Halo Space

Founded in 2021, Halo Space is a Spanish space tourism startup, focusing on the stratospheric balloon niche. The company offers zero-emission commercial flights made possible by its stratospheric balloons equipped with a pressurized capsule that is able to accommodate eight passengers and a pilot. According to the company, the flight takes place at an altitude of 25 km–40 km from the earth’s surface for a duration of 4–6 hours, with customers being able to get a 360 degree view from inside the capsule. While each balloon is single-use, the company claims they are 100% recyclable and the material will be repurposed.

Halo Space planned to conduct its first flight tests in December 2022 from the Tata Institute for Fundamental Research (TIFR) in India, with a subsequent test slated for 2023 launching from Spain. The company expected to commercialize its service by 2026, operating in 4 continents, making a total of 400 commercial flights, carrying 3,000 passengers annually from 2029 onward.

Halo Space unveiled the 3.9-ton Aurora capsule in April 2024, which was a pressurized capsule attached to a helium-filled balloon that would offer swivel seats, large windows, and fine cuisine. Per head cost was reported to be USD 164,000 , which is expensive compared to its closest competitors (USD 50,000 per passenger for World View Enterprises and USD 125,000 per passenger for Space Perspective).

Key customers and partnerships

Halo Space works closely with industry leaders in the aerospace sector, including CT Engineering Group, Aciturri, GMV, and TIFR for the development of its space flight program, out of which the TIFR balloon facility has been a significant collaborator.

In August 2024, Halo Space collaborated with the Saudi Arabian Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) to conduct its sixth test flight in Saudi Arabia in September 2024. The flight included its prototype capsule, Aurora, ascending to 30 km above Earth.