The Ultimate Guide to Space Tourism: What You Need to Know Before Booking Your Trip

Are you thinking about booking a trip to space? You're not alone! Space tourism has been a dream for many people, and it's finally becoming a reality. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know before booking your space trip. From the history of commercial space flight to the cost of space tourism, we've got you covered. Let's get started!

Introduction to Space Tourism

Space tourism is the term used to describe the practice of traveling into space for recreational purposes. It's a relatively new concept, but it's gaining popularity quickly. Space tourism can include trips to suborbital space, orbital space, or even beyond our solar system. The idea of space tourism has been around since the 1960s, but it wasn't until the 1990s that private companies started to seriously consider it. The first space tourist was Dennis Tito, who paid $20 million to travel to the International Space Station in 2001. Since then, several other people have followed in his footsteps.

Blue Origin crew capsule, were every passenger gets their own window seat. (Image credit: Blue Origin)

The history of Commercial Space Flight

The history of commercial space flight dates back to the 1980s, when NASA began working with private companies to develop reusable spacecraft. The Space Shuttle program was launched in 1981 and ran until 2011. During this time, private companies were able to bid on contracts to provide services to NASA, such as launching satellites. In the 1990s, the idea of space tourism started to gain traction. The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, began selling seats on their Soyuz spacecraft to tourists. In 2001, Dennis Tito became the first space tourist, and since then, several other people have followed in his footsteps.

The Current State of Space Tourism

Currently, there are a few companies offering space tourism experiences. These include Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are focused on suborbital flights, while SpaceX is planning to send tourists on a trip around the Moon. Virgin Galactic has been also very successful with launching its first commercial flight. Blue Origin has completed several flights and took individuals from different background to space aboard the New Shepard rocket, including William Shatner, also known as StarTrek’s Captain Kirk. SpaceX already has a crew that they’ll take on lunar tourism mission, however the timeline will largely depend on the development of Starship’s Orbital Prototype.

The Cost of Space Tourism - How Much Does it Cost to Go to Space?

The cost of space tourism varies depending on the company and the type of trip. VirginGalactic's suborbital flights are currently priced at $450,000 per ticket. While Blue Origin charges $300,000 for its suborbital flights. SpaceX's lunar tourism mission is expected to cost tens of million dollars per ticket. While these prices may seem steep, they are actually much lower than the cost of previous space tourism trips. Dennis Tito paid $20 million for his trip to the International Space Station in 2001.

Virgin Galactic’s First Spaceflight on 13 December 2018. (Image credit: Virgin Galactic)

How to Book a Space Trip - Space Tourism Companies and Their Offers

If you're interested in booking a space trip, there are a few companies to choose from. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are currently offering suborbital flights, while SpaceX is planning a lunar tourism mission. To book a trip with Virgin Galactic or Blue Origin, you can visit their respective websites and fill out an inquiry form. SpaceX has not yet announced when it will start selling tickets for its lunar tourism mission, but you can sign up on their website to receive updates.

What to Expect During a Space Trip - Commercial Space Travel Explained

Commercial space travel is a unique experience that few people have had the opportunity to enjoy. Suborbital flights typically last a few minutes and offer passengers the chance to experience weightlessness. Lunar tourism missions will last several days and will include a trip around the Moon.

Safety Precautions for Space Tourists

While space tourism is still in its early stages, safety is a top priority for all companies involved. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin have both experienced setbacks during their development, but they have taken steps to improve safety measures. SpaceX has a track record of successful launches and landings with its Falcon 9 rocket.

The Future of Space Tourism

Tourism is the practice of traveling for pleasure or recreation. Space tourism is a unique form of tourism that offers travelers the opportunity to travel to space. While it is still in its early stages, space tourism is expected to become more popular in the coming years. The future of space tourism is bright.

As technology advances and costs come down, more people will have the opportunity to experience space travel. In the coming years, we can expect to see more companies enter the space tourism industry, offering a variety of experiences and destinations.