Zephalto, a French aerospace company, is set to launch Céleste, a pressurized capsule lifted by a stratospheric balloon, which will take guests to an altitude of more than 82 thousand feet above the Earth’s surface.
The capsule accommodates six passengers per flight and offers an exclusive experience that costs €120,000 (about $133,000 USD) per person. The company is committed to offering sustainable and eco-friendly travel options that are in harmony with nature. The balloon’s low-carbon footprint is achieved through the use of innovative research into eco-friendly and safe procedures for balloons.
Zephalto has collaborated with the French governmental space agency (The National Centre for Space Studies, CNES) and worldwide experts, including Airbus, to create a unique experience. The capsule’s design has also been personalized to provide guests with world-class food and drink offerings. Ahead of the journey, guests will be able to choose their lunch from a shortlist of Michelin-starred chefs, creating a truly unique experience for each person. More personalized experiences will be available to book for the journey, with more information on those perks, as well as on the interior design of the capsule, coming soon.
Vincent Farret d’Astiès, an aeronautical engineer and founder of Zephalto, believes that the future of travel is to admire what Earth offers in a sustainable and respectful manner. The company seeks to provide travelers with the opportunity to admire and honor the Earth without harming it. The balloon’s low impact on the environment is achieved by producing only 58.6 pounds of CO2 per space flight. This is as little as the production of a pair of jeans.
Farret d’Astiès furthermore adds, “You need psychological preparation,” “We know from the 600 people who have gone above this altitude that seeing Earth in the darkness is an experience that can be emotional.”
The company’s commitment to eco-friendly travel is commendable, especially as the world grapples with the impact of climate change. Zephalto’s innovative approach to developing new and sustainable ways of traveling is a testament to the possibilities of enjoying the benefits of space travel without contributing to the destruction of our planet.
Pre-sale tickets are now available for purchase at zephalto.com. The launch of Céleste is expected by the end of 2024.
