Live the experience and feel the extraordinary emotion that only 600 astronauts have felt so far. Observe, like them, the curvature of the Earth from space and discover a new perspective of the universe. This is the proposal from Zephalto, a French space program exploring bold new solutions for luxury spaceflight.
The spacecraft, with the exterior in metallic finish, is a pressurized capsule designed by renowned Paris-based architect and designer Joseph Dirand in collaboration with Zephalto founder Vincent Farret d’Astiès. According to the company, which has already revealed its interior, it will be “a state-of-the-art object that offers the best conditions of comfort and safety.”
Céleste, which is what the capsule in question is called, will rise thanks to a stratospheric balloon with low carbon emissions, taking six travelers on a journey through the Earth’s stratosphere. The space balloon and capsule are expected to take off at the end of 2024. This innovative invention is inspired by a six-decade-long balloon flight experiment conducted by the French Space Agency (CNES).
Of course, passengers must pay a price out of orbit: 120,000 euros per person. Zephalto’s plan is to offer 60 flights a year with just six passengers on board each time. The pre-reservation is already open and costs 10,000 euros per traveler.
The 20 square meter capsule is divided into three separate minimalist cabins with a residential feel. It has a total capacity of eight people, including six travelers, two in each cabin and two pilots for each flight. Being pressurized, no physical or pre-flight training is required.
Joseph Dirand was aware of the technical parameters of the capsule and strove to create a dynamic different from that of air travel, so that the interior of the capsule had a residential feel, enveloping passengers in comfort, luxury and safety. , so this experience can be enjoyed in an intimate cocoon setting for two or book the entire capsule to embark with others to share the experience together.
Formal simplicity, consisting of clean lines, practical use of spaces, and adaptable seating, will create a cocoon-like space. A minimalist design has been introduced, with carefully selected textures and fabrics to envelop guests in comfort and tranquility, adding sentimental layers to the experience. A neutral color palette, predominantly creams and beiges, will be used in the capsule interiors, to allow the Céleste experience and view to take center stage; elevated with ecological and innovative materials.
The 20 m² capsule is divided into three separate minimalist cabins where guests can rest, dine and enjoy interactive elements or simply meditate on the universe. The symmetrical composition of the capsule and the smooth rotation during the flight ensure a 360° view and a complete experience.
“Architecture has a function and this, coupled with my deep passion for hospitality, inspired me this innovative and groundbreaking project. It’s an unusual journey through space and therefore, for an architect like myself, who ultimately spends his time imagining experiences, it’s one of the most unique to conceive. I am incredibly excited to be working on this project and hope that our guests will return to Earth with new perspectives. We are offering a memory for a lifetime, one to be shared in an intimate and luxurious environment”, explains Joseph Dirand.
The architect has designed both the exterior and interior of Céleste with great sensitivity and creativity. The curved forms reflect the shape of the Earth and enhance the sense of scale, while the windows and cabins recreate the shape of an eye.
The exterior is silver to blend into the cloudy or starry landscape, the Zephalto team describes. “This silver finish allows the capsule to reflect these two universes towards which we will find ourselves in a way that is a bit in between. Between these two universes, the terrestrial universe and the celestial universe,” says Dirand.
Joseph Dirand was aware of the technical parameters of the capsule and strove to create a different Dynamic of air travel, to make the interior of the capsule have a residential feel, one that envelops passengers in comfort, luxury and safety. .
The trip will take place in five parts. Upon liftoff, travelers will depart from one of Zephalto’s spaceports and board their pressurized ‘Celeste’ capsule, lifted by the low-carbon balloon the size of Paris’ Sacré Coeur. As they ascend at a speed of 4 m/s, they will be able to contemplate impressive views of the Earth as it recedes. After an hour and a half of ascent, the apogee is reached, at an altitude of 25 km, above 98% of the atmosphere. At that point, the spectacular curvature of the Earth emerges, offering travelers exclusive access to the ‘panoramic effect’. The journey, which lasts about three hours, concludes with a gentle descent back to earth, while passengers are guided to help them understand what they are flying over.
Wi-Fi will of course be available so guests can share the experience with friends and family back on Earth. In addition to hosting this bird’s-eye experience, Zephalto also brings French luxury and art de vivre to the fore with a gourmet pre-flight meal prepared by famous French chefs, followed by wine tasting and the option to host other surprises while you fly. The space program also offers guests the chance to learn how to capture stratospheric images with the help of a professional photographer.
The company explains that this exclusive trip starts from the moment you book the flight. As soon as the company contacts the client, it assures that they “will enter a totally personalized experience. We will invite them to a variety of events and we will welcome them in their space resort a few days before their flight.”
