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Space Perspective, a Titusville, Florida
company founded in 2018,
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was developed with the objective of selling
trips to the stratosphere.
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And in a world of heavy investment in space
exploration, it’s the method that’s unique.
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Space Perspective plans to use a craft called
Spaceship Neptune,
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described as a crude press.
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Gondola propelled by hydrogen.
In the second half of 2024,
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the firm appeared to be on a positive
trajectory.
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In September, the company completed its first
uncrude test.
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Funding from British billionaire and space
enthusiast Richard Branson was revealed in
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October, as well as the fact that he would
co-pilot the first crude mission.
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In 2025, but the viability of that crude
mission is being questioned after recent
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reports revealed some problems behind the
scenes at Space Perspective.
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For one, it was uncovered that the company was
$90,000 behind in its rent payments to the
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Space Coast Regional Airport in Florida as of
December.
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More recently, the outlook has become even more
dire.
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On January 17th, the company reportedly
received an eviction notice.
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Meanwhile, CEO Michael Savage has confirmed
that Space Perspective has furloughed most of
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its 140 workers as it seeks new investors due
to financial issues.
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Savage stressed to Florida today that the firm
was not shut down,
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adding, there is a skeleton team continuing to
work with the goal to bring back the broader
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team the minute we have financing.
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So where did the money go?
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Longer than expected timelines have eaten up
capital, according to Bloomberg.
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As well as costs related to buying and
retrofitting the MS Voyager,
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a ship developed for the launch and recovery of
the balloon.
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Space Perspective hopes to begin offering 6
hour balloon rides in 2026 at a price of
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$125,000 per ticket.
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The company says each flight has room for eight
passengers and a pilot and will offer a
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restroom, Wi Fi, and food and drinks.
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I’mman Wells, and this is manufacturing now.