Zephalto has revealed the initial images of the interiors of its pressurized space capsule, Céleste. Set to embark on its inaugural commercial flight by the end of 2024, this capsule will ascend to the edge of space propelled by a stratospheric balloon, providing passengers with a unique opportunity to witness the Earth’s stunning spherical curvature.
Departing from France, the flights will accommodate up to six passengers and two pilots, with a total journey duration of six hours, including approximately three hours spent at its peak altitude, roughly 9.3 miles above typical airliner altitudes. However, this extraordinary experience comes with a hefty price tag: tickets are available at €120,000 (approximately $132,000), requiring a €10,000 (around $11,000) upfront deposit.
Parisian designer Joseph Dirand, renowned for his work, was enlisted to craft both the exterior and interiors of the space capsule. Dirand expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Architecture has a function, and this, paired with my profound passion for hospitality, has provoked inspiration for this innovative and groundbreaking project.”
He further added, “It’s an unusual journey through space, and therefore, for an architect like myself who ultimately spends their time envisioning experiences, it’s one of the most unique ones to conceive. I’m incredibly excited to be working on this project and hope that our guests will return to Earth with new perspectives. We are offering a memory for life, one that will be shared in an intimate and luxurious setting.”
The interiors feature curved forms inspired by the Earth’s shape, ensuring expansive windows and cabin mirrors take precedence to offer unobstructed views. Constructed from lightweight composite fibers and adorned with a silver coating, the capsule seamlessly blends into the starry sky.
Dirand explained, “The silver finish allows the capsule to reflect these two universes towards which we will find ourselves in a way that is a little in between, between these two universes, the terrestrial universe and the celestial universe.”
