SpaceVIP, a luxury space travel company, is redefining the boundaries of high-end experiences with its latest venture: a $495,000 dining journey to the edge of space. This groundbreaking adventure merges gastronomy, art, and the breathtaking view of Earth from above, attracting affluent travellers from the UAE and around the world.
In a collaboration, SpaceVIP has teamed up with Danish chef Rasmus Munk of the acclaimed restaurant Alchemist. Together, they are offering a six-hour culinary journey aboard Space Perspective’s Spaceship Neptune. Despite the substantial price tag, interest has been overwhelming. “We were surprised by the level of interest,” said Roman Chiporukha, founder of SpaceVIP. “We have several serious inquiries already, and many are eager to sign up.”
Chiporukha highlighted significant interest from the UAE and the broader MENA region. “There’s a lot of excitement as people are eager to learn about space and its significance.”
The journey will be conducted aboard Spaceship Neptune, a high-tech, pressurized capsule carried to Earth’s stratosphere by a sophisticated space balloon. Unlike traditional space flights, this experience requires no special training and exposes travellers to minimal G-forces, making it one of the most accessible ways to venture into space.
Chiporukha noted that such flights may soon be as routine as first-class commercial flights. The recent test flight of the Neptune capsule positions it well for launching its first space explorers by late 2025.
The Neptune capsule boasts a luxurious interior, described as the most spacious of any human spaceflight capsule. It features custom recliners, a space spa, a bar, and large windows for optimal viewing. It is four times the size of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and twice the size of Blue Origin’s New Shepard and Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo.
The capsule will ascend to a maximum altitude of 100,000 feet, offering passengers a stunning view of Earth’s curvature and the opportunity to experience the “overview effect.” The flight will begin at 12 mph, allowing travellers to enjoy a meal and witness the sunrise over the Earth’s edge—a rare experience enjoyed by only 650 space travellers.
Flexible Launch Locations and Culinary Innovation
The initial launch will take place off the coast of Florida from a boat, a strategy that allows for flexible future launches from various locations, including Monaco and the GCC. “Launching from a boat provides flexibility and could become an economically viable model,” Chiporukha explained.
The menu for this extraordinary journey is still being finalized. Chef Rasmus Munk aims to create innovative dishes inspired by space exploration and its impact over the past 60 years. “My goal is to blend gastronomy with art and science, highlighting food’s role in our shared human experience,” Munk said. “Serving this while gazing down at Earth will add a profound dimension to the meal.”
