With which company has Mercedes-Maybach partnered?
Mercedes-Maybach has teamed up with Space Perspective, the world's first company to offer a carbon-neutral spaceflight experience. Space Perspective was founded in 2019 by Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum. The company will use its Spaceship Neptune for the spaceflight experience. The spaceship will rise to 1,00,000 feet.
What is Mercedes-Maybach’s role in it?
Mercedes-Maybach will offer electric vehicles so explorers and guests can travel to and from Space Perspective facilities, local activities, and Florida's Space Coast launch site. The electric cars will help reduce pollution.
What do we know about Spaceship Neptune?
Spaceship Neptune is a safe and easy-to-use spacecraft. It has three main parts: the SpaceBalloon, the Reserve Descent System, and the Neptune Capsule. The Neptune Capsule will remain attached to the SpaceBalloon from liftoff to splashdown and will not separate like other spacecraft.
The SpaceBalloon will lift Spaceship Neptune into space using renewable hydrogen. There will be no rockets. The balloon will climb slowly at 12mph (19 kmph). It also has a reserve descent system consisting of four parachutes between the capsule and the SpaceBalloon. If something goes wrong, the parachutes will help it land safely.
The Neptune Capsule has nine seats for eight explorers and one pilot. It has windows for great views, a refreshment bar, a storage cabinet, Wi-Fi, and communication devices. The capsule includes space for scientific equipment. It also has a splashdown cone at the bottom for a smooth landing on water.
When will spaceflights begin?
Testing is already being done. The company has plans to begin space flights by the end of 2024. If someone wants to experience this, a ticket will cost $125,000 (Rs 1.04 crore). The company says 1,650 people have already paid for a trip to space on their spaceship.
