What is the name of the new high-altitude balloon-based space tourism startup acquired by Spain-based Eos X Space in January 2026?

The high-altitude balloon-based space tourism startup acquired by Spain-based Eos X Space in January 2026 is Space Perspective. This acquisition marked a significant development in the burgeoning field of near-space tourism, bringing together two companies with a shared vision for offering gentle, luxurious journeys to the edge of space. Space Perspective, founded in 2018, developed the "Spaceship Neptune," a pressurized capsule designed to carry passengers to altitudes of around 100,000 feet (approximately 30,480 meters) using a massive hydrogen-filled balloon.

Before the acquisition, Space Perspective had made strides in its development, including a successful uncrewed test flight of its "Excelsior" capsule in September 2024, reaching its target altitude and returning safely. The company aimed to provide a unique and accessible space tourism experience, distinct from rocket-powered flights, by offering a smooth, six-hour journey where passengers could witness the Earth's curvature against the blackness of space without experiencing intense G-forces or weightlessness. Tickets for these serene voyages were initially priced around $125,000 per seat.

Eos X Space, a company founded in 2020 and headquartered in Seville, Spain, also specializes in stratospheric tourism using helium balloons and pressurized capsules. The acquisition of Space Perspective by Eos X Space in January 2026 was a strategic move to accelerate international expansion, consolidate technology, and position the combined entity as a major player in the global private space tourism market. While Space Perspective had faced financial difficulties prior to the acquisition, the deal was seen as a lifeline, allowing the company to continue its development programs under U.S. leadership and corporate structure, ultimately aiming to make manned space tourism a reality. This merger highlights the growing interest and investment in alternative methods of space access, focusing on comfort and a unique viewing experience rather than extreme speeds.