The ISS Visitor Program lets private citizens and commercial astronauts travel to the International Space Station for short visits. NASA opened it up to make space more accessible, not just for government astronauts, but for research, tourism, and commercial activities in low Earth orbit.
NASA and the broader space industry use the ISS Visitor Program to hit a few big goals. The program brings in revenue to help pay for station operations and pushes commercial spaceflight forward.
NASA really wants to boost the commercial space economy with this. When private missions fly, they create demand for commercial crew vehicles like SpaceX Dragon, which helps keep America’s spaceflight infrastructure strong.
The program also supports new scientific research. Private researchers can run experiments in microgravity, and the focused time they get on station makes a difference.
Educational outreach matters too. Private astronauts often share their experiences, inspiring more people to care about space and STEM.
The International Space Station now feels more open to countries and organizations that don’t have their own space programs. That’s a big step for international cooperation in space.
Duration and Capacity
Private visitors can stay on the ISS for up to 30 days. NASA usually allows up to two private astronaut missions each year, with four crew members per mission.
Transportation Requirements
All visitors have to use NASA-approved commercial crew vehicles. SpaceX Dragon is the main ride right now, but maybe others will join the list soon.
Mission Support
NASA covers life support, communications, and emergency services for private missions. The agency works with the station crew to keep everything running safely.
Pricing Structure
NASA charges about $35,000 per night for each private astronaut. On top of that, visitors pay for transportation, training, and mission planning, which commercial partners provide.
Private Astronauts
Most ISS visitors are commercial spaceflight participants. These folks book flights through companies that handle everything—training, support, the works.
Thirteen private visitors from seven countries have already made the trip. That’s a pretty good sign the program has international appeal.
Research Scientists
Academic researchers and private companies use visitor slots for specialized experiments. Research in materials science, biology, and physics really benefits from having the scientists right there.
Commercial Crew Members
Professional astronauts from commercial space companies sometimes visit the ISS for operational missions. These trips help refine commercial spaceflight skills and procedures.
International Partners
Space agencies and groups from countries without regular ISS access can send their own crew. This opens the door to more international science collaboration.
NASA’s commercial partnerships with companies like Axiom Space and SpaceX drive the ISS visitor program. Visitors have to pass tough medical checks, complete astronaut training, and pay steep fees—usually between $55 million and $70 million per seat.
Private companies, not NASA, run the application process for ISS visits. Axiom Space acts as the main mission provider and works with SpaceX for the ride.
Potential visitors fill out detailed applications with medical histories, financial info, and a statement about why they want to go. The screening process can take months, as companies look for candidates who are healthy, stable, and able to finish training.
Medical screening is no joke. Candidates go through the same heart, brain, and psychological evaluations as NASA astronauts. Blood tests, stress tests, and a thorough physical make sure visitors can handle space.
Companies also check backgrounds and finances. The total cost covers spacecraft seats, ISS accommodation, training, and mission support.
They tend to pick candidates with real scientific or educational goals, not just thrill-seekers. NASA asks that all private missions include meaningful research activities.
Age requirements generally fall between 18 and 65, though there’s some wiggle room for the right person. Visitors have to pass NASA’s Class 3 space physical, just like astronauts on short trips.
Certain medical conditions will disqualify applicants—serious heart problems, uncontrolled diabetes, severe allergies, and psychiatric disorders. Blood pressure needs to stay normal without medication, and eyesight must be correctable to 20/20.
Physical fitness standards aren’t extreme, but candidates do need to show basic strength and endurance. You don’t have to be an Olympian, just reasonably healthy and mobile.
English proficiency is a must since it’s the main language on the ISS. Some basic Russian helps with emergencies and crew interactions.
Financially, it’s not just about buying a seat. Applicants need enough liquid assets to cover the whole mission, plus some extra for training or delays.
Training lasts at least six months before launch. Candidates spend time at SpaceX in California, NASA centers in Texas and Florida, and even some international sites for specific training.
Basic astronaut training covers everything from spacecraft operations and emergency drills to learning how to live in microgravity. Visitors get familiar with ISS systems, waste management, and daily routines.
Most private missions stay on the ISS for eight to ten days. That’s enough for a real experience but keeps costs manageable, since every extra day gets pricey.
Launch prep brings visitors to Kennedy Space Center two weeks early for medical checks, crew activities, and weather planning. After the flight, there’s a few days of medical monitoring and debriefs.
