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Halo Space Capsule Set To Fly 32 Km Above Saudi Arabia
A June test flight will launch a second life-size prototype as the company reveals plans to begin commercial “Space Tourism” operations by 2026.
Spanish headquartered Halo Space, a “Stratospheric Commercial Flights Company” has announced plans to launch a sixth test flight from Saudi Arabian airspace in June this year. The news comes after the company received the go ahead from Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST).
This test flight will launch Halo’s prototype capsule 32 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The craft is followed by a helium balloon that slowly ascends and lands back on Earth during the 4-6 hour journey.
Halo plans to begin commercial tourist flights by 2026 at prices of $164,000 per ticket. The company has ambitious plans to help 10,000 people into space this decade, allowing them to view what is known as the Overview Effect — a blue halo that forms around the curvature of the Earth.
Space tourists will eventually be treated to unrivaled 360º vistas for around 1-2 hours at maximum altitude, with the capsule’s windows being significantly larger than those of a commercial airliner.
“I’ve spoken with several astronauts about the feeling of profound transformation when you view the Overview Effect. Everyone should get the chance to see our home from such a view,” says HALO Space CEO Carlos Mira.
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Halo is also working with space authorities from the US, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Spain to establish further launch sites. The exact locations have been chosen based on meteorology, territory, and airspace safety.
“It is magnificent to see our vision of making space flight more accessible come to life,” added Carlos Mira. “To prove our concept and showcase all systems working together will signal to the world that near space tourism with Halo Space is ready for lift-off”.
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Ericsson And e& Join Forces To Bring Superfast 5G To Egypt
The partnership aims to deliver fast, reliable connectivity to private users and enterprises while supporting cross-sector digital innovation.
At GITEX GLOBAL 2024, Ericsson and e& Egypt announced a groundbreaking partnership to roll out 5G technology across Egypt, promising users enhanced connectivity with faster speeds, reduced latency, and expanded bandwidth. The collaboration will cater to the growing demand for advanced mobile services for both consumers and enterprises alike.
Under the agreement, Ericsson will deliver its energy-efficient 5G product suite to establish the new network. This comprehensive 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) portfolio, implemented through the Ericsson Radio System, is designed to support diverse traffic conditions and site types. It aims to provide reliable performance as networks grow across mobile generations, equipping Egypt with a stable, high-capacity infrastructure to foster digital innovation.
The adoption of 5G is expected to provide Egyptians with seamless connectivity and increased network resilience. The expanded bandwidth and lower latency brought by this new infrastructure will support not only faster internet for users but also enhance industry operations and contribute to society as a whole.
“We are thrilled to bring 5G to Egypt with our technology partner, Ericsson. Through this partnership, e& Egypt will be able to provide faster connectivity speeds, larger bandwidth, and lag-free user experience to our customers, unlocking many opportunities for consumers and enterprises,” said Amr Fathy, Chief Technology and Information Officer of e& Egypt. “With Ericsson’s cutting-edge 5G solutions, we are paving the way for a more connected and innovative future for Egypt”.
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Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, also reflected on the longstanding collaboration: “Our storied partnership with e& Egypt dates back nearly two decades, with two generational shifts in mobile technology. Like previous generational shifts, our ambition with 5G is to extend e& Egypt’s technology position”.
Ericsson and e& Egypt have collaborated successfully for years, achieving notable milestones in network innovation, customer experience, and sustainable development.