At the heart of the Space Perspective experience is the groundbreaking design of Spaceship Neptune. We’ve overseen every aspect of the design, from the overall layout to the finest details, crafting not just a machine but a vehicle that redefines the human experience – making space tourism accessible. A product of challenge and limitation, the capsule’s spherical form and unique environmental conditions present novel challenges, leading to an innovative and revolutionary design.
Passengers enjoy panoramic views from the capsule’s 360-degree windows – the largest ever flown to space. Its interior, with dark, soft, and tactile surfaces, creates a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. The lounge layout fosters social interaction, encouraging a shared journey. Arc seating provides expansive views of the Earth while offering passengers room to stretch and stand comfortably. Spaceship Neptune prioritises sustainability, incorporating materials like a bar crafted from recycled proprietary components of the SpaceBalloon™.
Boarding the capsule feels open and inviting, creating a warm welcome for passengers. Two bar units provide refreshments as passengers settle into their seats. Adjacent to the hatch, the pilot’s area integrates flight controls and situates the pilot conveniently near the galley, enhancing the service of food and beverages. The two galley units feature storage and heating racks for a seamless dining experience, with a dedicated standing area by the bar offering a unique viewing angle and opportunities to engage with the pilot.
Extensive layout studies, both digital and physical, informed the creation of two radial lounges designed to promote conversation and foster shared experiences and connections among passengers. Soft pile carpets differentiate the lounges, with back dividers creating a sense of enclosure and privacy. The goal is to provide a comforting, cocoon-like environment that eases any anxieties and ensures passenger comfort.
The spherical floor plan incorporates a 16-window array that divides the space into distinct zones, enhancing the sense of connection while maintaining privacy. Collaborations with food experience designers bring a unique element to the journey, with six small meals served hourly to mark milestones without interrupting the onboard experience. This approach focuses on the flight while adding dynamic, memorable moments. You can experience the 360 degree walkaround we created for Space Perspective: Click here
Playing a meaningful role in the guests’ experiences on Neptune, we collaborated with food experience designers to create a distinctive culinary journey within the capsule. Engaging their imaginations and connecting them to the unique venture of space travel, six small meals are served hourly to enhance the journey, introducing new dynamics and marking milestones without interrupting the onboard activities. This approach not only allows for smaller, thoughtfully designed dishes that complement the seating area but also eliminates the need for a bulky foldaway dining table.
The interior features customisable mood lighting, plush lounge chairs, and greenery that nods to the Space Perspective founders’ time in the biosphere, offering a tranquil contrast to the typical bright, utilitarian spacecraft interiors. The result is a welcoming, relaxing space that challenges traditional notions of what a spacecraft should look and feel like.