If you want to buy a space flight ticket, you’ll have to pick from three main categories. The choices depend on how high you want to go and how long you want to stay out there.
Suborbital flights let you experience a few minutes of weightlessness for a lower price. Orbital missions, on the other hand, keep you circling Earth or visiting the International Space Station for days or even weeks.
Suborbital flights climb to altitudes between 62 and 70 miles above Earth. You’ll get about 3-4 minutes of weightlessness before coming back down.
Virgin Galactic runs SpaceShipTwo flights from New Mexico’s Spaceport America. Tickets go for $450,000 per seat. The whole experience takes around 90 minutes from takeoff to landing.
Blue Origin launches its New Shepard rockets from West Texas. Their automated capsule brings six passengers just past the 100-kilometer space boundary. Lately, seat prices have hovered around $450,000, at least according to recent auctions.
Orbital flights zip around Earth at 17,500 miles per hour and soar above 250 miles in altitude. These trips last several days or even weeks, depending on where you’re headed.
SpaceX uses Crew Dragon capsules launched atop Falcon 9 rockets from Kennedy Space Center. Orbital tickets start at $55 million per person, usually booked through companies like Axiom Space.
Training for these flights really isn’t the same. Suborbital passengers just need 2-3 days of safety prep. If you’re going orbital, you’re looking at 15 weeks of intense astronaut training—think spacecraft systems, emergency drills, and all that.
The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes and sits about 250 miles above us. Private citizens can book 8-14 day stays through specialized space tourism brokers.
Axiom Space runs most civilian ISS missions using SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Their Ax missions take up to four passengers to the station. Travelers live alongside professional astronauts in pressurized modules.
Mission costs typically land between $55-70 million per seat. That includes the SpaceX launch, ISS docking fees, and a full pre-flight training program at facilities in California and Texas.
Russian Soyuz spacecraft also bring paying customers to the ISS via Space Adventures. These launches happen at Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome. Space Adventures has pulled off nine civilian missions since 2001.
Training programs last 15-20 weeks and cover spacecraft operations and emergency protocols. Passengers learn how to move in microgravity and work communication gear. They also get hands-on with scientific experiments and photography for their trip.
ISS visitors often join educational outreach, chat with students over ham radio, and work on personal research while aboard.
Lunar tourism is the newest, boldest thing in commercial space travel. SpaceX wants to fly private citizens around the Moon using Starship spacecraft on week-long trips.
Some wealthy folks have already put down deposits for these lunar flights, but there aren’t any firm launch dates yet. These trips won’t land on the Moon—they’ll just orbit it before heading home.
Ticket prices for lunar missions currently range from $100-200 million per person. Training is no joke—expect a full year covering long-duration spaceflight and lunar protocols.
Mars travel is still just a dream for now. SpaceX has sketched out plans for civilian Mars missions using Starship, but nothing’s for sale yet. These journeys would last 6-9 months each way, with long stays on the surface.
Nobody can buy Mars tourism tickets yet. The missions need huge advances in life support and radiation protection.
NASA’s Artemis program is working on lunar infrastructure that might one day support tourists. Private companies are also designing Moon bases and surface habitats for future commercial use.
Buying a ticket to space isn’t like booking a regular vacation. You’ll need to navigate everything from direct company websites to specialized space tourism agencies.
Most providers want hefty deposits up front. Some offer payment plans, but only for people who qualify.
Virgin Galactic has the simplest direct booking for suborbital flights. You can reserve a seat on their official website by putting down a $150,000 deposit toward the $450,000 ticket. They use a waitlist that gives priority to early reservations and those who pay in full.
Blue Origin does things a bit differently for New Shepard flights. Sometimes they auction seats to the highest bidder, but they also take direct reservations. Usually, you start with a $25,000 deposit, though final prices hover around $450,000 these days.
SpaceX doesn’t sell tickets directly to individuals. They only work through authorized brokers and space tourism companies for civilian flights.
Most direct booking systems ask you to fill out a health questionnaire before you can lock in your spot. Companies use these forms to weed out obvious medical issues early.
Axiom Space acts as the main booking agent for SpaceX orbital trips to the International Space Station. Their Ax missions run $55-70 million per seat and include serious training. Customers start with a $1 million deposit before medical checks begin.
