Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Halo Space, a Spanish company developing a stratospheric balloon for tourists, plans to establish its flagship operational base and final assembly facility in Saudi Arabia, triggered by the Kingdom’s ideal conditions for space exploration.

In a statement, the company revealed that it will conduct its sixth test flight in the Kingdom next September, in collaboration with the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST).

The test flight will use a life-size prototype capsule, Aurora, which will ascend to 30 km above the Earth’s surface. It will be used to check and validate the integrated operation of all critical systems developed over the past three years.

Since the beginning of 2024, Halo Space collaborated with the CST and other government entities, such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation, to meet all regulatory requirements for the flight.

Alberto Castrillo, Chief Technology Officer at Halo Space, said: “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.”

Halo Space’s test flight program is a prelude to the launch of manned flights, expected to begin in 2025, to be followed by commercial flights in 2026. The program aims to make near-space travel possible for anyone

Frank Salzgeber, Acting Deputy Governor for Space Sector at CST, commented: “This innovative project 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."

Moreover, Carlos Mira, CEO of Halo Space, affirmed that the collaboration with CST underscores the company’s commitment to creating the safest near-space flight experience possible.