Space Perspective kicked off the stratospheric balloon tourism industry with their SpaceBalloon technology. Things changed when European company Eos X Space bought them out.
The founders brought a ton of space industry experience to the table and aimed for carbon-neutral spaceflight trips.
Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum launched Space Perspective, leaning on their deep backgrounds in closed-loop life support and space exploration. Poynter had already co-founded Paragon Space Development Corporation and led several aerospace ventures as CEO.
MacCallum got his start on the Biosphere 2 project and spent years working on life support tech for NASA. Together, they wanted to take on big names like Bezos, Branson, and Musk in the space tourism race.
Later, the company brought in Michael Savage as interim CEO. He stepped in during a rough patch and tried to keep things afloat as financial troubles mounted.
Richard Branson jumped on board as a strategic partner and planned to co-pilot crewed flights. His investment gave their balloon-based approach some extra credibility.
Space Perspective set out to make spaceflight accessible and carbon-neutral with its Spaceship Neptune platform. They pitched themselves as offering “the world’s most gentle voyage to space“—a pretty bold claim compared to rocket rides.
Inside the pressurized capsule, you’d find luxury amenities: the largest windows ever flown to space, full meal and cocktail service, Wi-Fi, and comfy seats. Each trip lasted around six hours and took passengers up to about 100,000 feet.
They leaned into sustainability by using hydrogen-filled SpaceBalloons instead of rockets. That meant zero carbon emissions and a smoother ride—no wild G-forces or astronaut boot camps needed.
Space Perspective wanted to be the first global space experience company. They planned to launch from marine spaceports and serve travelers from all over.
Space Perspective pulled off some impressive feats while they operated.
Early Development: They ran successful unmanned test flights and debuted their patented capsule design. Development Flight 2 really proved the SpaceBalloon system could work.
Infrastructure Expansion: They bought and converted the MS Voyager into the world’s first marine spaceport for human spaceflight. The Seely SpaceBalloon factory came online, and they teamed up with Siemens and other tech partners.
Market Positioning: They started accepting crypto payments through Coinbase and linked up with Mercedes-Maybach for luxury partnerships. Celebrity tie-ins and media buzz helped get their name out there.
Operational Challenges: Eventually, financial problems forced Space Perspective to shut down in early 2025. Eos X Space stepped in and acquired the company, hoping to keep stratospheric flights going and push the technology forward.
Space Perspective built its tech around the Spaceship Neptune capsule, which boasts the largest spaceflight windows ever and a marine launch system that’s pretty wild. Their hydrogen-powered balloon lets people float gently up to 100,000 feet—no rockets, no bone-rattling G-forces.
Spaceship Neptune is the biggest spaceflight capsule ever flown. They engineered it with a focus on safety and passenger comfort. The pressurized cabin keeps things stable even at 100,000 feet, well above most of Earth’s atmosphere.
Those massive windows give passengers a panoramic view for the entire six-hour trip. Inside, advanced thermal systems handle the wild temperature swings—from freezing cold to blazing sunshine.
Their SpaceBalloon uses hydrogen lift gas they make themselves. No rockets, no heavy Gs. The balloon, about the length of a football stadium, handles both the smooth ascent and the gentle descent, ending with a splashdown.
They also designed a marine spaceport system with a four-roller mechanism on the MS Voyager. This setup means they can launch year-round from the ocean, not just from traditional land-based spaceports.
The prototype capsule, dubbed Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior, completed uncrewed test flights in September 2024. Those flights showed the systems and design could handle the real deal.
Testing proved the capsule kept cabin pressure and structural strength throughout the mission. The prototype also validated their software and comms tech, all managed from Mission Control.
After flights, they checked out the capsule and confirmed the thermal controls and structure held up. Data from these flights now feeds into digital twin tech for future spacecraft.
For recovery, they use fast boats and cranes to scoop up the capsule after it splashes down. This marine approach lets them operate pretty much anywhere and cuts down on the need for big runways.