Mission extensions can happen, but they cost more and require extra planning. Most private flights aim for specific launch windows to keep things efficient.
The International Space Station has welcomed people from all over the planet since its first crew in 2000. So far, 273 people from 21 countries have visited this orbital outpost, including both government astronauts and private spaceflight participants.
The ISS has seen a wide variety of crew members and special guests over the years. Most visitors are professional astronauts who run experiments and keep the station running.
Space tourists have made their mark on ISS history too. Thirteen private visitors from seven countries have flown to the station. These trips proved that space isn’t just for government astronauts anymore.
Dennis Tito became the first space tourist in 2001. His successful visit showed that civilians could handle life on the station.
Sometimes, astronauts come for short missions to run experiments or deliver supplies. These visits usually don’t last long.
The United States leads in ISS visits, with 163 astronauts sent to the station. Russia is next, with 57 cosmonauts.
Since 1998, visitors from 19 countries have reached the ISS. Countries like Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, and Great Britain are on the list.
Others include Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Netherlands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates.
European Space Agency members have played a big role in ISS missions. ESA treats the station as a long-term science project, while Canada sees it as a step beyond their Space Shuttle work.
ISS visitor numbers have gone up steadily since the station opened. By October 2020, the first 100 human spaceflights to the ISS had happened—two decades of people living in space.
How people get to the ISS has changed a lot. Early visitors rode the Space Shuttle, and Russian Soyuz spacecraft kept the crew rotation going for years. Now, SpaceX Dragon capsules offer a new way to reach the station.
The ISS has kept people in space for over 23 years straight. That’s the longest continuous human presence in low Earth orbit. Crew rotations mean astronauts from many countries work together all the time.
Private spaceflight is growing as commercial companies develop new tech. It’s looking more and more likely that civilians will have greater access to space stations in the years ahead.
The International Space Station runs thanks to a network of five major space agencies from different continents. NASA leads the way, working with Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
NASA acts as the main coordinator for ISS operations and manages most of the station’s modules. The agency handles crew rotations, keeps life support running, and maintains the station’s power through solar arrays.
Mission Control Centers in Houston manage real-time operations. NASA works with international partners to schedule experiments, spacewalks, and cargo deliveries from companies like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program has changed how people get to the ISS. SpaceX Dragon capsules now fly astronauts regularly, and Boeing’s Starliner stands ready as backup.
The agency also manages research labs on the station, like the Destiny module and experiment racks for microgravity research in materials science, biology, and physics.
The European Space Agency brings the Columbus laboratory to the ISS, one of the most advanced research modules up there. This pressurized lab hosts experiments from ESA members like Germany, France, Italy, and the UK.
ESA also operates the Automated Transfer Vehicle cargo system and supplies key life support tech. Water recycling and atmospheric monitoring gear from ESA help keep the station livable.
Eleven European countries take part in ISS operations through ESA. Germany’s DLR, France’s CNES, and Italy’s ASI lead big research efforts.
ESA astronauts often serve as ISS crew. They run experiments, do maintenance, and operate robotics like the European Robotic Arm.
Roscosmos manages the Russian segment, including the Zvezda service module and Soyuz spacecraft. Russian Soyuz vehicles act as crew transport and emergency lifeboats for the whole station.
The Canadian Space Agency gave the world Canadarm2, a 57-foot robotic arm that moves equipment, grabs cargo ships, and helps with spacewalks and assembly.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency operates the Kibo lab complex. Kibo includes an exposed platform where experiments face space directly.
Japan’s HTV cargo ships deliver supplies and experiments, docking with the ISS using its robotic systems.
The ISS visitor program opens up real opportunities for educational engagement, student research, and outreach that brings space exploration into classrooms. Students design experiments, interact with astronauts, and get a taste of careers in space science and engineering. The ISS turns into a hands-on learning lab, and honestly, that’s pretty exciting.
The ISS National Lab runs several educational programs that bring space research straight into classrooms across the U.S.
Space Station Explorers links educators, students, and organizations using the ISS as a unique learning platform. It’s a pretty cool way to offer valuable educational experiences.
Students get their hands on real ISS research with Expedition Space Lab. This online tool gives teachers easy access to ISS-related lessons and activities.
Teachers weave these resources right into their curriculum. That way, students see firsthand how microgravity research affects life back on Earth.
