Richard Branson Returns to Ballooning, Joins Space Perspective for 2025 Stratospheric Mission

Richard Branson, billionaire founder of Virgin Galactic, is set to return to his ballooning roots as co-pilot on first crewed flight by Space Perspective, a Florida-based stratospheric ballooning company. Branson, who previously me record-breaking balloon flights across Atlantic in 1987 and Pacific in 1991, will take part in landmark mission, expected in 2025.

"Some of most magnificent experiences of my life have happened on ballooning expeditions, and I'm excited to support Space Perspective in its journey," Branson said in a statement on October 17. "I look forward to dusting off my old ballooning license ahe of some magnificent test flights."

Branson has invested in Space Perspective, which aims to offer high-altitude balloon flights for paying customers, taking m 20 miles above Earth in Spaceship Neptune, an eight-passenger crew capsule attached to a giant hydrogen-filled balloon. journey, lasting six hours, promises stunning views of Earth against blackness of space. Each seat costs $125,000, with over 1,800 tickets alrey sold.

Space Perspective's approach contrasts with rocket-powered, suborbital flights provided by Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. Spaceship Neptune will offer a more relaxed experience, traveling at wind speed with amenities such as a bar and a bathroom onboard.

Branson will join Space Perspective co-founders Taber MacCollum and Jane Poynter as co-pilots for mission. "Richard's pioneering efforts in ballooning industry were a key inspiration for us when we founded Space Perspective," Poynter said.

company completed its first uncrewed test flight in September, successfully using a capsule called Excelsior to follow trajectory planned for future tourist missions.