--- title: "Mercedes-Maybach Will Take People to Space (Kind Of)" description: "Mercedes-Maybach is partnering with Space Perspective to bring passengers to the stratosphere in a luxury-lined space capsule." date: "2023-10-09" modified: "2023-10-09" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/mercedes-maybach-will-take-people-to-space-kind-of" categories: - "Mercedes-Benz News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "EQS SUV" - "Mercedes-Maybach" --- # Mercedes-Maybach Will Take People to Space (Kind Of) ![]() Space travel is now opening up entirely new experiences in the world of luxury and [Mercedes]()-Maybach is here for it. Mercedes-[Maybach ]()is partnering with Space Perspective, which has created the world's first carbon-neutral spaceflight experience for deep-pocketed passengers. Not only is Mercedes-Maybach going to be the official chauffeur for Space Perspective's passengers but it could also be helping design the interior of the pressurized capsule they'll be riding in. Space Perspective was founded by Jane Poynter and Taber MacCallum, veterans of the aerospace industry, and its goal is to create sustainable, climate-friendly space travel that's more accessible than ever before. The spacecraft that will carry Space Perspective's "Explorers" is called Spaceship Neptune and it will be carried to 100,000 feet by the company's giant SpaceBalloon. OK, so that isn't actually in space but instead in Earth's stratosphere, one of the layers of our atmosphere. Still, it provides an incredible view of the Earth's surface and is much higher than any commercial aircraft will go. ![]() **Mercedes-Maybach/Space Perspective** Each balloon ride to the stratosphere will take six hours: two hours to reach 100,000 feet, two hours to hang out and drink cocktails with the greatest view on Earth, and two hours to descend. The cabin of Spaceship Neptune is capable of holding eight passengers, plus the captain, and Space Perspective claims it's capable of doing 140 trips per year. Inside the cabin of Spaceship Neptune's "Space Lounge," passengers will be spoiled by a 360-degree view and first-class meals and cocktails, the sort of experience you'd expect from a Maybach partnership. Especially since each ticket for these stratosphere balloon rides costs $125,000. Mercedes-Maybach will use [electric vehicles]() to shuttle Space Perspective's passengers to and from the facilities, any activities that may occur, and the launch site in Florida. While there's no official word on whether Mercedes-Maybach will have a hand in designing the capsule's interior, the two brands are said to be "exploring design and hospitality integrations for Explorers’ end-to-end experiences." ![]() **Jane Poynter (left) and Daniel Lescow, Head of Mercedes-Maybach (right)* | *Mercedes-Maybach/Space Perspective** Space Perspective will resume its unmanned test flights for the rest of 2023 but plans to begin crewed test flights in 2024. By the end of 2024, the company wants to start taking paid passengers and it claims to have more than 1,650 ticketed Explorers. Reservations are now being taken and if you want in, you can [book your trip now](). While this is admittedly just another luxury experience of the uber-rich, it does sound pretty awesome. Having dinner and drinks while hovering in Earth's atmosphere sounds incredible. Sure, 100,000 feet isn't exactly space but it's high enough that you can see the curvature of the Earth and the inky blackness of space. If I had tech-millionaire money, I'd probably buy a ticket as soon as possible. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()