×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Thursday
23
Apr 2026
weather symbol
Athens 14°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> World

Richard Branson: co-pilot on the world’s first commercial balloon flight to reach the stratosphere

The British billionaire with two other pilots will take eight people into space - The cost of the ticket is 115,000 euros

Mina Aggelini October 18 10:02

Imagine traveling in a space balloon with British Sir Richard Branson, co-founder of Virgin, as your co-pilot.

In the capsule that will take you to the stratosphere, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite cocktail while staying connected to Earth via Wi-Fi.

Branson confirmed that he will be co-pilot on the world’s first commercial flight with a balloon reaching the stratosphere, according to the New York Post.

During the flight, Branson and the other two pilots will attempt to ascend 32 kilometers into the sky inside a pressurized capsule, which will be lifted by a balloon.

He has broken two world records with a balloon

The Virgin co-founder is no stranger to daring balloon adventures, having set two world records by crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in a balloon in 1987 and 1991, respectively.

“Some of the most wonderful experiences of my life have happened on balloon missions, and I’m excited to support Space Perspective on this journey,” Branson said. “I’m passionate about adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs achieve their business dreams.”

It is noted that Branson will be one of three pilots on Space Perspective’s maiden voyage in 2025, alongside company co-founders Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum.

At launch, the massive space balloon will be inflated with hydrogen, lifting the pressurized capsule skyward at a speed of approximately 19.3 kilometers per hour.

Once fully inflated, the balloon will stand almost as tall as the Eiffel Tower and cover an area equivalent to a football field.

Once the capsule reaches an altitude of about 32 kilometers, it will float at levels above the atmosphere never before achieved in a commercial balloon flight.

It’s noted that a successful unmanned test flight following the same path and altitude as the future trips took place in September.

The maiden flight in 2025

“Richard’s pioneering efforts in the ballooning industry were a key inspiration for us when we founded Space Perspective,” said company co-founder Jane Poynter. “We are now on a mission to offer explorers breathtaking views of Earth against a black sky, in a gentle way that only balloons can provide.”

While no specific date has been set yet for the maiden flight, Space Perspective confirmed that it will take place in 2025.

On his part, the other company co-founder, Taber MacCallum, expressed his excitement about Branson’s decision to join as co-pilot on the first crewed flight, utilizing his vast ballooning experience to ensure a successful maiden journey.

Branson, along with other investors, has also made an investment in Space Perspective, which according to the company, will accelerate the development and testing flight program.

The capsule can accommodate eight passengers

If Branson’s flight is successful, it could pave the way for future tourist flights.

The capsule will have a capacity for eight passengers, with a ticket price of €115,000.

Passengers will also be able to enjoy cocktails, meal service, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an incredible view of the planet.

What the space capsule journey will offer

The space capsule will take two hours to reach its maximum altitude and two hours to descend back to Earth.

>Related articles

At least 20 dead in Boko Haram jihadist attacks in Nigeria

Tom Barrack strikes again: Calls F-35 deadlock “irrational,” leaves door open for Turkey’s return to the program

Serious concern about migration: We have 1.2 million displaced people from Lebanon, says Gerapetritis

Passengers can even enjoy the view while using the bathroom, which features “soft, relaxing tones, vibrant plants, stunning window views, and high-tech products,” according to Space Perspective.

So far, despite the steep ticket price, Space Perspective has received over 1,800 reservations.

Branson is preparing for new adventures three years after becoming the first billionaire in space, having traveled to the edge of Earth’s atmosphere aboard a Virgin Galactic spacecraft, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#ballon#science#Sir Richard Branson#stratosphere#technology#tourism#virgin#world
> More World

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Meeting between Schinas and the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean: Fertilizers, regional developments, energy, and food security on the agenda

April 23, 2026

Pitsilis: The contribution of artificial intelligence in the fight against tax evasion is decisive

April 23, 2026

Tragedy in Agios Dimitrios: Senior police officer arrives at stabbing scene, unaware victim is his son

April 23, 2026

Anargyros Mariolis: “My work is fully dedicated to my patients – Those who inspired me daily”

April 23, 2026

Britain: The tragic story of a 56-year-old mother travelling to Switzerland to be euthanised after her child’s death

April 23, 2026

Laura Kövesi’s press conference from the Delphi Forum (updated)

April 23, 2026

The chronicle of the murder of Eleftheria Giakoumaki: He shot her in the head, tried to mislead the authorities, and committed suicide

April 23, 2026

“Achilles’ Shield”: the final stretch for the signatures – The dates and which Greek companies are participating

April 23, 2026
All News

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

April 10, 2026

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

April 10, 2026

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

April 10, 2026

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

April 10, 2026

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu

April 10, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα