The race to offer a round-trip ticket to space has become the goal of billionaire entrepreneurs, and the startup Zephalto has joined it. The French company with the motto: "Dare to dream", has come up with an innovative and accessible proposal for those who want to experience a trip to the stratosphere in a balloon.
Passengers who want to enjoy the spectacular view of the curvature of the Earth, without having to meet the requirements demanded by space agencies, will be able to do so in 2025 and from 120,000 euros. In addition to the adventure itself, the company offers a sublime gastronomic experience on board, with Michelin-star cuisine if requested by the passenger. Internet access will also be included to be able to share the trip at the moment.
France will be the location from where the trip will start, which will have two pilots on board and will rise up to 25 kilometers into the stratosphere for an hour and a half. At the moment the maximum altitude is reached, the balloon will remain for three hours at the perfect height to appreciate the image of the Earth, a landscape that only 600 lucky astronauts have been able to witness. The descent will take an hour and a half more, which will make up a round trip of about six hours.
To ensure the safety of the trip, they work closely with the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES), which has been sending balloons into the stratosphere for more than 60 years. Thus, the structure is equipped with advanced safety systems that are rigorously tested before each flight, and has a large parachute to make an emergency landing if necessary.
The design of the experience stands out from its competitors, since Joseph Dirand, the designer of the Balmain and Givenchy stores in Paris, as well as the Loulou and Monsieur Bleu restaurants, has been the creative who has designed the cabin interiors Sky blue.
In addition to the panoramic views, the company proposes a multisensory experience in which special attention is paid to details. Dirand's French flair and art de vivre are accompanied by a gourmet pre-flight meal prepared by famous French chefs and followed by a wine tasting that elevates the adventure to the purest lifestyle of luxury. For those who want to make the journey unforgettable, there is the possibility of organizing events during it.
Guests hosted by Zephalto will witness the beauty and vastness of the panorama of Earth, Sun and stars in a helium-hydrogen balloon featuring eco-friendly, low-carbon technology. The project stands out for offering the least polluting way to reach the stratosphere.
Vincent Farret d'Astiès founded the company in 2016, his dream was to offer low-carbon trips to the stars in a balloon, and in the coming months the French startup will launch pre-booking to make that dream a reality.
There will be about 60 flights a year, with only six passengers on board on each flight, departing from France.