Passengers on Spaceship Neptune get a crewed balloon flight that’s all about comfort—no special training required. The climate-controlled, pressurized cabin takes away the usual stress of rocket launches.
Inside, there’s a Space Lounge with meals and cocktails served during the six-hour flight. Wi-Fi lets passengers share their adventure live with friends and family.
There’s even a Space Spa with proper restrooms, which is a step up from other space tourism options. Passengers can walk around during the flight, unlike being strapped in for a rocket ride.
Crewed balloon flights start in 2025, and commercial service kicks off in 2026. Tickets go for $125,000 each, and over 1,800 folks have already booked. The gentle ride opens up space to people who might not qualify for rocket launches.
Space Perspective uses hydrogen-filled polyethylene balloons to lift passengers to the edge of space—about 100,000 feet up. Their factory in Titusville, Florida, cranks out one balloon every week.
They make SpaceBalloons from polyethylene film, which is strong enough to carry an 8-passenger capsule way up there.
The balloons start small but expand a ton during flight. At the top, they reach a 350-foot diameter teardrop shape. That’s thanks to the hydrogen gas stretching the film as the air thins out.
Hydrogen, not helium, does the lifting. It’s got better lift for heavy payloads, which is crucial since each balloon has to haul the capsule, eight passengers, and crew.
At 100,000 feet, the balloon maxes out in size. That’s when passengers get to see Earth’s curve and the black of space. The balloon hangs there for about two hours on each six-hour flight.
The Seeley SpaceBalloon Factory opened in August 2023 at Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville. It covers 49,000 square feet and employs 23 people.
A 700-foot-long tent sits inside for assembling the balloons. Workers use two 600-foot tables, which is just about the length of an inflated balloon.
They build one SpaceBalloon per week using assembly line methods. This pace keeps up with their flight plans and growing customer demand—over 1,750 reservations and counting.
Specialized equipment helps handle the huge polyethylene sheets. Workers have to keep quality super high since a balloon failure would put passenger safety at risk. The factory’s location near Kennedy Space Center gives them access to aerospace suppliers and skilled techs.
They proved their balloon tech with the StratEx mission in 2014. Computer scientist Alan Eustace rode a balloon up to 136,000 feet, then jumped and parachuted safely back to Earth.
That test showed balloons can achieve precise altitude control. They can hover right at 100,000 feet for long stretches, something satellites can’t really do.
Testing also revealed that balloons offer a gentler ride than rockets. Passengers float up at about 12 mph, skipping the crazy G-forces of rocket launches. No astronaut training needed.
They finished their first prototype capsule, Excelsior, in February 2024. Crewed test flights are next, with co-founder Jane Poynter planning to fly on early missions to make sure the passenger experience is up to snuff.
Space Perspective runs the MS Voyager, a 294-foot marine spaceport that’s the world’s first ocean-based launch platform for human spaceflight. This ship lets them launch from the best spots in the Gulf of Mexico and makes capsule retrieval a lot easier.
The MS Voyager is a new breed of marine spaceport. They picked it up from Edison Chouest Offshore and had it overhauled at Conrad Shipyard.
It’s got dynamic positioning (Class 2), so it holds steady during launches and recoveries—no anchors needed.
Key Specs:
The ship creates perfect launch conditions in two ways. It sails to spots with good weather and moves with sea breezes to keep wind off the deck.
This flexibility means they can launch year-round in different areas. More launch windows, fewer delays. The ship even supports sunrise, sunset, and nighttime stargazing flights.
The MS Voyager mainly operates out of the Gulf of Mexico. Port Canaveral in Florida is its home base.
Launching at sea gives them a bunch of advantages. The ship can steer clear of bad weather, cutting down on delays and cancellations.
Operational Benefits:
The Gulf’s open waters make for safe operations. With no cities below, they don’t have to worry about populated areas. The region’s steady weather is perfect for balloon launches.
Space Perspective wants to expand to more global locations. They’re talking to potential partners worldwide. These marine spaceports would give passengers views of some of the world’s most iconic places from the stratosphere.
