Sir Richard Branson to pilot first crewed flight of $125,000-a-trip space balloon with ‘cocktail service and Wi-Fi’

SIR Richard Branson will co-pilot the first crewed flight of Space Perspective's stratospheric balloon flight.

A pressurized capsule powered by hydrogen will fly eight passengers to 20 miles above Earth – with the business tycoon at the helm.

Space Perspective, the company behind the attempt, successfully completed an uncrewed flight in September.

And it now promises to float a capsule "at levels above the atmosphere never before achieved in a commercial balloon flight".

Sir Richard previously broke two ballooning world records by crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans in 1987 and 1991.

And now he's set to copilot a world-first balloon trip to space.

"Some of the most magnificent experiences of my life have happened on ballooning expeditions and I’m excited to support Space Perspective in its journey," Sir Richard said.

"I'm passionate about adventure and helping fellow entrepreneurs reach their business dreams.

"I look forward to dusting off my old ballooning license ahead of some magnificent test flights."

Sir Richard is an investor in the balloon company that has raised $100 million (£77 million) in funding.

Its hydrogen capsule is designed to soar gently into space – before splashing down in the ocean.

The journey is expected to take around six hours "to the highest altitude of any commercial balloon flight in the world".

It doesn't use any rockets, there's no weightlessness, and Space Perspective even promises no heavy g-forces or training required.

Instead, the company says it's "as easy as an airplane flight".

Guests will "enjoy a world-class meal and cocktail service", and there's even Wi-Fi on board.

But the main attraction is the view, with a stunning look at Earth "through the largest windows ever to adorn a pressurised capsule".

We are now on a mission to give Explorers breathtaking views of the Earth against a black sky.

Jane PoynterSpace Perspective founder

There's also a "proper restroom" on board that's been dubbed the Space Spa.

Joining Sir Richard on board will be the two founders of Space Perspective: Taber MacCallum and Jane Poynter.

"We’re delighted by Richard’s decision to join Jane and I as co-pilot on the first crewed flight, leveraging his deep experience in ballooning to ensure a successful maiden voyage," said Taber MacCallum, the founder of Space Perspective.

"Richard's pioneering efforts in the ballooning industry were a key inspiration for us when we founded Space Perspective."

Taber and Jane met as crew members in Biosphere 2, and also led the team that flew Google exec Alan Eustace to a record-breaking height of 136,000 feet with a space balloon.

"We are now on a mission to give Explorers breathtaking views of the Earth against a black sky," added Jane Poynter, founder of Space Perspective.

"And do so gently in a way that only balloons enable."

There's no set date for Sir Richard's first flight.

But if you want to head up to space yourself, you'll have to pay $125,000 for a "standard reservation" on board the capsule.