Space Adventures handles bookings for Russian Soyuz flights to the ISS. They’ve arranged nine civilian missions since 2001 and keep close ties with Roscosmos for future flights. Their booking process involves extensive background checks because of international rules.
Some up-and-coming platforms are building reservation systems for future space trips. These usually ask for smaller initial deposits, but they might not have confirmed launch dates or even finished spacecraft.
Space travel agencies often bundle training, accommodation, and ground transport into package deals. These all-in-one packages can make life easier if you want the full experience.
Space flight tickets require big upfront payments. Virgin Galactic’s $150,000 deposit is about a third of the total ticket price, with the rest due before your flight is assigned.
Blue Origin expects full payment before confirming your flight date. They’ll sometimes offer payment plans if you pass their financial checks. You’ll need to prove you have the money before they start medical evaluations.
Deposits for orbital flights are even higher. Axiom Space wants $1 million down for ISS missions to cover initial training and medical screenings. The remaining $54-69 million is due in stages as the flight approaches.
Most companies take wire transfers, certified checks, and even some cryptocurrencies. Credit cards? Not really—they’re too risky for these massive amounts.
Space flight tickets can run from $125,000 for balloon flights all the way up to $55 million or more for orbital missions. The price depends on how high you go, how long you stay, and which company you choose.
Suborbital flights usually cost between $250,000 and $450,000 per seat. Virgin Galactic charges $450,000 for its 90-minute SpaceShipTwo ride. Blue Origin’s New Shepard flights are about $250,000 to $300,000 for most passengers.
These trips take you above 62 miles. You’ll float for 3-4 minutes and get a stunning view of Earth’s curve.
Space Perspective offers something gentler at $125,000 per ticket. Their balloon-based system drifts eight passengers up to 20 miles high over six hours. There’s no rocket, so no wild g-forces.
Orbital flights are the luxury option in space tourism. SpaceX charges $50-55 million per seat for Crew Dragon missions to the ISS. These multi-day trips include lots of astronaut training and up to eight days in space.
Private orbital missions without ISS docking cost from $250,000 to $5 million per seat, depending on the mission and spacecraft.
| Flight Type | Price Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Balloon flights | $125,000 | 6 hours |
| Suborbital | $250,000 – $450,000 | 10-15 minutes |
| Orbital | $50-55 million | 3-10 days |
Spacecraft technology has a huge impact on price. SpaceX’s reusable Falcon 9 rockets cost $67 million per launch, way less than the $160 million for old-school rockets. That 70% savings lets companies offer lower ticket prices.
Reusable rockets spread manufacturing costs over multiple flights. SpaceX breaks even after two launches and saves money with every flight after that.
Mission complexity bumps up the price fast. Suborbital flights only need basic life support for 15 minutes. Orbital missions require advanced systems for days or weeks in space.
Orbital flights also need heat shields for reentry, docking gear, and more. All those extras drive up costs.
Passenger capacity changes ticket prices, too. Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo can carry six people, so costs get split up more. Smaller vehicles with fewer seats usually charge more per person.
Training requirements add up. Suborbital passengers do basic safety briefings. Orbital travelers need 6-12 months of astronaut training, costing $25,000 to $45,000.
Premium training packages can really hike up the total bill. Medical screenings cost $5,000 to $10,000 per person. You’ll go through stress tests, psychological checks, and fitness assessments.
Centrifuge training runs $3,000 to $8,000 extra. Zero gravity flights tack on another $5,000 to $7,500. These help you get ready for launch forces and weightlessness.
Custom equipment can add $15,000 to $25,000 per passenger. Companies fit you with custom spacesuits, life support, and emergency gear.
Insurance coverage costs $5,000 to $10,000 per person. That covers medical emergencies, equipment failures, and canceled missions.
Launch operations sneak in extra costs, too. Ground crew operations cost $1-2 million per launch. Rocket fuel alone can run $200,000 to $600,000 each mission.
Weather delays and rescheduling mean you might have to stay longer at the launch site. Premium accommodations and extra training during delays can cost $1,000 to $3,000 per day.
Some companies offer VIP experiences with private facilities, dedicated staff, and exclusive launch viewing. These premium packages can double your ticket price.
