Halo Space, a renowned near-space tourism company based in Spain, has chosen Saudi Arabia as its upcoming launch site for testing its prototype capsule.
After receiving conditional approval from the Saudi Space and Technology Commission, the company plans to conduct its test flight from Saudi Arabia to an altitude of 32 km above the Earth's surface.
Saudi Arabia has been selected as one of the four global bases by the company, and it aims to commence commercial operations by 2026.
This decision aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans to grow its space industry, which is expected to generate $2.2 billion annually by 2030.
Halo Space’s Ambitious Plan
Since its establishment in 2021, Halo Space has been breaking barriers in the nascent field of near-space tourism. The company's mission is to democratize space travel by offering a unique experience of viewing Earth from the stratosphere.
To materialize this ambitious plan, Halo Space has conducted rigorous tests of its prototype capsules, with the sixth test flight scheduled to take off from Saudi Arabia in June this year.
Saudi Arabia: Upcoming Space Tourism Hub
This is a significant milestone for Halo Space and a significant development for Saudi Arabia's growing space industry. As part of its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to be an international hub for space activities and has been progressively investing in space technology.
The upcoming test flight of Halo Space aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's ambitious vision and marks a significant step towards achieving it.
The Upcoming Test Flight
The upcoming test flight by Halo Space is set to launch a real-size prototype capsule 32 kilometers above the Earth's surface. This test will be the first instance of simultaneous testing of all technologies behind Halo Space's zero-emission flight.
The capsule, attached to a helium balloon, will gradually ascend to the stratosphere and then gradually descend back to Earth.
The balloon-powered ascent ensures a smooth and gradual rise, eliminating passengers needing special training due to heavy acceleration or G-forces.
The Space Flight Experience and Duration
The entire flight experience will last about 4 to 6 hours, including 1 to 2 hours at peak altitude. During this time, passengers will get to enjoy panoramic views of Earth through the capsule's large windows, offering a spectacle like no other.
Halo Space CEO Carlos Mira emphasizes the company's commitment to safety and its vision to democratize space travel.
"As the most advanced near space company in the sector in terms of technical development, safety is our top priority."
Making Space Travel Accessible and Affordable
One of the distinguishing features of Halo Space's vision is its commitment to making space travel financially accessible. With ticket prices set at $164,000, Halo Space aims to offer space travel at a much more affordable price than existing space travel options.
The company's ultimate goal is to enable 10,000 individuals to experience the Overview Effect within this decade.
Carlos Mira said. "We are on a mission to make space travel safer, accessible, and affordable. This test will rigorously validate the integrated operation of all critical systems, bringing us one step closer to our goal."
The Overview Effect
The Overview Effect refers to the profound transformation people experience when they see Earth from space. It is often described as an almost spiritual experience, changing people's perceptions and understanding of our planet and its place in the universe.
Ready for Lift-Off
As the countdown to the test flight continues, the excitement within Halo Space and the space tourism industry is palpable.
This exciting development is a leap forward for Halo Space and a giant step for Saudi Arabia to become a global space tourism hub. With its ambitious Vision 2030 and the upcoming Halo Space test flight, Saudi Arabia is indeed ready for lift-off into the future of space tourism.
Other Saudi’s Tech Investments
$40 Billion AI Fund
Saudi Arabia has revealed a staggering $40 billion investment to create an artificial intelligence Fund to support AI technology startups and companies involved in producing computer chips and data centers.
This initiative includes the potential collaboration between the Public Investment Fund and financial institutions, such as Andreessen Horowitz, a venture capital firm located in the United States with a diverse portfolio of around 100 AI startups.
The fund's launch is planned for the second half of 2024, with the main objective of establishing Saudi Arabia as a major global center for AI.
National Biotechnology Strategy
Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, has declared a bold National Biotechnology Strategy with the objective of positioning the nation as the main biotechnology center in the MENA region by 2030 and a dominant leader globally by 2040.
This plan specifically focuses on improving the country's capacity for producing vaccines and progressing in the field of genomics, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to generate job opportunities and lure investments.
The Launch of ALAT
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has launched ALAT with the goal of positioning the country as a top destination for advanced industries and electronics.
By prioritizing the production of semiconductors, robotics, advanced computing devices, smart household appliances, and digital entertainment products, ALAT aims to create 39,000 job opportunities and add $9.3 Billion to Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP by 2030.
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