HALO Space has revealed its ambitious ten-year plan to initiate near-space tourism from Saudi Arabia, aiming to make space travel accessible for all. The announcement is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and reduce the country’s reliance on oil.
The program will begin with high altitude balloon flights, offering tourists unparalleled views of Earth from the edge of space. The balloon technology is being developed by HALO Space in partnership with Zero 2 Infinity, a Spanish company specializing in near-space exploration. The high altitude balloons are designed to reach the edge of space, around 36 kilometers above sea level, providing a unique experience for space tourists.
The balloon flights are set to commence in 2024 with a launch facility being built in AlUla, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia. The site was selected for its unique geological formations and clear skies, making it an ideal location for launching space missions. The facility will also include a visitor center, where tourists can learn about space exploration and the technology used in the balloon flights.
The next phase of the project, set to begin in 2026, involves the development of a reusable suborbital spaceplane. The spaceplane will be capable of carrying six passengers and two crew members to an altitude of 100 kilometers, officially entering space. This phase is being developed in partnership with Swiss Space Systems, a leading provider of suborbital spaceflights.
HALO Space’s long-term plan includes the development of a space hotel by 2030. The hotel will be located in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), allowing guests to experience life in space.
The company’s vision aligns with the larger goal of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to position the country as a global tourism destination. The space tourism venture is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the country, including job creation and technological innovation. It will also contribute to the global space industry, which is projected to reach a value of $1 trillion by 2040.
The initiative by HALO Space is part of a growing trend in space tourism, with several companies around the world developing technologies to make space travel accessible. Companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are also making strides in this field, signaling a new era in space exploration and tourism.
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