The Space Station Ambassador Program builds a network of educators and space fans who use the station as the ultimate teaching tool. Ambassadors get special resources and work together to boost learning and ISS research awareness in their schools and communities.
NASA’s STEM on Station program uses the ISS to get students involved in space missions and spark interest in science, tech, engineering, and math careers. This one reaches everyone from little kids to college students.
Students jump into space research through hands-on programs that link classroom learning with real ISS experiments.
The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program lets students design and send experiments to the space station. That’s a pretty wild opportunity for young minds.
With ISS Ham Radio projects, students talk directly with astronauts using amateur radio. They ask about life in space, career paths, and all sorts of space topics during live calls.
Students show off their work through exhibitions and virtual chats with space industry experts. These presentations highlight student research and connect young scientists with professionals working in space science and engineering.
College students dive into internships and fellowships focused on space research. These experiences encourage academic and career interest in space, showing how space science helps people back on Earth.
The ISS National Lab asks for research proposals that include education as part of the mission. They really want to see why certain research needs the microgravity of the space station.
Medical students get in on the action through special programs that introduce Ph.D. and M.D. students to space medicine. These efforts help prepare future doctors for the growing world of space healthcare.
Students learn about space farming through programs that explore crops and food production using seeds flown on the ISS. These hands-on experiences open eyes to career paths in space farming and life support systems.
People drive these educational partnerships between the ISS National Lab, schools, and government agencies. These programs inspire future scientists, engineers, and explorers while boosting science literacy for students across the country.
ISS visitors spend months training for their trip. They work through spacecraft systems, emergency drills, and physical conditioning.
The International Training Control Board sets the bar, but space agencies give hands-on experience with simulators and safety routines.
Space tourists heading for the ISS must clear tough medical exams and fitness tests. Cardiovascular health is key, so doctors run stress tests and keep an eye on blood pressure.
Medical clearance standards cover bone density scans, eye checks, and psychological evaluations. Candidates have to show they can handle pressure changes and keep a clear head under stress.
The whole evaluation usually takes 4-8 weeks. Blood work checks for hidden health issues that could get worse in space.
Age limits depend on the company, but most take people between 18 and 75 years old. Wally Funk flew at 82, so age isn’t always a dealbreaker.
Physical fitness tests focus on G-force tolerance. Visitors need to handle 3-4 G’s during launch and reentry.
Training duration depends on the mission:
Space tourists pick up basic Russian since lots of ISS operations use Russian commands. They also go through water survival training in case of emergency ocean landings.
Spacecraft simulators give visitors a realistic taste of normal and emergency situations. SpaceX uses Dragon capsule mockups, and Russian teams use Soyuz simulators.
Visitors practice with life support systems, waste management, and comms gear. These skills really matter for longer flights.
Simulations cover:
Centrifuge training gets bodies ready for acceleration. The NASTAR Center near Philly runs gear that mimics launch forces.
Parabolic flights offer quick zero-gravity practice. Visitors learn to move around using handholds and foot restraints.
NASA astronauts sometimes help out with civilian training. They share tips about daily life in space—stuff you just can’t get from a manual.
Virtual reality adds another layer to the training. These systems help visitors get familiar with ISS layouts and routines.
Safety training focuses on emergencies, not deep technical details. Visitors learn to handle cabin pressure loss, put out fires, and deal with medical issues.
Pressure suit training teaches how to get suited up fast if things go wrong. Visitors practice putting on suits quickly during drills.
Key safety skills include:
Motion sickness training helps visitors adjust to weightlessness. They learn about medication options and coping tricks.
Space agencies keep tabs on visitor health during training. Medical staff track progress and tweak programs as needed.
Psychological prep tackles claustrophobia and stress. Visitors pick up breathing techniques and mental strategies to stay calm.
Emergency landing drills cover all sorts of terrain—water, desert, cold places. Russian training, especially, emphasizes survival since Soyuz capsules can land pretty much anywhere in Kazakhstan or nearby.
Visitors only get certified after they show they can handle all safety protocols. That’s non-negotiable for actual spaceflight.
Visitors on the International Space Station live life in microgravity about 250 miles above Earth. They jump into scientific experiments and learn to handle weightless living.
Daily routines mix research, exercise, and Earth observation with the astronaut crew. It’s a packed schedule.
