Stratoflight

Stratoflight is a French company developing a multimodal manned vehicle for stratospheric flights using a zero-pressure balloon. Business activities include space tourism and scientific missions. Stratoflight is the operator of the flights. Under a balloon using decarbonated hydrogen, a capsule will reach the altitude of 35,000 meters where six passengers (4 passengers and 2 pilots) can stay for up to one hour. The descent will begin by venting some of the lifting gas. Once the altitude of 8,000 m is reached, the capsule is released and a high performance parafoil is deployed. The two pilots will fly the vehicle to a selected landing field and will land at low speed. Key developments include the manned vehicle, specific types of parafoils for the descent and pressure suit for passengers. Several innovations will be patented. Space tourism is a nascent market targeting individuals looking for unique experiences. Beyond the ecological aspect of using decarbonated hydrogen, the main differentiating factor of the project is the extra-vehicular activity (EVA) taking place from a balcony at the rear of the capsule. From there, passengers can admire the extraordinary view and the earth curvature from a horizon from Amsterdam to Barcelona equipped with pressure suits like astronauts. The first flight is scheduled for 2025.