Several companies now offer commercial space travel reservations with real spacecraft and working launch systems. Virgin Galactic is probably your easiest entry point for suborbital trips, while SpaceX handles orbital missions. Blue Origin focuses on automated passenger flights.
Virgin Galactic runs the world’s first commercial spaceplane service out of Spaceport America in New Mexico. The VSS Unity spacecraft carries passengers to 50 miles high for about four minutes of weightlessness and a killer view of Earth’s curve.
Tickets cost $450,000 per seat and include a three-day training program. The trip starts with passengers boarding the twin-fuselage VMS Eve carrier aircraft. At 50,000 feet, Unity separates and fires its rocket motor for a 60-second burn to reach space.
Each flight takes six passengers plus two pilots. The cabin has big windows, and you can unbuckle to float during weightlessness. Virgin Galactic has already completed several crewed flights and keeps an active waitlist with hundreds of hopeful customers.
You’ll need to pass a basic medical screening, but you don’t have to do full-on astronaut training. The whole thing, from takeoff to landing, takes about 90 minutes.
SpaceX offers a broad mix of space travel options with its Dragon capsule and the upcoming Starship. You can book orbital flights that last several days, or even look ahead to possible lunar trips as a civilian.
Dragon missions take off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Falcon 9 rockets. These flights reach altitudes above 350 miles, which is way higher than what suborbital rivals can manage.
SpaceX has already flown private crews on multi-day, fully orbital flights. That’s not something you see every day.
Mission costs start at about $55 million per seat for trips to the International Space Station. If you skip the docking and just want an orbital flight, it’s a bit less, but still in the tens of millions per person.
SpaceX expects you to train for months before you fly. It’s not a quick process.
With Starship, SpaceX aims for lunar tourism and maybe even Mars travel. These missions could last weeks or months. It’s easily the boldest civilian space travel plan on the table right now.
Blue Origin runs New Shepard suborbital flights out of West Texas. The rocket’s fully automated, so there’s no pilot—just you and the system, which is all about passenger safety.
The capsule climbs to 350,000 feet and gives you four minutes of weightlessness. Big windows let you soak in those crazy Earth views. They fit six people per flight.
Blue Origin really leans into smooth acceleration and a gentle landing. Tickets go for about $250,000 each and you only need a single day of training to get ready.
The whole flight wraps up in about 10 minutes, start to finish. Blue Origin has flown plenty of uncrewed tests and several successful crewed flights. They’ve stuck to strict safety protocols and haven’t had any passenger safety incidents.
SpaceX gives civilian passengers two main spacecraft choices for commercial spaceflight. You can fly Dragon for Earth orbit missions right now, or look forward to Starship for deeper space trips.
Dragon takes up to seven people on multi-day flights around Earth. This capsule has already carried civilian crews, so it’s not just a theory—you really can get spectacular views of Earth from space.
These flights usually last three or four days. Passengers float in weightlessness, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes. The windows are huge, perfect for sightseeing and snapping photos.
Current Dragon capabilities include:
SpaceX launches Dragon on the Falcon 9 rocket, which has safely carried both NASA astronauts and paying customers to orbit and back.
Dragon flights cost less than older space tourism options. You’ll do basic training before flying, but you don’t need to train like a career astronaut.
Now, private citizens can grab seats on Dragon capsules heading to the International Space Station. These trips offer the most immersive space experience available to civilians.
ISS visits last 8-12 days. You’ll live and work alongside professional astronauts from NASA and other agencies. Passengers join in on scientific experiments and educational activities.
ISS mission highlights:
Dragon docks with the ISS using automated systems. There’s no need for manual piloting.
SpaceX works directly with NASA and international partners to coordinate these civilian missions. You’ll need to pass medical checks and safety training before you go.
As Dragon flies more often, SpaceX plans to open up more civilian seats for ISS trips. The schedule keeps getting refined, so more people will get their shot at space.
Space tourism companies set specific eligibility and health standards to keep passengers safe. The application process includes medical evaluations, training requirements, and selection steps that differ by operator.
Most spaceflight operators want passengers between 18 and 75. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin usually cap it at 75, but SpaceX might be more flexible depending on the mission.