Space Perspective created special water landing and recovery systems. The Spaceship Neptune capsule uses a Splashcone at the base for gentle water touchdowns.
After splashdown, fast boats rush in to stabilize the capsule. The MS Voyager moves in close for pickup.
Recovery Steps:
The whole process takes 20 minutes or less from splashdown to deck. Water landings follow the tradition of Apollo and SpaceX missions.
The recovery team includes veterans from SpaceX and NASA. Their know-how keeps operations safe and efficient. With this marine setup, they don’t need pinpoint land-based landing zones.
Space Perspective runs stratospheric balloon flights with the Spaceship Neptune system. This setup brings passengers up to 100,000 feet.
They handle these missions from both marine and ground-based launch sites. The team also works on reusable vehicle components to keep space tourism affordable.
Space Perspective flies their Spaceship Neptune capsule using massive hydrogen balloons called SpaceBalloons. Passengers get to see the curve of Earth and the darkness of space from around 100,000 feet up.
The entire trip lasts about five hours. They start by launching the balloon from either a ship or a land-based platform.
As the balloon rises, it expands due to the thinning air. Inside, the pressurized capsule keeps things comfy for up to eight people.
Their team has tested different procedures on uncrewed flights. They check launch systems, ascent, and how they’ll get the capsule back, all to make sure everything’s safe and works as planned.
Space Perspective runs mission control centers to track flights and stay in touch with passengers. They used to operate out of Space Coast Regional Airport but moved after running into financial trouble.
Flight operations need close teamwork between ground control and marine recovery crews. The MS Voyager acts as a floating launch platform, and it’s got Space Perspective’s four-roller deployment system.
Launching from the ocean means they can fly year-round from all sorts of places around the world. Mission control monitors weather and flight progress to keep everything safe.
After splashdown, recovery crews go out to get the capsule. Specialized boats work with mission control to find the capsule, pick up the passengers, and get the vehicle ready for its next flight.
Space Perspective built their balloon system to be reusable and keep costs down. They refurbish the Spaceship Neptune capsule between flights, but the balloons themselves are single-use.
Technicians prep capsules and balloons at their integration facilities. They do safety checks, run system tests, and get the passenger cabin ready.
After EOS-X Space bought the company, operations shifted to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This spot gives them access to top-notch aerospace infrastructure and experienced staff.
The reusable capsule helps cut manufacturing costs compared to throwaway vehicles. Ground crews inspect everything and swap out parts to keep things safe between missions.
Space Perspective works out of several key spots along Florida’s Space Coast. Their main manufacturing and operations hub sits at Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville.
They also launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and keep adding more facilities to support balloon and capsule production.
Space Perspective set up their global headquarters and manufacturing complex at Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville. They put over $38 million into building and equipping the place.
The facility spans 120,000 square feet and includes the production line for SpaceBalloons and Spaceship Neptune capsules. It’s a carbon-neutral site with labs and mission control on site.
Space Coast Regional Airport gives Space Perspective some real advantages:
The Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority runs the airport. Kevin Daugherty, the airport director, welcomed Space Perspective as an anchor tenant and sees the airport becoming a world-class air and space center.
Their investment is expected to create about 240 full-time jobs by 2026. These jobs pay an average of $80,000 a year plus benefits.
Space Perspective launches from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Launch and Landing Facility. This partnership gives them access to infrastructure that’s supported every U.S. human spaceflight.
The Launch and Landing Facility offers specialized support for their balloon system. Unlike rockets, SpaceBalloons need different equipment and procedures.
They pulled off their first successful test flight from Kennedy in June 2021. That test proved their system works with NASA’s infrastructure.
Launching from Kennedy brings some perks:
NASA’s work with companies like Space Perspective shows the agency’s support for private space tourism.
Space Perspective looked at sites in five states before choosing Florida’s Space Coast. They plan to launch from three Florida spaceports, growing beyond Kennedy Space Center.
