Saudi Arabia to host test flight for space tourism firm

Saudi Arabia is set to host the next test flight of the space tourism company Halo Space, as announced on Wednesday. This event will occur in collaboration with the Kingdom’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST).

The sixth test flight, scheduled for September, will feature the life-size prototype capsule, Aurora, which will ascend to 30 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. The flight aims to validate the integrated operation of all critical systems developed over the past three years, according to Halo Space.

Alberto Castrillo, Chief Technology Officer at Halo Space, said, "The dates and location were set to ensure the reliable operation of our equipment and safe conditions for the teams that will be on the ground operating the flight”.

Since the beginning of the year, the CST has been working with and supporting Halo Space in preparing for this test flight. The Commission has collaborated with other government entities, including the General Authority of Civil Aviation, to ensure all regulatory requirements for the flight are met.

Halo Space's decision to establish its flagship operational base and final assembly site in Saudi Arabia highlights the Kingdom's favourable conditions for space exploration and its ambitions to lead in space tourism. The prototype capsule test flights are a precursor to manned flights, expected to begin in 2025, with commercial flights anticipated in 2026.