Space industry entrepreneur Jane Poynter discusses making space tourism accessible with giant balloons, competition in the industry, and sustainable practices. She shares insights on the unique experience of space travel with Space Perspective and predicts a significant growth in space tourism over the next decade.
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Quick takeaways
Jane Poynter transitioned from ecology to space exploration fueled by Biosphere 2 project experiences.
Space Perspective's unique approach to space tourism prioritizes comfort, safety, sustainability, and accessibility.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Jane Pointer's Career and Inspiration
Jane Pointer's journey from ecology to space exploration began with experiences meeting individuals at the forefront of exploration and innovation. Growing up on the Isle of Wight, she encountered sailors circumnavigating the globe and pioneers such as the first woman to sail solo across the Atlantic. Her pivotal involvement in the Biosphere 2 project in Arizona further ignited her passion for space. Living in a sealed environment, she experienced a self-sustaining biosphere, akin to astronaut life, reinforcing her dedication to advancing space travel.
Space Perspective's Innovative Approach to Space Tourism
Space Perspective offers a unique space tourism experience by utilizing gigantic balloons instead of rockets to ascend to space at a tranquil speed of 12 miles per hour. Their pressurized capsule, devoid of high G-forces, provides a comfortable and safe journey for passengers. With an altitude of about 20 miles, travelers witness Earth's curvature and the thin blue line of the atmosphere, enhancing the awe-inspiring aspect of space travel. The carbon-neutral aspect of their journey, powered by renewable energy, emphasizes sustainability and innovation.
Fostering Growth and Accessibility in the Space Tourism Industry
In a growing space tourism industry, Space Perspective aims to democratize access to space by offering a luxury experience at a more affordable price compared to competitors like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic. The company's collaborative stance with other space ventures highlights a focus on distinct experiences rather than direct competition. With plans for uncrewed testing followed by crewed demonstration flights, Space Perspective envisions commercial operations in the near future, anticipating a paradigm shift in space travel accessibility and participation.
23 years ago, the US multi-millionaire Dennis Tito became the world’s first-ever space tourist, funding his own trip into orbit.
There was clearly money to be made, and now the lure of making space tourism more accessible to the masses is even greater - with several private companies jockeying for position.
Jane Poynter’s firm is among them.
It’s an industry experiencing dramatic growth – but the price of any of these trips is out of reach of most of us.
We explore whether this firm could achieve its aim of launching more of us into stratospheric heights.
And we hear how Jane went on her own journey: from ecologist working in the famous Biosphere 2 experiment in the early 1990s, to looking skywards and the possibilities of a career in space tourism.
Presenter: Ed Butler
Producer: Amber Mehmood
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