capsule specifically designed with the human experience at its core. It was designed
from the inside out, placing an emphasis on the passenger (or “explorer”) experience. The designers looked at all the different elements that would make the experience not just memorable, but truly comfortable as well. It includes all the essentials
for a journey of 6 hours including a bar and a lavatory. The passengers will be able
to get 360° unobstructed views and be free to move about during the journey.
The capsule has the following characteristics:
• There is a specific area for instruments in addition to the ability to place
instruments in areas on the top and bottom of the capsule.
• The windows will give a 360° panorama of the Earth below and heavens
above. The gold on the windows is similar to the gold on an astronaut’s helmet.
It provides shading and keeps the Sun’s ultraviolet from entering the capsule.
• There are nine seats for the eight passengers and a pilot arranged around the
capsule with the bar and lockers in the middle. The seats will recline for
landing.
• The lavatory is below the main deck in the splash down cone that gives a
smooth landing in the water.
• An array of sensors and communications equipment give the passengers
and pilot information such as altitude, wind and temperature. Passengers
will also be able to communicate in-flight and post on social media.
See Section 5.3 for more details on the flight.
Fig. 3.6 The Space Perspective Neptune gondola. Artistic rendering by Richard
Hollingham/Images by Chris Hinkle. Photo courtesy of Space Perspective
3.3 Instrument Carriers/Gondolas 45
from the inside out, placing an emphasis on the passenger (or “explorer”) experience. The designers looked at all the different elements that would make the experience not just memorable, but truly comfortable as well. It includes all the essentials
for a journey of 6 hours including a bar and a lavatory. The passengers will be able
to get 360° unobstructed views and be free to move about during the journey.
The capsule has the following characteristics:
• There is a specific area for instruments in addition to the ability to place
instruments in areas on the top and bottom of the capsule.
• The windows will give a 360° panorama of the Earth below and heavens
above. The gold on the windows is similar to the gold on an astronaut’s helmet.
It provides shading and keeps the Sun’s ultraviolet from entering the capsule.
• There are nine seats for the eight passengers and a pilot arranged around the
capsule with the bar and lockers in the middle. The seats will recline for
landing.
• The lavatory is below the main deck in the splash down cone that gives a
smooth landing in the water.
• An array of sensors and communications equipment give the passengers
and pilot information such as altitude, wind and temperature. Passengers
will also be able to communicate in-flight and post on social media.
See Section 5.3 for more details on the flight.
Fig. 3.6 The Space Perspective Neptune gondola. Artistic rendering by Richard
Hollingham/Images by Chris Hinkle. Photo courtesy of Space Perspective
3.3 Instrument Carriers/Gondolas 45