FLIGHT TO THE EDGE OF SPACE

Spaceship Neptune will take passengers on a relaxing six-hour flight with spectacular views

1

LIFTOFF

The balloon departs from a specially designed launchpad on the Florida coast.

2

ASCENT

Spaceship Neptune rises through the atmosphere at a steady 12 miles per hour, giving passengers a comfortable ride.

3

FLOAT ALTITUDE

The balloon reaches its point of neutral buoyancy at a height of almost 20 miles, above 99 per cent of the atmosphere.

4

CONVENTIONAL AIRCRAFT

In comparison, commercial jets fly at around 8.5 miles altitude and the Lockheed U-2 spy plane at 14 miles.

5

DESCENT

After spending two hours at its peak altitude, the balloon gently descends to a splashdown in the sea.

6

DISEMBARKATION

The balloon capsule is recovered onto a ship, where the passengers disembark.