Unveiling the Futuristic Space Toilet Offering Breathtaking Views
Experience the ultimate restroom with a celestial panorama! Space Perspective, the pioneering space tourism company, unveils a cutting-edge design for their innovative space toilet Prepare for an out-of-this-world adventure like never before
Travelers adventuring with space tourism start-up Space Perspective can experience a restroom with an extraordinary view. This Florida-based company intends to transport these travelers to the edge of space, approximately 100,000 feet high, utilizing a pressurized capsule suspended from a state-of-the-art balloon.
Trips lasting approximately six hours necessitate the inclusion of an onboard restroom in the capsule. While contemplating its design, Jane Poynter, the British-born founder and co-CEO of Space Perspective, and her team ultimately decided on what she affectionately calls a "loo with a view." Poynter shares with CNN Travel her reasoning behind this unique concept.
Concepts from designers Dan Window and Isabella Trani depict a gleaming restroom with a large window looking out over the stars and the curvature of the earth.
Taking stock
Space Perspective intends to take space tourists some 100,000 feet to the edge of space via a pressurized capsule suspended from a high-tech balloon.
Courtesy Space Perspective
Poynter says the bathroom is designed to be a place travelers can take stock of their space excursion.
"It can be quite overwhelming at times," Poynter remarks about the experience. "Therefore, we aimed to establish a dedicated area where individuals could retreat for a brief moment and have some time to themselves."
Although the captivating view takes center stage, there is also a window blind, not necessarily for privacy's sake (given the lack of any other people around), but rather to offer travelers an opportunity to pause and reflect."
"Why not have a loo with a view?"
Jane Poynter, Space Perspective
"Thats why the toilet seat itself has a cushion, so you can sit there," adds Poynter.
The bathroom design puts "wellness" at the center, according to Poynter - hence its official name "Space Spa."
When CNN Travel inquired about the possibility of a hot tub being included alongside the toilet and sink, Poynter chuckled and acknowledged that the interior of the capsule can indeed be customized. This opens up the potential for a wide range of amenities, ranging from a dining room table to a dedicated research area, to be incorporated into the capsule.
A remarkable opportunity to dine on Michelin-star meals while hovering at the brink of space, all for a price of $130,000.
State of space tourism
Since Dennis Tito became the first "space tourist" to embark on a journey in 2001, there have been only a handful of individuals who have chosen to follow in his footsteps. However, in recent years, renowned space tourism companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have taken significant steps in this field, promising to transform space into the ultimate vacation destination.
French company Zephalto is also involved in the planning of excursions using a stratospheric balloon. Their aim is to offer Michelin-star-level meals at the "edge of space." It is important to note that there is a significant distinction between a journey to orbital space, which includes high-speed takeoffs and longer durations, and suborbital space. Suborbital space allows travelers to experience brief periods of weightlessness and enjoy views of space as they fly to the edge of the atmosphere, approximately 60 miles above Earth.
Trips to the "edge of space" offered by Space Perspective and Zephalto present a unique experience. Instead of reaching suborbital space, these capsules fly at an altitude surpassing that of typical commercial airplanes. This allows for breathtaking views of the Earth and stars, while maintaining the presence of gravity and the sensation of weight. This is why even a luxurious bathroom can be included in these trips.
First space tourist Dennis Tito: It was the greatest moment of my life
Potential 2024 launch date
Space Perspective plans to commence passenger flights for groups of up to eight individuals by the conclusion of 2024. However, there are various stages that need to be accomplished before the balloon and capsule can take off. Therefore, Poynter advises against marking a specific date on your calendar at this time.
The company is under regulation by both the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Coast Guard, with safety being a top priority for the team. Space Perspective plans to commence test flights in the near future. Although the specific departure date is yet to be confirmed, tickets priced at $125,000 are already being eagerly purchased.
"People want to be first in line," says Poynter.
