Saudi Arabia to host 'luxury' space balloon test flight in September

Saudi Arabia is set to host a test flight next month for a space tourism company developing a balloon and capsule that flies up to the stratosphere.

Spanish company Halo Space plans to offer $164,000 passenger flights on its Aurora capsule. This will be carried by a helium-filled balloon to altitudes of up to 35km.

Passengers will enjoy views of the curvature of the Earth set against the darkness of space, before gently descending back to the ground in a smooth, controlled landing, says the company.

This will be the sixth test flight by the company and is crucial before it can begin its commercial operations planned for 2026.

“This mission is designed to meticulously validate all our critical systems we’ve been developing for the past three years,” said Alberto Castrillo, chief technology officer at Halo Space.

“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.”

Testing in Saudi Arabia

The test is set to carry the capsule 30km above a Saudi Arabian city – which has not yet been disclosed – but will likely be in a remote desert location.

Halo Space is working with the kingdom's Communications, Space and Technology Commission and General Authority of Civil Aviation to obtain all the necessary permits to carry out the flight.

The first test flight took place in India, followed by more in California. Halo Space plans to offer flights from locations in a number of countries, once commercial operations begin.

The test flight will also help the kingdom meet its objectives for Saudi Vision 2030 – a roadmap to diversify the country's economy by boosting different sectors.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has renewed its interests in space, last year launching two of its citizens to the International Space Station for a week-long mission.

Space tourism companies have also considered the UAE for flights, but nothing has yet materialised.

Virgin Galactic explored opportunities to launch its space planes from an airport in Al Ain many years ago, while Blue Origin looked into launching its New Shepard tourism flights from the Emirates.

Luxury trip to space

Halo Space is branding itself as a “luxury operator” in the space tourism industry, offering fine dining experiences to passengers during the four-hour trip.

Customers will enjoy panoramic views of Earth while dressed in their finest attire, says the company. There is no need for spacesuits as the capsule will not climb high enough for weightlessness to be experienced.

The generally clear conditions found in the region would be an attraction for passengers seeking spectacular views.

Once the capsule begins its descent, it releases the helium balloon and releases braking parachutes that assists in touching down gently back on the ground, says Halo Space.

Blue Origin passengers dressed in flight suits blast off on the New Shepard rocket and experience a few minutes of microgravity at an altitude of above 82km.

The company, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has never revealed how much a seat costs, but Virgin Galactic was charging clients $450,000.