Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 18 September 2024 – HALO Space, a global leader in near-space tourism, today announced the establishment of final assembly and testing facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This pivotal development was revealed during an exclusive media event in Riyadh, marking a key milestone in HALO’s strategic partnership with the Kingdom as it positions itself as a pioneer in the rapidly growing space tourism sector.
The announcement was made by Carlos Mira, CEO of HALO Space, who confirmed that the company’s new facility will play a crucial role in the localization of industrial capabilities, including the final assembly of space capsules and critical system testing. The facility is part of HALO Space’s long-term vision to make Saudi Arabia a global hub for near-space activities.
Carlos Mira stated, “The decision to localize our industrial capabilities, including a space port and an immersive experience dome replicating HALO Stratospheric flights, reflects the Kingdom’s favorable business environment and ideal conditions for near-space activities. Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in this emerging sector, and we are thrilled to continue building our partnership as we advance our mission.”
The announcement also included details of HALO Space’s upcoming test flight, scheduled for late September 2024, which will see its full-scale prototype capsule, Aurora, undergo a critical 30-kilometer altitude test to validate integrated systems. This unmanned test will mark a significant step toward commercializing near-space travel by 2026.
Vision 2030 Alignment and Economic Impact: Following Carlos Mira, Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little (ADL), highlighted the significance of HALO Space’s investment in Saudi Arabia, noting how it aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a leader in the new space economy.
Kuruvilla stated, “HALO Space’s presence in Saudi Arabia represents a substantial opportunity for the local economy, particularly in tourism and space sectors. This initiative aligns perfectly with Vision 2030’s goals to create a thriving, diversified economy. We believe HALO’s investment will foster innovation, create high-value jobs, and attract new business opportunities, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the near-space industry.”
Towards a Near-Space Tourism Hub:HALO Space’s new facilities will complement its flagship operations in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global hub for technological innovation and economic diversification. The development includes plans for a space port and an immersive experience dome, allowing visitors to experience near-space tourism in a dynamic, futuristic setting.
The September 2024 test flight will serve as a key moment for HALO Space’s development, with the Aurora capsule undergoing rigorous tests to ensure the functionality of its critical systems, which have been developed over the past three years. This is part of HALO’s ongoing commitment to innovation and safety in its pursuit of near-space tourism.
Looking Ahead: With commercial operations set to launch in 2026, HALO Space aims to offer thousands of passengers the opportunity to experience near-space travel by 2030, contributing to the Kingdom’s mission of becoming a global leader in cutting-edge industries.
