Halo Space successfully completes its first test flight to the stratosphere and back.

12 Jan 2023

CT took part in the test flight, as one of the project partners. The company is responsible for the engineering, design, and stress tasks, as well as for the communication and FTI and the electrical system of the capsule. Moreover, it is leading the integration of Aciturri and GMV.

The capsule was launched from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Hyderabad (India). The capsule reached the desired altitude, lifted by a hydrogen-powered balloon, which weighed 773 kilograms, reached a maximum diameter between 110 and 130 meters (the length of a soccer field), and was made of very thin polycarbonate. To return to Earth, the system deployed a special parachute at high altitude which ensured an accurate, smooth landing at a set location. Moreover, the test confirmed that the parachute could be deployed at any moment and initiate descent at any altitude.

All in all, the navigation and safety operations test were a remarkable success. Various cameras and measuring devices aboard captured images and data to verify pre-studies and operational feasibility. This is an important milestone for CT and for zero-emission space tourism. Halo Space has already scheduled a second test flight to take place in Spain next year, two years before launching the first commercial flights, and is aiming for 400 commercial trips, and to carry +3,000 passengers a year by 2029.