Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is hosting the next test flight for Halo Space, a leading space tourism company. The upcoming test, scheduled for September, will see the deployment of Aurora, a full-scale prototype capsule, which will ascend to a staggering altitude of 30 kilometers above Earth.
This significant milestone comes as a result of a strong partnership between Halo Space and the Kingdom's Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST).
"The decision to conduct this test in Saudi Arabia was strategic," said Alberto Castrillo, Chief Technology Officer at Halo Space. "The Kingdom's support, coupled with ideal conditions, provides an optimal environment for testing our technology."
The CST has been actively involved in supporting Halo Space's endeavors since the beginning of the year. In addition to overseeing the test flight preparations, the commission has collaborated with other government entities, such as the General Authority of Civil Aviation, to meet all necessary regulatory requirements.
Saudi Arabia's commitment to space exploration is evident in its decision to establish Halo Space's primary operational base and final assembly site within its borders. The Kingdom's strategic location and ambitious vision for the future have positioned it as a prime destination for space-related ventures.
This test flight is a crucial step towards Halo Space's ultimate goal of launching manned flights in 2025, followed by commercial operations in 2026. As the company edges closer to realizing its vision of space tourism, Saudi Arabia stands as a key partner in this exciting journey.