Their Titusville location supports these plans. Florida’s aerospace infrastructure and skilled workforce help them expand.
Site selection came down to transportation, proximity to aerospace facilities, and the local talent pool. Florida’s Space Coast checked all the boxes.
Big names like Lockheed Martin, Astrotech, and Boeing also operate in Titusville. The area is becoming a serious aerospace manufacturing hub, just across from Cape Canaveral.
Facility expansion supports their plan to start commercial flights at $125,000 per ticket. They’ve already sold over 500 reservations, with the first year’s flights completely booked.
Space Perspective drew in a lot of venture capital from big investors like Prime Movers Lab, E2MC, and Green Sands Equity before EOS-X Space bought them in July 2025. They raised more than $86 million across several funding rounds to build their stratospheric balloon tourism tech.
Prime Movers Lab led the pack of investors, joined by firms like LightShed Partners, E2MC, Green Sands Equity, and SpaceFund. These backers saw potential in balloon flights as a more approachable option than rocket-based tourism.
Tony Robbins, the well-known business strategist, joined the investor group. His involvement brought both money and some serious publicity.
The group also included 100 Fundadores and IFG Capital, who liked Space Perspective’s carbon-neutral approach. They valued the environmental benefits over rocket-powered alternatives.
Space Perspective closed eight financing rounds between 2019 and 2025. They pulled in a $40 million Series A led by deep-tech investors.
More funding came from Kirenaga Partners’ Central Florida Tech Fund and 1517 Fund. That Central Florida connection made sense with their headquarters in Titusville.
| Funding Milestone | Amount | Key Investors |
|---|---|---|
| Series A | $40 million | Deep-tech investors |
| Total Raised | $86.3 million | 30 total investors |
| Final Round | Acquisition funding | EOS-X Space |
They aimed for $100 million total to support up to 140 missions a year around the world.
Space Perspective set up shop in Titusville, Florida, close to Kennedy Space Center for easy logistics. That location gave them access to space industry infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
They worked with marine recovery operators for ocean splashdowns. These partnerships made the balloon descent and capsule retrieval possible.
EOS-X Space, a European balloon company, bought Space Perspective in July 2025 after they hit financial trouble. This move brought two balloon-based tourism companies together.
Base Ventures also joined the funding effort, supporting their tech for pressurized passenger capsules.
Space Perspective operates in a fast-growing space tourism market worth about $20 billion. The industry includes everything from rocket flights to gentler balloon ascents to the edge of space.
The market splits into segments based on technology and experience. Rocket-powered companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin offer quick, high-intensity trips. Those flights give a few minutes of weightlessness but need lots of prep.
Balloon tourism is a softer option. Space Perspective and EOS-X Space use high-altitude balloons for slow, steady climbs. This style appeals to people who want space views without the stress of a rocket launch.
Prices are all over the map. Rocket flights often cost hundreds of thousands per seat. Space Perspective’s price was $125,000 a ticket before the buyout and shakeup.
Customers want different things. Some crave the astronaut rush of rockets. Others prefer a relaxed, hotel-like ride to the edge of space.
Virgin Galactic, led by Richard Branson, broke ground in commercial suborbital flight with its SpaceShipTwo. They fly out of Spaceport America in New Mexico and have already flown paying customers.
SpaceX runs the show for orbital tourism with its Dragon capsule and Falcon 9 rockets. They’ve sent private citizens on multi-day trips around Earth, raising the bar for commercial spaceflight.
Blue Origin offers suborbital flights on its New Shepard rocket. They’ve flown plenty of passengers, including Jeff Bezos, on short hops past the Karman line.
These big names use tried-and-true rocket tech. Their flights are short but deliver a real space experience. Most target wealthy folks and celebrities who can pay a premium.
Space hotels and orbital stations are on the horizon. Companies are working on commercial space stations for longer stays beyond Earth.
Reusable rockets are slashing costs. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lands and flies again, making each launch cheaper. That trend should eventually make space tourism more affordable.
