Saudi Arabia to host HALO Space’s groundbreaking test flight – SatNews

In collaboration with The Commission for Communications, Space and Technology (CST), HALO Room will conduct its next test flight in September this year in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This significant milestone, which marks HALO Space’s sixth test flight, is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and underscores the Kingdom’s leadership in near-Earth space exploration.

This upcoming test flight will utilize HALO Space’s full-size prototype capsule. Aurorawhich will ascend to 30 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The main objective of this mission is to rigorously validate the integrated operation of all critical systems developed over the last three years.

The CST has been working with and supporting HALO Space since the beginning of the year, overseeing preparations for the test flight, which takes place against the backdrop of Saudi Vision 2030. HALO Space’s decision to establish its main operating base and final assembly facility in Saudi Arabia underlines the Kingdom’s ideal conditions for space exploration activities and supporting innovative business models.

As this visionary plan aims to transform the Kingdom into a global hub for technological innovation and economic diversification, CST is also working with other government agencies, such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to meet all regulatory requirements for the test flight, underscoring our commitment to the safety of personnel and materials involved in this groundbreaking test.

The test flights of HALO Space’s prototype capsule are a prelude to the launch of manned flights, which are expected to begin in 2025, followed by commercial flights in 2026. These flights will provide a unique and breathtaking experience, allowing enthusiasts to ascend comfortably and safely at an altitude of up to 35 kilometers. Balloon spaceshipThe journey extends horizontally over up to 200 kilometers and lasts more than six hours. During this journey, passengers have the opportunity to experience the curvature of the earth and the infinity of space.

By 2030, HALO Space aims to make space tourism accessible to a wide audience, carrying 10,000 passengers from the start of commercial operations by the end of this decade. This initiative aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s space and tourism ecosystem and offer a unique blend of hospitality, space education and entertainment experiences.

Alberto Castrillo, Chief Technology Officer of HALO Spacesaid, “This mission is designed to thoroughly test all of our critical systems that we have developed over the last three years. The time and location have been chosen to ensure the reliable operation of our equipment and safe conditions for the teams that will conduct the flight on the ground..”

Mr Frank Salzgeber, Acting Deputy Governor for the Space Sector at CSTsaid, “In addition to its regulatory mandate, CST also plays a supporting role in the civil space sector by promoting innovative business models, supporting space exploration activities and supporting joint efforts with relevant authorities to develop the space sector. This innovative project represents a significant advancement in space tourism and in support of such technological advancements and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, CST always strives to provide regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation in companies and projects such as HALO Space while ensuring the safety of personnel and materials.”