As SpaceVIP gears up to launch its groundbreaking dining experience in 2025, founder Roman Chiporukha offers a glimpse into what travelers can expect from this luxurious journey to the edge of space. The ultra-exclusive experience, priced at $495,000, promises a fusion of fine dining, art, and breathtaking views from Space Perspective’s pressurized Neptune capsule.
A Luxurious Journey Beyond the Earth
SpaceVIP is setting a new benchmark in luxury travel with its $495,000 gastronomic voyage to the fringes of space. As space tourism evolves, travelers from the UAE and beyond are showing significant interest in this unparalleled adventure that combines high-end cuisine with spectacular views of Earth.
SpaceVIP has teamed up with Danish chef Rasmus Munk of the renowned restaurant Alchemist to curate a six-hour dining experience set against the backdrop of space. Despite the premium cost, interest in this space journey has been overwhelming. Roman Chiporukha, SpaceVIP’s founder, revealed, “We were actually surprised at how much interest there is in this experience. We probably have half a dozen people with a very serious interest, and it’s all pending their flight.”
“There’s also been great interest from the UAE when we first launched this initiative. There is tremendous excitement in the MENA region as a whole as people are very interested in learning about space and why it is important,” Chiporukha added.
The Spaceship Neptune Experience
The journey will be aboard Space Perspective’s Spaceship Neptune, a state-of-the-art pressurized capsule that ascends to the stratosphere via a cutting-edge space balloon. Travelers will enjoy a comfortable experience free from uncomfortable G-forces and the need for space training. Chiporukha commented, “Eventually, [these] flights to space will become as easy as taking a first-class or commercial flight.” With the capsule’s recent successful test flight, Space Perspective is on track to begin space expeditions by late 2025.
What to Expect Aboard Neptune
Unlike conventional space capsules, the Neptune capsule offers an opulent experience with custom recliners, a space spa, a bar, and expansive windows. It boasts “the roomiest interior of any human spaceflight capsule ever made,” according to Space Perspective. The capsule is specifically engineered to ascend to altitudes of up to 100,000 feet, thereby enabling travelers to view Earth’s curvature and experience the overview effect. During the journey, travelers will first enjoy a gradual ascent at a leisurely speed of 12 mph. Following this, they will indulge in a gourmet dining experience, and, finally, they will have the chance to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Earth’s horizon.
Flexible Launch Options
The inaugural launch will take place off the coast of Florida from a boat, which provides significant flexibility for future launch locations. As Chiporukha explained, “Launching off a boat offers maximum flexibility to explore other regions. For instance, you could easily transport the boat to Monaco, the GCC, or any location with access to water. This approach not only makes economic sense but also has the potential to expand widely.”
A Culinary Adventure in Space
Chef Rasmus Munk aims to create a menu that reflects the spirit of space exploration and highlights food as a universal aspect of human experience. “My ambition is to blend gastronomy with art and science to create awareness about social and environmental issues. In this experience, I want to highlight food as a common thread in our human existence, and it will be truly meaningful to serve it while gazing down at the Earth’s curvature,” Munk said.
The Future of Space Tourism
The space tourism market, still in its early stages, holds immense potential. Chiporukha noted, “Once people understand the value of space innovation and the concept of space-for-Earth, they will want to spend more money on these types of experiences.” He compared the current state of space tourism to the aviation industry a century ago, noting that just as air travel became more affordable over time, so too will space travel.
SpaceVIP’s cosmic dining experience is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative era in commercial space travel. Chiporukha emphasized, “SpaceVIP will continue to promote the transformative power of space travel as a way to elevate human consciousness and shape the course of our collective evolution.”
Supporting STEM Education
The proceeds from SpaceVIP’s space dining adventure will benefit the Space Prize Foundation, an initiative established to support women in STEM education and advance gender equity within the space economy.