Educational and research missions are growing, too. Schools and research groups book flights for experiments. Students get hands-on space learning that wasn’t possible before.
International partnerships are picking up speed. European firms like EOS-X Space are buying U.S. companies, blending talent and resources.
The industry is shifting toward regular launches and more infrastructure. Frequent flights and new ground facilities are making space tourism feel a little more like regular travel.
Space Perspective owes over $90,000 in unpaid rent at several Florida sites. They’re facing three different eviction lawsuits.
The company furloughed 75% of its staff, and liquidators are removing equipment from their leased properties.
The Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority kicked off the main eviction case after Space Perspective didn’t pay $90,295 in unpaid rent for three leased properties at Space Coast Regional Airport.
That sum includes rent for the company’s much-talked-about 700-foot balloon manufacturing hangar.
In January 2025, a Brevard County judge greenlit the eviction after interim CEO Michael Savage’s mediation request fell flat. Savage tried to appeal on his own, but the court tossed it out since Florida law says corporations need an attorney, not just a rep.
Space Perspective has two more eviction lawsuits to deal with beyond the airport mess.
North Dow, LLLP is suing for over $104,000 in unpaid rent and fees. This covers the 30,150-square-foot space Space Perspective leased at Trio Industrial Plaza in Melbourne.
Space Florida wants $4,285 for unpaid rent at Kennedy Space Center’s Reusable Launch Vehicle Hangar. Space Perspective used that spot to store some of its operational gear.
Airport attorney Adam Bird said most of Space Perspective’s remaining equipment is “largely collateralized.” So, leaseholders can just take the equipment to cover those debts.
Now, the company is working with liquidators to clear out the Titusville facility. Savage hopes to have everything gone by mid-March 2025.
Space Perspective once promised to invest $38 million into facilities at Space Coast Regional Airport. They said they’d create 240 high-paying jobs and could get up to $453,480 in grant money from the North Brevard Economic Development Zone.
But they missed the grant requirements. Instead of building a permanent manufacturing facility like they were supposed to, they put up a temporary fabric hangar and never saw a dime in grants.
Space Perspective furloughed about 105 employees out of a total workforce of 140. That’s roughly 75% of their staff, including key engineers and manufacturing folks.
Former employees say balloon production is at a standstill. No one’s refurbishing or building space capsules, and maintenance on existing structures has stopped.
The layoffs came with little warning. Many workers who moved to Titusville for the job are now on the hunt for something new. Some ex-staffers have criticized how the company handled the layoffs and the lack of communication about its finances.
The facility’s been quiet for two months now, with workers off the job. This shutdown is making it impossible for Space Perspective to deliver on commitments to over 1,800 ticket holders waiting for luxury space balloon flights.
Space Perspective handles public relations in three main ways: keeping media relations transparent during tough times, making sure customers know what’s happening with their flights and bookings, and positioning the brand smartly when the industry hits bumps.
The communication strategy tries to balance technical accuracy with messaging that actually makes sense to people outside the industry.
Space tourism companies get a lot of media attention when safety or technical issues crop up. Space Perspective uses crisis communication protocols that focus on facts instead of getting defensive.
They keep up relationships with aerospace journalists who actually understand the nitty-gritty of stratospheric balloon flights. When something goes wrong, Space Perspective gives detailed technical briefings instead of bland statements.
Crisis Response Framework:
Executives go through media training so they can explain balloon tech in simple terms. The company tries to avoid jargon that just confuses people.
Space Perspective also works with regulatory agencies like the FAA to make sure their messaging about safety protocols and certification lines up with official info.
Reservation holders get detailed timelines and updates about flight prep through several channels. Space Perspective sends out monthly newsletters with updates on spacecraft development and training needs.
The booking system shows real-time availability and transparent pricing. Customers can log in to their dashboard to track flight assignments and schedule medical checks.
Communication Channels:
When flights get delayed, customers get notified right away with new timelines and compensation options. If someone can’t make a rescheduled date, they can get a full refund.
