Inspired by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Mumbai-based Space Aura Aerospace Technology Pvt Ltd company has started constructing a 10 feet by 8 feet spacecraft known as SKAP 1 to launch space tourism in India. It would launch six visitors and pilot in one go by 2025.
According to Space Aura founder and CEO Akash Porwal, the firm will soon finalise the two locations in Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka for the launch. The company is working with scientists from TIFR and ISRO to complete the mission. The space capsule will have all modern amenities, life-saving equipment, and information systems.
A hydrogen or helium balloon will be used to propel the space capsule up to 30 to 35 kilometres above sea level. There, tourists would be able to witness the earth’s curvature and the space’s darkness for an hour. The goal is to encourage space tourism in India and provide tourists with a glimpse of Indian culture. Compared to SpaceX and Blue Origin, this space mission will be of lower cost. It would be around 50 lakh rupees.