Cardiovascular health is the biggest concern. You’ll need to pass a full medical exam—think stress tests, blood pressure checks, and heart rhythm monitoring. If you’ve got serious heart issues or uncontrolled hypertension, you’re probably out.
Weight limits depend on the spacecraft. Virgin Galactic asks for 110-250 pounds. Blue Origin is similar. SpaceX Dragon allows for a wider range because the capsule is bigger.
Mental health screening is also part of the deal. Operators look for issues like claustrophobia, anxiety, or panic that could cause problems in a small spacecraft. Pregnancy is an automatic no-go, since nobody really knows how space affects unborn babies.
You’ll start with a health questionnaire and a check to make sure you can pay (or at least put down a big deposit). Tickets range from $450,000 to several million, depending on the flight.
Medical exams happen at approved aerospace medicine centers. Passengers try out centrifuge rides to see how they handle launch and reentry G-forces. This helps weed out folks who get motion sick or can’t deal with the stress.
Training for suborbital flights takes one to three days. You’ll learn about the spacecraft, emergency steps, and get a taste of zero gravity simulation. If you’re going orbital, expect weeks of prep, including learning about the capsule and practicing in a space suit.
Final selection usually happens within 72 hours of launch. It depends on your medical status, weather, and technical checks. Companies keep waitlists and can swap out passengers if someone can’t go at the last minute.
Space companies run training programs to get civilians ready for the physical and mental challenges of space. Launch day routines follow strict safety protocols.
Space tourist training really depends on your mission. Virgin Galactic does three-day programs at Spaceport America in New Mexico for SpaceShipTwo flights.
Blue Origin’s training lasts two days near their West Texas site. You’ll learn to handle 3.5 Gs at launch and practice moving around during three minutes of weightlessness.
Training Duration by Mission Type:
SpaceX teams up with Axiom Space for deep training on orbital missions. Crew members train at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and SpaceX facilities in California. The program covers Dragon systems, emergencies, and ISS procedures.
Medical checks are a big part of prep. Candidates go through cardiovascular stress tests, blood pressure monitoring, and balance tests. The FAA sets baseline medical standards.
Centrifuge training gets you used to launch and reentry forces. The NASTAR Center near Philly has the gear to simulate those Gs.
Physical training focuses on cardio and flexibility. You’ll practice moving in tight spaces with a pressure suit and learn how to position yourself for launch and landing.
Launch day starts with last-minute medical checks and suit fittings. Crew members arrive at the site hours before liftoff to finish pre-flight steps.
Blue Origin passengers board New Shepard through the capsule hatch. The spacecraft flies itself, so you don’t have to worry about piloting.
Virgin Galactic crews board SpaceShipTwo while it’s still attached to the WhiteKnightTwo carrier plane. The rocket ship drops at 50,000 feet, then fires its engine.
SpaceX Dragon launches use NASA’s commercial crew process. Passengers feel about nine minutes of acceleration before hitting orbit for their multi-day trip.
Ground control talks to the crew the whole time. Launch directors keep an eye on weather, systems, and passenger health during ascent.
If something goes wrong, emergency abort systems kick in automatically. Passengers stay strapped in while onboard computers handle safety protocols and get everyone back down.
Space tourists get to experience weightlessness for several minutes, all while wearing specialized spacesuits built for civilians. Modern spacecraft keep the environment controlled so you can float and move safely in zero gravity.
On suborbital flights with Virgin Galactic, you’ll feel real weightlessness for about 3-4 minutes. This kicks in as the ship reaches its highest point, roughly 50 miles up.
During those moments, you can unbuckle and float around the cabin. Some people do somersaults, others just drift and take it all in.
SpaceX orbital flights let you experience weightlessness for days. Passengers on Dragon orbit Earth every 90 minutes, floating the whole time.
The cabin stays pressurized and comfy. Big windows let you watch Earth and space while you’re weightless.
Flight attendants or mission specialists help you move safely. They show you how to control your body and get around in tight quarters.
Space tourists wear lightweight flight suits, not the bulky old-school spacesuits. These suits give you basic life support and let you stay in touch with the crew, but they’re designed for comfort and movement.
Virgin Galactic outfits passengers with custom Under Armour suits. They include built-in comms and temperature control, made just for suborbital flights.
