Starting in 2025, a Paris agency known for outrageous and lavish engagement proposal packages, will be offering couples a robot-hosted, seven-hour romantic adventure to the stratosphere and back for the tidy sum of 750,000 euros ($808,000).
ApoteoSurprise described how the couple will board a sleek, futuristic spherical space capsule hours before sunrise. Equipped with state-of-the-art comforts, the cabin will be equipped with an elegantly set dining table reminiscent of the most refined Parisian eateries.
As they start their slow, two-hour, pilot-assisted ascent into space, the couple will be introduced to StellarEmbrace, an AI-trained robot who will present the soon-to-be fiancée with a bouquet of roses.
StellarEmbrace is able to recognize body language, facial expressions, tone and vocabulary. The robot will respond to the couple's beck and call and is ready to field questions, converse, serenade and dance.
Propelled by a helium-inflated stratospheric balloon, the craft will pass through the troposphere (10 km, 6.2 mi) and into the stratosphere at about 32 miles (50 km) above the Earth's surface.
ApoteoSurprise noted that the towering windows of the capsule will offer awe-inspiring 360-degree views and a unique perspective of our planet. In the darkness of night, they will be able to see the countless networks of luminous cityscapes and roadways.
In the first phase of the trip, the robot will serve glasses of champagne, orange juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and freshly baked croissants.
As the sun rises, the capsule will be at its full cruising altitude. From that vantage point, the couple will see the bluish halo of the atmosphere, and the pitch-black expanse of space, bejeweled by a multitude of stars. It's a view that only 600 humans have ever experienced. ApoteoSurprise noted that the couple will feel a profound connection with all of humanity, forever altering their perception of our world.
StellarEmbrace will then invite the couple to gather around the central table, where it will serve a food and wine pairing curated by a French Michelin-starred chef. The menu features puffed scallops, a duet of lobster and truffles, matured caviar with milk flower, honey-lacquered roast supreme and a crisp grapefruit.
Also accompanying the experience is a space-theme playlist, including iconic tracks, such as "Space Oddity" by David Bowie, "Across the Universe" by The Beatles, "Rocket Man" by Elton John and "Walking on the Moon" by Police.
But just before dessert, StellarEmbrace will playfully interject that something very important has been forgotten.
ApoteoSurprise noted that the robot will then make its way backstage and promptly return, clutching a luminous chest straight out of a science-fiction film. The suitor will input a secret code on the chest's screen, and a resonant electronic tone will announce the unveiling of a box containing an engagement ring.
At that moment, the suitor will pop the question, "forever sealing your love within the eternity of space!"
StellarEmbrace will break into applause, moved to tears, joyously sharing in the celebration.
A bit later, noted ApoteoSurprise, the capsule will begin its two-hour descent.
All the while, the robot will have filmed every moment — from the couple's arrival at the capsule to their final farewells.
Credit: Image courtesy of ApoteoSurprise.