Dubai could soon become a gateway to space tourism, with Space Perspective, a company dedicated to making space travel more affordable, expressing interest in establishing a launch site in the emirate. The company’s vision includes offering travellers the opportunity to view iconic landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, from the edge of space.
Michael Savage, CEO of Space Perspective, shared the appeal of a Dubai launch. “Being able to launch over Palm Island and see these incredible landmarks from space is one of the most beautiful experiences we can offer,” he said.
Affordable Space Tourism
Space Perspective has reimagined space travel with a focus on accessibility. Unlike traditional rocket launches, which require extensive training and expose travellers to intense gravitational forces, Space Perspective offers a gentler alternative.
Passengers ascend to the edge of space in a pressurised capsule carried by a hydrogen balloon, moving at a leisurely 12 miles per hour. The six-hour journey includes a two-hour ascent, two hours at the edge of space, and a gentle descent.
The capsule, equipped with luxury seating and the largest windows ever flown to space, also features a restroom for added comfort. “We call it a balloon with a view,” said Savage. Travellers can enjoy a Michelin-starred meal during their journey, thanks to a partnership secured by SpaceVIP Co-Founder and CEO Roman Chiporukha.
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Priced at approximately Dh460,000 per ticket, the experience is designed for anyone capable of flying on a commercial airplane.
Rising Interest in the Region
Space Perspective has witnessed significant interest from the Middle East, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia. “When we find the right partner, we hope to start operations here,” said Chiporukha, who also noted the region’s enthusiasm for innovation and luxury experiences.
The company has already sold 1,800 tickets globally, with a backlog of 225 million tickets. Surprisingly, ticket buyers are not limited to millionaires and billionaires. “Many are middle-class families saving up for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Chiporukha.
He added that baby boomers, inspired by decades of space exploration, are using their savings to purchase tickets. “They look at their kids and say, ‘You’re not inheriting $500,000 because we’re going to space.’”
Future Prospects
The Space Lounge capsule accommodates up to eight passengers and a captain, offering a unique blend of luxury and innovation. With Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for tourism and cutting-edge ventures, the emirate is a natural fit for Space Perspective’s aspirations.
As the company works toward launching operations in the region, it aims to make space travel an accessible reality for more people, providing a transformative perspective of Earth from above.
