A Japanese start-up called Iwaya Giken has announced the start of a commercial Balloon rides for space observation.

The company, based in Sapporo in northern Japan, has been working on the project since 2012 reports The Associated Press.

According to Iwaya Giken, it has developed an airtight two-seat cabin and a balloon that can soar to an altitude of 15 miles where the curvature of the earth is clearly visible.

CEO Keisuke Iwaya said he has “loved science and space” since childhood and was told by Dr. Emmet Brown from Back to the Future.

A flight would initially cost around $180,000. However, Iwaya said he wants to eventually scale it down to tens of thousands of dollars.

Iwaya Giken said drivers don’t need billions in their bank accounts to fly. Extensive training and technical language skills are also not required.

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“It’s safe, economical and gentle on people,” Iwaya said. “The idea is to make space tourism accessible to everyone.”

At launch, the Iwaya-Giken balloon is inflated with helium, which can be largely reused. The ship can carry one pilot and one passenger.

The balloon would take off from a balloon port in Hokkaido, ascend to a distance of 15 miles above the surface of the earth over two hours, and remain there for an hour before descending for an hour.

The balloon features a 4.9-foot-wide, airtight cabin and large windows that allow for views of space.

Applications for the space sightseeing trip are now being accepted. The first five selected passengers will be announced in October.

The company said the first voyage into space could launch later this year.

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