McLaren P1 designer Frank Stephenson is creating a spaceship

Frank Stephenson has been appointed the lead designer for HALO’s aerospace capsule. The near-space tourism company is developing a zero-emission flight programme to take passengers to the edge of space and Stephenson's design agency is doing the vehicle.

That can only be a good thing. This is the same guy that paved the way for the modern Mini, designed the first BMW SUV – the X5, if you were wondering – and of course, imagined the McLaren P1, among others. Safe to say, the dude knows grand design.

The spaceship – can we call it that? – needs to be capable of making the six-hour stratospheric journey to put punters almost 25 miles above the surface of Earth. It’s going to be balloon-like to enable aforementioned clientele a 360-degree view.

The lightweight capsule will carry eight brave souls and a skilled one – the pilot, who will get to "experience the Overview Effect". If there was ever a view to give you real perspective on your place in the world, we agree the Karman Line is where it’s at.

Stephenson himself said: “Frank Stephenson Design is extremely excited to commence this project in partnership with HALO Space and is confident in delivering a stunning, sustainable near-space passenger experience realised through innovative, groundbreaking design. This further cements FSD’s position as leading the future of mobility across land, sea and space.”

We won’t have long to wait before tickets to ride go on sale either. The first commercial flight is planned for 2025.