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Julia Johnson, Trending News Editor


NextImg:Japanese company announces plans for commercial space viewing tours


A Japanese company revealed plans on Tuesday for a commercial space viewing balloon.

The balloon, unveiled by company Iwaya Giken, reportedly consists of an airtight spherical cabin that is able to ascend to an altitude of 15 miles, transporting passengers to about the middle of the stratosphere.

Despite not actually taking passengers into space, customers will still have an unrivaled view of it.

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Keisuke Iwaya, left, CEO of a Japanese space development company, Iwaya Giken, and Takayuki Hanasaka, JTB Senior Managing Executive Officer, pose for a photo after unveiling a two-seater cabin and a balloon that the company says is capable of rising to an altitude of 15 miles, which is roughly the middle of the stratosphere, as he speaks during a news conference in Tokyo, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023.

CEO Keisuke Iwaya noted that the experience will be available for as many people as possible, not just billionaires. Customers also will not need to have rigorous training or specific knowledge regarding operating a spacecraft or aircraft. According to Iwaya, he wants to “democratize space.”

“It’s safe, economical, and gentle for people,” he explained.

According to the Associated Press, an initial flight would cost $180,000. However, Iwaya said he wants to bring that price down to roughly several tens of thousands of dollars.

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Iwaya Giken, based in Sapporo in northern Japan, has been developing the project since 2012.

JTB Corp., a major Japanese travel agency, announced plans to collaborate with the company once it is prepared for commercial trips.