SpaceX crew members wear sleek pressure suits that auto-pressurize if needed. The suits plug right into the spacecraft’s life support at each seat.
Each passenger gets a helmet with built-in comms and oxygen connections. The visors don’t fog up, and the padding keeps you comfortable for hours.
Safety gear includes personal oxygen and emergency breathing masks. You’ll also get special footwear with grippy soles to help you move during weightless periods.
Commercial spaceflight companies keep detailed safety records and have solid emergency response systems in place. They follow strict federal regulations and industry best practices built on decades of spaceflight experience.
Major commercial spaceflight companies post detailed safety data for passengers to check out before booking.
SpaceX stands out with more than 200 successful launches and keeps mission reports for every flight.
The Federal Aviation Administration asks all commercial space operators to get licenses before they fly people into space.
Companies have to prove their vehicles meet strict safety standards and run through a lot of testing.
Virgin Galactic has flown several crewed test flights and always shares post-flight analysis.
Blue Origin ran plenty of uncrewed test missions before letting passengers on board.
Both companies give safety stats and performance data to regulators.
Key Safety Metrics to Review:
Passengers can find safety reports on company websites and in FAA databases.
These documents talk about backup systems, redundant safety features, and crew qualifications.
Commercial spacecraft come with several emergency systems that protect passengers during every phase of flight.
Launch escape systems can pull crew capsules away from rockets in seconds if something goes wrong during ascent.
Each passenger gets a safety briefing about emergency procedures before flight.
Training covers pressure suit use, emergency communications, and landing protocols.
Crew members regularly practice emergency scenarios to stay ready.
Ground control teams watch every part of the mission.
Mission controllers can abort flights instantly if they spot any safety issues.
Backup landing sites stay available throughout the flight.
Standard Emergency Equipment:
Recovery teams wait at different spots along flight paths.
These teams can respond fast to any landing, planned or not.
The space tourism industry keeps expanding as new rocket tech makes trips safer and a bit more affordable.
Public access slowly gets better as companies lower costs and ramp up training programs.
SpaceX leads technological advancement with reusable Falcon 9 rockets, slashing launch costs by up to 90% compared to old-school systems.
The Dragon capsule has already flown multiple crews to the International Space Station.
Blue Origin flies its New Shepard vehicle for 11-minute suborbital trips, reaching 62 miles above Earth.
Virgin Galactic uses a different approach.
Their VSS Unity launches from a carrier aircraft at 50,000 feet.
This method cuts fuel needs and gives passengers a smoother ride.
Reusable rocket technology changes the economics of space travel.
Now, companies can fly the same rocket over and over, instead of building a new one every time.
That shift drops ticket prices from millions to hundreds of thousands.
New spacecraft designs focus on comfort and safety.
Modern vehicles have bigger windows for Earth views, comfy seating, and advanced life support.
Companies test these features thoroughly before letting paying customers on board.
Ticket prices keep dropping as technology improves and competition heats up.
Suborbital flights now cost $250,000 to $450,000 per passenger.
Experts think prices could fall to $50,000 in the next decade as flights become more frequent.
High-altitude balloon flights offer another way to experience space tourism.
These balloons reach 100,000 feet, with tickets under $200,000.
Companies like World View and Space Perspective are working on balloon platforms for space-like views without rockets.
Training requirements are getting easier for space tourists.
Early space trips needed months of astronaut training.
Now, most suborbital flights only ask for 2-3 days of basic safety training and a medical check.
New spaceports are popping up across the U.S.
These launch sites will boost capacity and help cut down on delays.
More spaceports mean more flight opportunities for future space tourists.
Space passengers deal with a tangled web of international treaties and national laws that shape commercial spaceflight.
Insurance rules and liability frameworks protect both passengers and operators, while setting clear boundaries for space tourism businesses.
The 1967 Outer Space Treaty lays the groundwork for all space passenger rules.
It says space is open for everyone to explore and bans weapons in orbit.
Space passengers follow the laws of the country where their flight launches.
In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration oversees commercial spaceflight, including licenses and passenger safety.
Key regulatory frameworks include:
The Commercial Spaceflight Federation works with government agencies to set industry safety standards.
These standards cover spacecraft certification, crew training, and passenger prep.
