On October 11, 2023, Zephalto, a global leader in stratospheric travel, successfully completed a series of scientific missions during a manned test flight aboard a reusable balloon. This first prototype of a pressurized capsule collected data enabling laboratories to analyze the composition of the atmosphere.
The flight confirmed the balloon’s excellent control performance, including several controlled altitude changes and precise adjustments to the ascent and descent rates, and concluded with a soft landing.
The Saica Group, and more specifically the Saica Pack Toulouse (31) plant, is proud to have contributed to this scientific project by manufacturing the balloon’s landing pad. This corrugated cardboard support was designed to protect the capsule during landing. Lightweight, the landing pad is made from recycled and recyclable materials, resulting in low CO2 emissions.
This double-fluted, large-format landing pad (2200x2200x800 mm) features a reinforced honeycomb structure with a central cutout to protect the test capsule, which is secured within.
Mathieu Boutonnet, Engineering Manager at Saica Pack Toulouse, said: “We are delighted to have contributed to the success of a local company’s project by designing an innovative, albeit unusual, solution. It required an enthusiastic team effort and numerous tests to ensure full compliance with aviation safety standards.”
This dream of space travel has become a reality and aligns with the Saica Group’s values of “We Care, We Value, We Challenge.” Developing a solution like this landing pad is an incredible technological challenge that we have met with our customers, in complete safety and with respect for the environment.
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