several crucial areas. Key highlights of the flight demonstration include:
- Launch and Ascent: Utilising Space Perspective’s patented launch system aboard MS Voyager, the flight employed a novel four-roller mechanism to raise the balloon, which has never been done before. This innovative approach establishes a new standard for marine spaceports, enabling year-round, global spaceflight operations.
- Spaceship Neptune Capsule: The spacecraft-maintained cabin pressure and stability at peak altitude, confirming the safety, design and performance of the largest spaceflight capsule ever flown, with the largest windows ever flown. This achievement represents a significant leap in spacecraft engineering.
- Thermal Management: The flight highlighted the spacecraft’s
