Kalpana Chawla, Rakesh Sharma, Sunita Williams had all of us dream about space travel. After Elon Musk’s SpaceX, an Indian space technology firm Space Aura Aerospace Technology Pvt Ltd has begun building a space capsule of 10 x 8 feet. This capsule will be able to accommodate six tourists and one pilot. Although, this capsule will be within 35 kilometre radius above Earth. The company’s official website states the launch of the space flight will be in the summer of 2025.
Space Capsule: How It Began?
In a science exhibition called ‘Akash Tatva’ at Dehradun, a space capsule prototype ‘SKAP1’ was exhibited. This certainly got a great response from scientists. Space Aura founder and CEO Akash Porwal confirmed the beginning of space flights in 2025. He further said the location of launching the capsule is pending. However, they are busy working with scientists from ISRO(Indian Space Research Organisation) and TIFR(Tata Institute of Fundamental Research).
Porwal described the design of the space capsule and its life-saving information systems and all the modern facilities equipped with it. This capsule will be 30 to 35 kilometres above sea level with a helium or hydrogen gas-filled balloon for the tourists to see Earth’s curvature. This balloon will help the capsule set in motion. To bring the space capsule down, the balloon will deflate and a parachute will be unpacked. The balloon will be detached and the tourist will be brought down safely.
Vision Of Space Tourism
Porwal was quite clear about the objectives of this space travel. His prime goal is to attract space tourists and present space tourism and Indian culture. The fare of flights is low in comparison to other companies. Though not decided yet, the cost is supposed to be around 50 lakhs.
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