A Phoenix-based near space commercial flight startup is trying to raise $100,000 in a Kickstarter campaign to help it fund a manned near-space launch later this year.
Phoenix-based SpaceUnbound is working with two other companies to launch the Helios Mission, where three pilots will capture the 2017 total solar eclipse in virtual reality on Aug. 21.
Joseph Lazukin, the founder of SpaceUnbound, is working with London-based WimmerSpace and Nashville-based Students and Teachers in Near Space. Lazukin, a 24-year-old and serial tech entrepreneur from Chandler, will launch into near space with the CEOs of the other two companies, Per Wimmer and David Jankowski.
The goal is to prove the viability of commercial near-space vehicle launches for future near-space tourism, Lazukin said.
“When the launch is done and proves it works, we will do subsequent launches in either Arizona or Nevada,” he said. “Our ultimate goal is to reduce the cost of near-space flight, to educate the next generation on the merits of space exploration, and to create a foundation for future space exploration and innovation.”
Lazukin is self-funding the project through his previous successful software launches and sponsorships.
The Kickstarter campaign will fund an alternative launch site if the weather is too hazardous that day and cover final launch costs.
As of Friday afternoon, the campaign had raised close to $2,000 from 38 backers. The campaign will end March 10.
The vehicle the three pilots will be in will be launched by an atmospheric balloon capable of carrying up to eight tons. The vehicle will fly to 140,000 feet, he said.
Lazukin then plans to space jump from that height wearing a space suit and parachute to attempt a world record, if the conditions permit.
The Helios Mission will include six 360-degree, high-definition virtual reality video cameras placed on the vehicle and on the pilots’ helmets, Lazukin said.
“People will experience the mission with us,” he said. “This will be streamed live through UStream through a partnership with NASA.”
The three pilots are currently doing a lot of training to prepare for the flight, including physical training, vehicle operation training, recovery training and skydiving training.
