Technology
Will commercial stratospheric balloon tourism successfully carry over 500 paying passengers in the calendar year 2029?
A technology prediction on the viability of the space tourism sector following industry consolidation.
22 total votes
Analysis
Balloon Tourism: 500 Passengers by 2029?
Following the financial turmoil of Space Perspective in 2025 and its acquisition by Eos X Space, the timeline for stratospheric balloon tourism has reset. This prediction asks if the industry will mature enough to fly over 500 paying passengers in the year 2029.
Rebuilding Confidence
The 'No' vote leads due to the history of delays and funding collapses in this sector. While the technology (high-altitude balloons) is proven, the business model of luxury tourism ($100k+ tickets) faces scrutiny. Achieving 500 passengers would require regular, weekly launches from multiple sites. Without a stable, operational track record established by 2027, scaling to hundreds of passengers by 2029 remains an aggressive target.