By MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
The hot air balloon craze that swept Taiwan in recent years has attracted many netizens, who lined up overnight just to experience those dreamlike moments high in the sky. But in 2016, the U.S. company World View Enterprises will launch its own hot air balloon journey. This time, it's not just about tethered rides at high altitude – travelers will board specially designed balloons to soar up to 30 kilometers above the Earth's surface and gaze down at the planet.
Riding a hot air balloon to space is about to become a reality. The U.S.-based World View Enterprises plans to launch its space balloon trip as early as 2016. (Image source / from www.space.com)
This flight, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and priced at $75,000 (approximately NT$2.22 million), is set to officially debut as early as 2016. Passengers aboard the specially designed balloon will ascend to an altitude of 30 kilometers above ground level within 1.5 to 2 hours and stay there for two hours. Without having to wear bulky space suits, travelers can effortlessly enjoy the vast blackness of space and the breathtaking curvature of the Earth. However, since the altitude does not reach outer space, this balloon trip can only be considered a “near-space” experience, meaning passengers won’t get to experience zero gravity in outer space.
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Riding in a specially designed hot air balloon, you can admire the beautiful curves of the Earth just like an astronaut – no space suit required. (Image source / from www.space.com)
During the ascent, you can also enjoy the dreamy experience of clouds gathering into a vast sea of clouds. (Image source / from www.space.com)