Inside the luxury tourist space balloon set to blast off next year – how you can enjoy a mind-blowing ‘loo with a view’
TOURISTS are lining up for a ticket aboard space balloon Neptune, where customers can wine, dine and see Earth in all its glory.
But hopefully, there won't be a queue for, arguably, the best seat in the spacecraft: the loo with a view.
The company behind the Neptune space balloon, Space Perspective, call it the "world's first Space Spa".
Although, it's about the same size as an aeroplane bathroom.
Size aside, the loo is kitted out with luxurious furnishings, including real plants, a plush toilet seat, "unique soundscapes" and of course, breathtaking views of home.
The toilet onboard the Neptune offers tourists an opportunity to catch a solo glimpse of planet Earth, soaking in the views in solitude.
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"One of the first questions we get about our six-hour #spaceflight is, “Um, how about … going to the bathroom?," the company on X (formerly Twitter).
"With soft, soothing colour tones, living plants, stunning window vistas, high-end products, and unique soundscapes, it’s the ultimate retreat for our Explorers during their transformative journey to the edge of space.
"Plush seating on the toilet lid means you can comfortably stay a while and enjoy a moment of solitude.
"And because there's Wi-Fi, you can even take a high-altitude bathroom selfie."
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What's the damage?
The price for an experience of a lifetime will typically bruise the wallet.
To onboard Neptune, Space Perspective requires a refundable deposit starting from $1,000.
The total cost of the seat will cost tourists $125,000.
It's an eyewatering sum, however, it is miles cheaper than Richard Branson's prices at Virgin Galactic.
Branson's trip is also only 90 minutes.
Whereas Space Perspective offers starbound tourists two hours to view the curve of the Earth, the inky black of space, and the thin blue line of our atmosphere.
This is, after all, what the company calls "the quintessential astronaut experience."
Although, there won't be any weightlessness.
'Super Luxury' sneak peak
The orbital spacecraft also boasts a "highly customisable" experience for its high-rolling passengers.
"If you can dream it, our team is ready and waiting to work with you to make it a reality," the company writes on its website.
"From the menu and cocktails onboard, to the soundtrack and lighting, your individual preferences may be incorporated into your flight."
The number of passengers is also customisable - depending on how much you're paying.
But in total, the space balloon can fit up to eight tourists onboard.
Neptune has 360-degree long rectangular windows for viewing, which sets it aside from Virgin Galactic porthole-style windows.
The Wi-Fi connection also allows passengers to video call their family and friends back on Earth.
Bosses at the company envision voyages for weddings, dinners and even a family day trips.
The experience lasts about six hours from launch to landing, including around four hours of time in the sky.
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Neptune’s ascent peaks at the edge of space, above 99 per cent of the Earth's atmosphere, making passengers (technically) astronauts by Nasa's standards.
Flights are set to begin in 2024.
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