I confess two things. Before: when I read the data on the "rebound" of the tourism sector after Covid, I didn't imagine it would be so high. Second: these days, the idea could be counterproductive (I'll tell you why later, 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 its intention to offer commercial hot air balloon flights to the edge of space, also showing the first prototype of the contraption, er, the steel and glass sphere that will contain space tourists .
Higher and higher
The idea is not new (it has been since 2020 Space Perspective works on the construction of spatial “rooms”. to be put into orbit with special balloons), but its formulation has every appearance of being able to work a little earlier. Because the "flights" are small (the internal space is 1 and a half metres: more or less like being in a 500) and slightly cheaper. That is, they cost a fortune, but less.
And now, a summary of some data. First of all, travel in style: a nice 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. Low-sodium, mostly. 180.000 dollars to fly 4 hours at an altitude of 25 kilometers. So, have you already thought that these days it's a snap to be hit by a missile, or should I make the joke? We are understood. And in any case the company plans to fly only over Japanese airspace. As if that changes what I wrote before.
How the space ball and balloon are made
The sphere is clearly pressurized, and you can see it in the photos in the article. Half a 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 drop. Even a lot, they are convinced. The startup's goal, I read, is to make space tourism accessible to everyone, without the need to be a billionaire or undergo intensive training. Yes, but this sphere does not reach outer space. Alright.
Anyway, the first flight is scheduled for this year and reservations for a trip to the space sphere are already open. Lucky, given that the first tests date back just a year ago (link to you 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?