Every quarter, Space Perspective hosts virtual events so customers can meet the crew and take virtual tours of the prep facilities. These sessions give people a chance to ask about safety and what to expect from the flight.
Economic uncertainty tends to hit luxury space tourism bookings, so the company has to get clever about how they talk about value and safety. Space Perspective highlights the unique stratospheric experience—something pretty different from rocket rides.
They frame balloon flights as a more accessible option, with gentler acceleration and more time to soak in the view. Marketing materials focus on the six-hour flight, which stands out compared to quick rocket trips.
Positioning Strategy:
Space Perspective partners with travel advisors who specialize in luxury, not just adventure. That way, they attract customers who want comfort in space, not just adrenaline.
They keep the brand premium but offer flexible payment plans for reservations. Communication leans into the transformative experience of seeing Earth’s curve from high above.
Space Perspective also teams up with scientific organizations to showcase research done during commercial flights, adding an educational angle for passengers.
Things changed fast for Space Perspective after the evictions, with new ownership stepping in as Eos X Space scooped up the struggling company. This acquisition marks a strategic pivot away from the old business model that led to so many problems.
Eos X Space picked up Space Perspective’s remaining assets after the company lost three key Florida facilities. This happened after Space Perspective couldn’t pay more than $90,000 in rent at Titusville airport and got hit with lawsuits for another $108,000 from other properties.
Key Asset Transfers:
No one’s saying how much the acquisition cost. Most of the equipment was already collateralized for debts, so Eos X Space had to work directly with liquidators and leaseholders to get what they needed.
The new owners cleared out the old leadership. Founders Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum, plus interim CEO Michael Savage, are no longer running the show.
Eos X Space wants to reboot the space balloon tourism idea, but with a focus on efficiency this time. They believe Space Perspective’s even split between marketing and manufacturing led to its downfall.
The new business model puts manufacturing first, not flashy campaigns. Eos X Space moved operations to a smaller facility to keep costs down.
Operational Changes:
Customer reservations from Space Perspective are still stuck in legal limbo. Eos X Space hasn’t promised to honor old bookings at previous prices. They say they’ll reach out to reservation holders individually about new terms and updated timelines.
Space Perspective’s operations have brought real economic benefits to Florida’s Space Coast, especially through job creation and partnerships. Their presence at Kennedy Space Center has boosted local aerospace infrastructure and created new revenue streams for area businesses and workforce programs.
Space Perspective hired engineers, pilots, and support staff in Brevard County. Their work needed specialized technicians for capsule manufacturing, balloon systems, and ground support.
Local suppliers landed contracts for materials and services. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators also saw more business from passengers and their families.
The industry creates high-paying aerospace jobs. Engineers can earn anywhere from $75,000 to $150,000 each year. Flight operations specialists usually make $50,000 to $90,000.
Manufacturing facilities need skilled workers for capsule assembly and testing. These jobs offer a path for career growth in commercial space.
Space Florida gives economic incentives and infrastructure support to Space Perspective. The state agency provides tax credits and grants to bring aerospace companies to Florida.
Space Florida manages launch site facilities and works with federal agencies. This partnership helps Space Perspective cut costs while keeping up safety standards.
They also team up on workforce development. Space Florida connects the company with local colleges and universities to train qualified employees.
Marketing partnerships help promote Florida as the top U.S. destination for space tourism. Joint campaigns attract international visitors and investment.
Titusville’s economy leans heavily on space activity. Regular flights from Space Perspective brought steady revenue to local businesses, much more than the occasional rocket launch.
Property values in the area have gone up with more aerospace jobs. New residents move in for work, creating extra demand for homes and services.
Spaceport infrastructure keeps getting upgrades to support commercial space tourism. Those improvements help every operator at Kennedy Space Center.
Schools and colleges in the area have started specialized aerospace programs to meet industry needs. These courses prepare students for future space tourism careers.
Space Perspective’s presence helped diversify the local economy beyond just government space programs. That kind of diversification brings stability and long-term growth.
