Frank Stephenson Design unveils The Aurora
Image courtesy Frank Stephenson Design
The unveiling took place in London, showcasing the culmination of innovative design, luxury, and safety to redefine the experience of near-space tourism. The interior design for The Aurora integrates cutting-edge resources, design principles and technology to offer passengers an unforgettable visual experience of space travel.
With a commitment to delivering an unparalleled journey through space, Frank Stephenson Design collaborated closely with HALO Space to craft a capsule that prioritises maximum user comfort, luxury, quality, lightness and safety.
Frank Stephenson, Founder and Creative Director of Frank Stephenson Design said: “Working on a project of this magnitude brings about many challenges from a design perspective. Crafting a beautiful interior for passengers while considering factors like strict safety regulations and weight distribution presented challenging hurdles whilst being totally committed to offering both a luxurious, aesthetic appeal with functionality. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved.”
The design incorporates lightweight materials such as aluminium alloy and composites, ensuring a total take-off weight of 3,500 kilogrammes while providing a spacious environment for eight passengers and one pilot. The capsule features expansive viewing windows, totalling 2.82 square metres, offering breathtaking views of the Earth from the edge of space.
"We wanted every minute of the journey to be unforgettable for our passengers," said Carlos Mira, CEO of HALO Space. "Frank and his team have created a capsule that not only embodies luxury and elegance but also prioritises safety and functionality. It's a testament to our commitment to providing the ultimate spaceflight experience."
Drawing inspiration from Space Age architecture and design, The Aurora boasts curved lines, edges and reflective materials, evoking the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos. The seating arrangement, reminiscent of the arms of the Milky Way, provides passengers with optimal viewing angles, enhancing the overall experience of space exploration.
HALO Space's stratospheric commercial flights offer a unique ascent via a helium balloon, ensuring a gradual ascent with minimal G-forces. With flight times averaging four to six hours and a maximum altitude of up to 35 kilometres, passengers can immerse themselves in the wonders of space for an extended duration.
HALO Space aims to make space tourism accessible to a wider audience, with plans to service 10,000 passengers by 2030. Additionally, the company is developing initiatives to remove financial barriers, enabling passionate individuals to fulfil their dreams of space exploration.
