The sky is the limit! They said.
But today, it is much beyond that.
Neptune One test vehicle successfully launched from the Space Coast Spaceport, adjacent to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, on June 18 2021, the first in our robust test flight program for Spaceship Neptune. Space Perspective is the first space launch operator to fly from the Space Coast Air and Spaceport.
The un-crewed Neptune One flew its planned flight, similar to the one our Space Explorers will fly. It reached over 100,000 feet, traversed the Florida peninsula and splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico where it was met and brought ashore.
Neptune One comprised the space balloon, reserve descent system, and full-size capsule simulator. All primary objectives of the test flight were met, including the completion of a full flight demonstration, from prelaunch to recovery.
The test flight of Neptune One kicks off our extensive test flight campaign, which will be extensive because we can perform tests without a pilot, making Spaceship Neptune an extremely safe way to go to space.
“I could not be more proud of the performance of the team and the flight system. It was spectacular to witness the teamwork and the high level of expertise yield such a successful result,” said co-CEO and founder Taber MacCallum.
“It is an incredible privilege launching from the space coast, where the history of human spaceflight was forged over the past decades and continues to build momentum today. Flying on Spaceship Neptune will be an extraordinary experience for our Space Explorers,” said co-CEO and founder Jane Poynter.
Space Perspective flew a full-size capsule simulator with the same geometry as Spaceship Neptune’s capsule. All primary objectives of the test flight were met. Ultimately, the most important objective was the completion of a full flight demonstration, from prelaunch to recovery.
“This test flight of Neptune One kicks off our extensive test flight campaign, which will be extremely robust because we can perform tests without a pilot, making Spaceship Neptune an extremely safe way to go to space,” added MacCallum.
“Space Florida congratulates Space Perspective on today’s first test flight of its revolutionary space balloon capability, and for being the first space launch operator to fly from the Space Coast Spaceport, Florida’s newest spaceport. This flight highlights the reality of Florida again at the leading edge in space research, tourism, and commercial capabilities. We look forward to the coming milestones for Space Perspective as they prepare to take private citizens to space,” said Frank DiBello, president and CEO of Space Florida.
Source : www.spaceperspective.com
