I confess two things. Before: when I read the data on the "rebound" of the tourism sector after Covid, I didn't imagine it was so high. Second: these days, the idea could be counterproductive (then I'll tell you why, but you'll probably understand). What am I talking about? But say Iwaya Giken, Obviously. What questions. Oh yeah, you've never heard of it. I'm here for you: Iwaya Giken is a Japanese startup that has announced plans to offer commercial balloon flights to the edge of space, while also showing the first prototype of the contraption, ahem, glass and steel sphere that will contain space tourists .
Higher and higher
The idea is not new (it is from 2020 that Space Perspective works on the construction of spatial "rooms". to be lifted into orbit precisely with special balloons), but its formulation has all the appearance of being able to work a little sooner. Because the "flights" are small (the interior space is 1 metres: more or less like being in a 500) and slightly cheaper. I mean, they cost a bang, but less.
And now, a summary of some data. First of all, travel in style: a beautiful double-sphere capsule (but you can't bring anyone with you: one of the seats will be occupied by the pilot), lots of transparent surface to enjoy the space from every direction, and a less expensive ticket. Hyposodium, mostly. $180.000 to fly 4 hours to a height of 25 kilometers. So, have you already thought that these days it's a moment to get caught by a missile, or should I make the joke? We are understood. And anyway the company plans to fly only over Japanese airspace. As if that changes what I wrote earlier.
How the space ball and balloon are made
The sphere is clearly pressurized, and you can see it in the photos of the article. A half word more for the hot air balloon: it is powered by helium, it can be widely reused, and this makes Iwaya Giken say that prices will go down. Even a lot, they are convinced of it. The startup's goal, I read, is to make space tourism accessible to everyone, without needing to be a billionaire or undergo intensive training. Yes, but this sphere does not reach outer space. Alright.
Anyway, the maiden flight is scheduled for this year and bookings for a trip to the space sphere are already open. Lucky, since the first tests date back to just a year ago (link the first Japanese report on the subject). The first five passengers selected from those already enrolled in the program will be announced in October 2023: in that same week (more or less day depending on the weather conditions) we will see one of these things go up.
We'll see! In the sense that I stay down and watch. I wouldn't go up there dead: but, hey, who am I to stop you from doing it?
