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HALO Space to hold next test flight in Saudi Arabia
HALO Space, a pioneering initiative aimed at making near-space exploration a reality, has announced that its sixth test flight will take place in Saudi Arabia.
Incubated by Arthur D. Little though its Breakthrough Incubator program, HALO Space has since grown into a European company on a mission to open up the near space tourism market.
HALO Space has the ambition to offer zero-emission commercial flights at up to 40 km altitude – the ‘near space’ stratosphere. Flying at such altitudes will allow passengers to see the curvature of the planet Earth for a time span of 4-6 hours.
The HALO Space aircraft is a pressurised capsule with capacity for 8 passengers and a pilot. Powered by a hydrogen balloon, the aircraft’s circular shape and windows allowing passengers to have a 360-degree view of planet Earth – and the universe.
The upcoming test flight in Saudi Arabia will feature HALO Space’s real-size prototype capsule, Aurora, which will ascend to 30 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. The primary objective of the mission is to rigorously validate the integrated operation of all critical systems developed over the past three years.
Alberto Castrillo, Chief Technology Officer of HALO Space, stated, “This mission is designed to meticulously validate all our critical systems we’ve been developing. The dates and location were set to ensure the reliable operation of our equipment and safe conditions for the teams that will be on the ground operating the flight.”
In preparation of the test flight, the HALO Space team has been working with Saudi’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) since the beginning of the year. The project team has also been collaborating with other government entities such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to meet all regulatory requirements for the test flight.
“Collaborating closely with both private and public institutions to adopt safety standards and certification procedures is key to our mission. Our collaboration with CST underscores our commitment to creating the safest near-space flight experience possible,” said Carlos Mira, CEO of HALO Space.
Frank Salzgeber, Acting Deputy Governor for Space at CST, highlighted the significance of the collaboration for Saudi’s grand plans in the space sector, as part of Vision 2030 objectives. “Along with its regulatory mandate, CST is also undertaking an enabling role within the civil space sector, through fostering innovative business models, promoting space exploration activities, and supporting joint efforts with relevant authorities to develop the space indsutry.”
“This innovative project with HALO Space represents a significant step forward in space tourism, and in support of such technological advancements and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, CST is always committed to providing regulatory frameworks that foster innovation among companies and projects like HALO Space while ensuring the safety of personnel and materials.”
Looking ahead, HALO Space expects to launch its first manned flights in 2025, and first commercial flights in 2026. The company continues to benefit from Arthur D. Little’s expertise in strategy, technology and innovation, as well as deep knowhow of the space sector (which goes al the way back to the Moon landing).
