Hydrogen Space Balloon (with Jane Poynter & Ali Rohde)

Biosphere Experience

Jane Poynter shares her unique experience of living inside Biosphere 2, a sealed environment designed to mimic Earth's ecosystems. She describes the biosphere as a self-sustaining world where she was acutely aware of her dependence on the plants around her for oxygen and food 1. "We were eating so many sweet potatoes that we were turning orange," Jane humorously recalls, highlighting the challenges of this isolated living 1. Her time in the biosphere instilled a deep understanding of the delicate balance required to maintain life, a perspective she carries into her current ventures.

   

Space Transition

Transitioning from Biosphere 2, Jane and her husband, Taber MacCallum, founded Paragon to develop technologies for extreme environments like Mars 2. Their innovative approach led to the concept of using a space balloon to make space travel more accessible. "What do you think about taking people to space using an enormous balloon?" Taber asked, sparking the idea that would become Space Perspective 2. The space balloon offers a comfortable and safe experience, eliminating the barriers of traditional space travel, and allowing passengers to enjoy breathtaking views without the disorientation of microgravity 3.