TITUSVILLE, Fla. — On Thursday, Space Perspective announced that billionaire Sir Richard Branson will be a co-pilot for the Titusville-based company’s first space balloon launch.

“Space Perspective is excited to announce that @richardbranson will co-pilot Space Perspective’s first crewed test flight next year, alongside Founder, Jane Poynter and Founder and CTO, Taber MacCallum,” the company posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. However, the company deleted the post after the announcement, but reposted it with additional information later on.

Space Perspective had a successful first flight of its Neptune capsule (and its second uncrewed test). This unique craft is designed to be fastened to a huge balloon where tourists can view Earth just like astronauts.

Each flight lasts approximately six to seven hours, where tourists will reach a height of 100,000 feet (30,480 meters), where they will stay for two hours and then there is the descent stage where people will splash down and be recovered by the Marine Spaceport Voyager.

The 74-year-old Branson is an adventurer who is known for having an interest in space tourism, where in 2004 he created the company Virgin Galactic.

He is also one of the investors into the Titusville company.

“Branson has also, along with other investors, made an investment in Space Perspective, which will help to accelerate our development and test flight program, confirming our leadership position in sustainable, stratospheric balloon travel,” Space Perspective stated.

Space Perspective shared in a press release a quote from Branson about his love of ballooning. 

“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.  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,” he stated.