Answers to Common Questions about Space Tourism

Taking a trip to the outer space may sound much like fiction, right? But it is now possible. Unlike the days of Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon, space tourism today does not require scientific qualifications.

If you are interested in travelling to space, many questions are probably running through your mind. Is it possible to travel to space? How much does it cost? Is it safe? Well, here are the answers to the common questions about space tourism.

What is Space Tourism? 

Space tourism is travelling in outer space. You simply get into spacecraft, and off you go out of the earth’s atmosphere.

Any interested person can travel to space without requiring background studies in space science. Indeed, the first few people to travel to space were business people. However, you might need some training before leaving for space.

Which Companies and Tour Agencies are involved? 

The first space tourism flight was organized by Space Adventures together with Roscosmos. 

But more companies have entered the space tourism industry to cater to the growing demand.

Top space tourism companies today include Virgin Galactic started by Sir Richard Branson, SpaceX started by Elon Musk, and Blue Origin.

What is the History of Space Tourism? 

Space tourism dates back to 2000s when Space Adventures, a Russian Space

Agency,organized and took the first seven tourists into space. The first person to travel to space as a tourist was Dennis Tito. 

Despite the growing demand for space tourists, the space agency canceled the program in 2010 after realizing that members of the NASA’s Space Shuttle program wanted to book some seats.

What is the Difference between Early Space Tourism and Current One? 

When space tourism started in the 2000s, the agencies at the heart of the industry, such as Space Adventures did not have own space crafts. Instead, they partnered with Russian space missions to get seats on existing crafts such as Soyuz.

But the companies involved today are working on their own crafts.

For example, Virgin Galactic is developing own SpaceShipTwo while Orion Span is preparing to build a hotel in the outer space.  

How much will I Pay for Space Tourism? 

Well, it will not be cheap. Most space tourism companies are charging in excess of one million for a few days’ tour in space.

For example, Orion Span has tagged its much-hyped 12-day space tour at $9.5 million.

The cheapest company is Virgin Galactic that is charging $250,000 for a seat. However, the trip is very short.