Space Perspective answers common questions about balloon-based space tourism—everything from pricing and safety to jobs and spacecraft details. They offer info on costs, safety, employment, finances, recent updates, and the Neptune spacecraft system.
A flight with Space Perspective costs $125,000 per passenger for a six-hour trip to the edge of space. That price keeps them competitive in the commercial space tourism world.
Customers put down a $1,000 refundable deposit to secure their spot. The deposit stays refundable until the final payment is due, usually about 12 months before the flight.
They accept major credit cards, wire transfers, and even select cryptocurrencies. It’s a pretty flexible setup for high-value purchases.
Space Perspective relies on multiple safety systems built around their tested SpaceBalloon tech and a Reserve Descent System. The spacecraft stays connected to its main flight system the whole time—no tricky switching between systems mid-flight.
Engineers run rigorous flight tests using uncrewed operations. That lets them really push backup systems in ways they couldn’t with people aboard, giving them confidence in operational safety.
In September 2024, Space Perspective completed its first successful test flight with Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior. More uncrewed and crewed test flights are in the works before commercial flights start in 2026.
The gentle ascent profile means no high g-forces like you’d get with rockets. If you’re healthy enough to fly on a commercial airplane, you’re probably good to go—but you might still need a doctor’s sign-off depending on your situation.
Space Perspective is a fast-growing space tourism company, and they need people with all sorts of skills—engineering, operations, customer experience, you name it. They started up in 2019 and set up their headquarters at 1 Bristow Way in Titusville, Florida.
You’ll find roles in aerospace engineering, balloon tech development, flight ops, safety systems, and customer service. Their spot near Kennedy Space Center means they can tap into a pool of seasoned aerospace folks.
With commercial operations on the horizon in 2026, they’re probably hiring for technical and operational positions pretty regularly. If you’re interested, just reach out to Space Perspective to see what’s open and what they’re looking for.
Space Perspective is still privately held, so you won’t find them on any public stock exchanges. Their latest funding round was an Angel investment, so they’re still in the early private financing stage.
Staying private lets them focus on building and testing without the noise of public markets. A lot of space tourism startups take this route before thinking about going public.
If you want to invest in Space Perspective, you’ll have to look into private investment options. This could change once they get closer to launching commercial flights, but for now, that’s where things stand.
In September 2024, Space Perspective pulled off their first test flight of Spaceship Neptune-Excelsior. That’s a big deal—it shows their balloon-based spacecraft actually works.
They’ve got more uncrewed and crewed test flights planned before they open for commercial flights in 2026. Each test will help them lock in the systems and procedures they need for passenger trips.
You can already reserve a spot for a future flight, if you’re feeling adventurous. Depositors get to join the Space Perspective community, which means regular updates, exclusive events, and a chance to meet fellow future space travelers.
Spaceship Neptune relies on a massive SpaceBalloon that expands to 18 million cubic feet. When it’s fully inflated and ready for launch, the balloon stands over 700 feet tall—taller than the Space Needle in Seattle and even the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center.
Inside, the spacecraft fits eight passengers plus one Space Perspective captain. The capsule feels roomy, almost like a big cruise ship balcony stateroom.
You can walk around the cabin and even hang out at the onboard bar during the flight. It’s not cramped or restrictive like some might expect.
Neptune boasts the largest windows ever flown to space. Nearly 360-degree panoramic views surround you, whether you’re sitting or standing.
Passengers can see up to 450 miles in every direction. That’s a lot of Earth to take in at once.
The flight lasts six hours from start to finish. You’ll spend about two hours ascending to 100,000 feet, float there for another two, then descend for two more hours before splashing down in the ocean.
The ascent moves at a gentle 12 mph, so you won’t feel weightless, but the whole thing stays smooth and comfortable.
Space Perspective built their system with sustainability in mind. They use buoyancy instead of high-energy rockets, which means almost no emissions.
Most of the hardware gets reused for multiple flights. After each journey, they recycle the SpaceBalloon material.
