José Mariano López Urdiales – Zero 2 Infinity

José Mariano López Urdiales is building a brighter future in which access to Space is frequent, affordable, secure and reliable for everyone.

One of the most passionate presentations during the 2nd ELEVATE Space & Sustainability Conference was made by the Spanish aerospace engineer, José Mariano López Urdiales, the founder of Zero 2 Infinity (0II∞).

Headquartered in Barberà del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain, Zero 2 Infinity is a private Spanish company developing high-altitude balloons intended to provide access to near space and low Earth orbit using a balloon-borne pod and a balloon-borne launcher.

José’s mission is to enable people with a project and a passion to place themselves above the Earth in order to collect rich data, take high-definition images, manage communications, and more.

“Zero 2 Infinity is a purveyor of Elevation. Literally. We take things, and soon people, up very high. High enough that the sky is black,” – says José.

Did you always want to work in the field of space-tech?

“Yes, as far back as I can remember. My father is an astrophysicist, and I grew up in a household where space was very present. I have always felt the need to make space more accessible to all.

Zero 2 Infinity is known for its unique approach to accessing space using high-altitude balloons.”

Could you explain the key advantages of this method compared to traditional rocket launches?

“Balloons were the first means used by humans to reach altitudes where the sky is black, the curvature of the Earth is visible and the Earth itself looks blue. Balloons are inherently safe and comfortable, additionally, their cost is much more affordable than that of rockets, even reusable rockets. 

Most of our clients have excellent memories of having flown on balloons, maybe in Turkey or in New Mexico. It’s exceedingly rare to find a customer that can say the same thing about their experience on board a rocket. Finally, the fact that our balloons have zero emissions tilts the balance for those who want to see the Earth from space, but are also environmentally conscious.”

How does Zero 2 Infinity ensure the safety and reliability of its balloon-based launch system for payloads and astronauts?

“That’s an excellent question, and we could write hundreds of pages about it. The key is using only well-proven systems that are readily available. As much as we love research and development, we leave that for future projects. All we propose uses hardware that has existed for decades.”

What are the key technical challenges and innovations that Zero 2 Infinity has encountered and developed in the process of designing and operating high-altitude balloons for space launches?

“One of the challenges has been reducing cost. Traditionally, components for space are very expensive. We have found that components from other industries are often better, more reliable, and far more economical. Slowly but surely we have qualified those components, extending the range of use to space.”

Zero 2 Infinity is committed to sustainability in space access. Can you elaborate on the company’s environmentally friendly initiatives and how it minimizes the environmental impact of its operations?

“Our balloons use helium, which is a noble gas and has no effect on the atmosphere. We recycle the balloons and reuse the capsules. There is no environmental footprint. On top of that, our rides to the edge of space can carry instruments to better understand and measure in-situ the changes in our atmosphere and planet.”

Do you want to travel to space?

“Absolutely, I’ve always wanted to. As a young adult, people would say to me, “hey JM, you got grades, went to MIT, are fit, studied Russian, it seems you could be an ideal astronaut candidate”. 

I would always say the same thing. I want to go, but the way for me to go is not through tax collection, but by making it easier for others to make their dream of spaceflight come true.”

Do you think that space tourism helps to accelerate the industry? How does Zero 2 Infinity plan to contribute to the emerging market of space tourism, and what experiences can potential customers expect?

“Leisure accelerates all industries. We have powerful computers because of videogames, we have efficient aircraft because of tourism. It is always like that. Why would space be different? 

We will provide an accessible first step for aspiring private space explorers. We will take them safely to 36 km of altitude (twice as high as Concorde) where they will stay for 2 hours and enjoy the most breathtaking views of our home planet.”

Could you provide insights into the research and development efforts within Zero 2 Infinity, including any upcoming projects or technological advancements that the company is working on?

“We are working  on a satellite launcher that uses a balloon to get outside of the dense layers of the atmosphere. This is ideal for small satellites. We have patented it and done some tests already. The market is very interested in this capability.”

The space industry is highly competitive and rapidly evolving. How does Zero 2 Infinity plan to stay competitive and continue to innovate in the coming years?

“Our company is not called Zero 2 36 km, nor Zero 2 Low Earth Orbit. The Infinity is there for a reason. We have a vision and a roadmap to go much further. 

We want to be the place that most of the non-U.S. space professionals want to work at.”

Do you think ELEVATE can help people to understand better space technology and sustainability?

“I praise Zsolt and his team. They have done a great job making space more understandable to Monégasque audiences. And his focus on sustainability is right in the zeitgeist. ELEVATE felt very intimate, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Zsolt has managed to bring space closer to the public.”

Did you like the audience questions at ELEVATE?

“It’s always a great feeling when you connect with the audience and can tell they got it. The questions were excellent, and I foresee some will evolve into longer conversations.” 

Zero 2 Infinity has been testing high-altitude balloons and launching small payloads to high altitudes for scientific institutions and commercial firms for testing elements above most of the Earth’s atmosphere. Their launch system has a significantly lower impact on the environment, an advantage over conventional systems. 

José runs a great company that does not lose focus on the sacred combination of technology, research and sustainability. We all applaud him (especially since one of their solutions is called ELEVATE).

Read the full and illustrated interview in the Winter 2023 edition of the Living in Monaco, the Monaco Residents’ Magazine.