A startup company based in Tucson, Ariz., will soon offer you the chance to see Earth from near-space by balloon -- that is, if you have $75,000 dollars to spare.
World View plans to offer the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through a ride inside a capsule attached to a huge helium balloon. Fully inflated, the balloon is reportedly the size of a football field. The Los Angeles Times reported that the trip would take six passengers and two crew members 18 miles above the Earth.
Flight testing could begin as early as next year and, while no point of departure has been chosen yet, the company cited New Mexico and Arizona as options. While 18 miles above the Earth doesn't technically qualify as outer space, we suspect that won't make the view any less cool.
An official
Passengers will be able to gaze at Earth for about two hours, according to an official statement, before returning to their home planet. The company has joined forces with Paragon Space Development Corporation, which has already begun "component testing." Watch the video, above, to find out more.
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