Space passengers must follow export control regulations if their flight involves foreign tech or crew.
The State Department’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations can block some passengers from accessing certain spacecraft systems or data.
Commercial space passengers need specialized insurance coverage that regular travel policies don’t offer.
Most health and life insurance plans won’t cover space travel, so passengers have to get specific space tourism insurance.
Insurance requirements usually cover:
Space tourism operators carry liability insurance to cover passenger injuries and property damage.
Passengers sign detailed waivers that spell out the risks of spaceflight.
The launching country takes on international liability for damages caused by its spacecraft under the 1972 Liability Convention.
That treaty says nations have to pay for damages their licensed space operations cause.
Passengers should read informed consent documents closely before their flight.
These agreements list risks like high acceleration, radiation, and emergency landings that regular insurance might not cover.
Space tourism companies field tons of questions about ticket prices, booking, and when flights are available.
Virgin Galactic charges $450,000 per seat for suborbital flights.
Blue Origin asks for medical clearance and a hefty deposit for their space trips.
Virgin Galactic charges $450,000 per seat for their suborbital space flights.
Passengers pay a $150,000 deposit to get on the waiting list.
The total price includes the flight, three days of training, and access to Virgin Galactic’s Spaceport America in New Mexico.
Full payment is due before your flight date.
That price covers the whole SpaceShipTwo ride, where you reach about 280,000 feet above Earth.
Passengers get several minutes of weightlessness and a view of Earth’s curve.
Virgin Galactic lets qualified customers use payment plans.
Some people finance the rest after the initial deposit.
Blue Origin asks passengers to pass a medical exam similar to what commercial pilots take.
Applicants need normal heart function and steady blood pressure.
The company takes passengers ages 18 to 75, but evaluates each person individually.
Severe claustrophobia or motion sickness can disqualify you.
Buyers put down a $25,000 deposit and go through a background check.
Blue Origin checks citizenship status because export rules restrict some nationalities.
You need to handle 3-4 G-forces during launch and landing.
Two days of safety training at Blue Origin’s Texas site are required before flight.
Virgin Galactic flies commercial missions every month from Spaceport America in New Mexico.
The company keeps a flight schedule for ticketed passengers.
Ticket holders get their flight dates about 60-90 days before departure.
Weather and technical needs can shift the exact timing.
Virgin Galactic restarted regular flights after upgrading safety systems.
Each flight carries six passengers and two pilots on the VSS Unity spaceplane.
People on the waiting list get updates about open flight slots.
Priority goes to those who’ve already paid in full.
No commercial space tourism companies run launch facilities near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The closest option is Kennedy Space Center in Florida, about 300 miles south.
SpaceX runs orbital missions from Kennedy, teaming up with Axiom Space for civilian flights to the International Space Station.
Seats on those missions cost $55-70 million.
Blue Origin operates from West Texas, and Virgin Galactic flies from New Mexico.
Both companies help arrange transportation for passengers coming from the East Coast.
Some companies talk about future East Coast launch sites, but for now, regulations and infrastructure keep operations in Florida, Texas, and New Mexico.
Suborbital tickets cover pre-flight medical checks, safety training, and the flight itself.
Virgin Galactic gives three days of training; Blue Origin offers two.
The price includes ground transportation between training and launch sites.
Companies provide meals, a place to stay during training periods, and flight gear.
Passengers get official astronaut wings for crossing into space.
Flight videos and photos are usually part of the package.
Orbital missions come with months of training, spacecraft familiarization, and emergency drills.
SpaceX orbital flights with Axiom Space include 15 weeks of prep and all mission support.
Virgin Galactic keeps a waiting list, and right now, it stretches about 12 to 18 months from your deposit to the actual flight.
If you book early, you’ll land a better spot in line.
Blue Origin usually looks at applications within 30 to 60 days after you put down a deposit.
Their schedule? It really depends on how many rockets they’ve got available and how many people want to fly.
SpaceX asks for 18 to 24 months of advance booking, mostly because you’ll need a lot of training.
Mission planning and getting the crew together takes a while, too.
Medical checks and training can tack on several more months.
If you’re dreaming about an orbital flight, you’ll want to plan at least two years ahead.
For suborbital trips, a year’s notice should do the trick.
