Zephalto To Offer Michelin Star Meal Experience At The Edge Of Space In 2024

France's Zephalto has announced its plans to offer stratospheric balloon flights to adventurous passengers starting in 2025.

Founded by Vincent Farret d'Astiès, an aerospace engineer and in partnership with the French space agency, Zephalto aims to provide a unique experience that combines the best of French hospitality and breathtaking views of the Earth's curvature.

Starting in 2024, Zephalto will offer flights to the stratosphere aboard balloons filled with helium or hydrogen. Priced at €120,000 ($132,000) per person, the six-hour round trip will take passengers to an altitude of 25 kilometers (15.5 miles/82,000 ft), which is three times higher than a commercial airliner. At this height, passengers will experience the darkness of space, with 98% of the atmosphere below them, allowing for an incredible view of the Earth's curvature against the blue line.

The balloons will depart from France, manned by two pilots and accommodating just six passengers per flight. Zephalto plans to operate 60 flights per year, giving a select few the opportunity to witness views previously reserved for astronauts.

The balloons will spend approximately three hours at peak altitude, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring vistas before embarking on the descent, which will take another hour and a half.

Zephalto's choice of 25 kilometers as the target altitude was strategic, as it marks the boundary where the darkness of space begins and the majority of the Earth's atmosphere is below. This altitude provides passengers with a unique perspective without the zero-gravity experience. While NASA officially recognizes outer space as beginning 50 miles above the Earth, other international bodies define it as 62 miles (100 km) at the Kármán Line.

Zephalto is not the only player in the space balloon industry. Florida-based Space Perspectives, with its Neptune One vessel, and Arizona-bases World View offers similar balloon flights to altitudes of 30.5 kilometers (19 miles/100,000 ft).

While balloons capable of reaching the stratosphere have been used for scientific and weather research since the 1930s, providing crewed tourism has yet to be done.

To enhance the passenger experience, Zephalto has enlisted the services of renowned French designer Joseph Dirand, known for his minimalist style. Dirand will create the interiors of the balloon, ensuring that passengers can enjoy the views of the Earth without distractions. Zephalto aims to provide Michelin-star quality cuisine, tailored to individual customer preferences. While the company has not disclosed potential chef-partners, they say they aim to create a gastronomic experience worthy of its discerning clientele.

Recognizing the psychological impact of witnessing Earth from above, Zephalto offers passengers the option to consult with a psychologist before their flight. Farret d'Astiès believes that seeing Earth in the darkness of space can be an emotional experience and wants passengers to be prepared. This psychological aspect is crucial, as the phenomenon known as the overview effect, which has been documented extensively, can profoundly influence one's perspective.

Zephalto has conducted three test flights with pilots on board but has yet to reach the full altitude of 25 kilometers. However, they remain confident in their upcoming flight later this year, drawing on the French space agency's expertise with high-altitude balloons. Once all tests are passed, the balloon will receive certification and crewed flights will begin in 2024.

The Flight Experience:

1 - Lift Off 

TROPOSPHERE • TEMP. 15 TO -55°C (STANDARD) TEMP. 45 TO -80°C (REAL CONDITIONS) • PRESSURE 1013 TO 200 MBAR.

Depart from one of our spaceports located at some of the most iconic places on Earth. Board our luxury pressurised capsule, Celeste, designed for your utmost safety and comfort, lifted by a balloon the size of the Sacré Coeur in Paris.

2 - Ascent

STRATOSPHERE • TEMP. -55 TO 0°C • PRESSURE 200 TO 1 MBAR.

Céleste gives you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Contemplate an exceptional panorama as you ascend at a speed of 4 metres per second. The ascent last an hour and a half until 25km. Admire the beauty of nature and enjoy a - long - moment out of time with your loved ones.

3 - Apogee

STRATOSPHERE • TEMP. -55 TO 0°C • PRESSURE 200 TO 1 MBAR.

At an altitude of 25 kilometres, above 98% of the atmosphere, admire the curvature of the Earth, its blue halo and the stars. Share the experience of the Overview Effect with a very few lucky people who are also witnessing the greatest of all shows.

4 - Descent

STRATOSPHERE • TEMP. -55 TO 0°C • PRESSURE 200 TO 1 MBAR.

Gently come back down to earth. Enjoy the scenery. We accompany you throughout the journey to help you understand what you are flying over.

5 - Landing

TROPOSPHERE • TEMP. 15 TO -55°C (STANDARD) TEMP. 45 TO -80°C (REAL CONDITIONS)• PRESSURE 1013 TO 200 MBAR.

Take time to deeply understand what you just experienced and share it with your community.