Space tourists have to adjust to a totally different lifestyle inside the station’s pressurized modules. In microgravity, everything floats—water, snacks, you name it—so visitors secure their stuff with velcro or straps.
Sleep happens in bags attached to the wall. There’s really no up or down, so people sleep in whatever direction feels right.
Eating takes some practice. Crumbs and liquids float, so food comes in pouches or gets rehydrated to keep things tidy.
For hygiene, visitors use special gear made for weightlessness. Toilets use airflow, and washing up means no-rinse shampoos and body wipes.
Living in space means:
The cupola has seven windows for epic Earth views. Visitors can spend hours snapping photos of continents, weather, and city lights during the station’s 16 daily orbits.
Tourists pitch in on real research during their 8-12 day stays. The ISS National Lab lines up these projects so civilians actually contribute to science.
Medical studies check how microgravity affects the body. Visitors collect blood samples, track bone density, and monitor muscle changes.
Plant growth experiments let tourists care for crops in special chambers. These studies help NASA figure out food systems for Mars trips.
Material science projects include mixing metals and crystals that behave differently without gravity. Tourists run the gear and watch how things form in space.
Visitors help with:
A lot of experiments need careful timing and notes. Astronauts guide tourists through each step to make sure the data counts.
The research actually matters to space agencies and universities. Tourist participation helps justify the cost of these flights and pushes human knowledge forward.
ISS visitors stick to structured schedules that look a lot like astronaut routines. Days kick off at 6:00 AM GMT with a wake-up call from mission control.
Morning starts with hygiene, breakfast, and a review of the day’s plans. Each tourist gets assigned tasks based on their training and the mission’s goals.
Exercise happens twice a day using special equipment. The COLEUS treadmill, resistance machine, and stationary bike help fight off muscle and bone loss.
A typical day looks like:
Visitors call home during set times. There’s high-speed internet for video chats, but connection windows depend on the station’s orbit.
Evenings usually mean more Earth photography and videos. With a 90-minute orbit, the view changes constantly—continents, oceans, weather, you name it.
Before bed, visitors secure their gear and review plans for the next day with ground control.
NASA offers several tools for tracking the International Space Station as it circles Earth every 90 minutes at 17,500 miles per hour. The official Spot the Station program gives real-time location updates and viewing predictions through a mobile app.
NASA’s Spot the Station program is the go-to for tracking the ISS from the ground. It gives you the best times to look up, based on your location and the weather.
The ISS shows up as a bright, quick-moving light in the sky. It kind of looks like a plane, but it moves faster and doesn’t blink.
Best viewing happens at twilight, when the sun reflects off the solar panels against the dark sky. The ISS pops into view just before sunrise or after sunset, when the contrast is highest.
With its orbital inclination of 51.6 degrees, the station travels between 51.6 degrees north and south. If you’re farther north or south—sorry, Alaska—you might not catch it overhead.
The Spot the Station mobile app works on iOS and Android, pretty much anywhere. It sends location-based notifications so you know when to step outside.
Real-time tracking shows the ISS moving across a map. You can literally watch it zip over continents as it orbits the planet.
The app gives you custom viewing schedules with all the details:
Notifications can ping you 30 minutes, an hour, or several hours before a good sighting. That gives you a heads-up to find a dark spot away from city lights.
The International Space Station orbits in Low Earth Orbit about 250 miles above Earth. At this height, the station deals with a bit of atmospheric drag that slowly pulls it lower over time.
NASA flight controllers at Johnson Space Center in Houston keep a close eye on the station’s path. They update orbital data three times a week, factoring in drag and any planned altitude changes.
The ISS circles Earth about 15.5 times each day. Every orbit, it crosses over new parts of the planet, so it flies over the same spot at different times throughout the month.
NASA shares trajectory data in standard formats that work with tracking software. This info includes position, speed, and predictions for future adjustments or upcoming dockings.
The ISS visitor program follows strict regulatory frameworks set by several federal agencies. ICE and SEVP watch over international guests with specialized visa programs made for commercial space travel.
NASA runs tight security for all ISS visitors, using layered background checks. Everyone has to complete FBI fingerprinting and go through interviews about their personal history, finances, and travel.
Foreign nationals jump through more hoops due to State Department export controls. These rules put some space tech on a sensitive list, so special clearances are a must.
The FAA teams up with NASA to set flight safety standards for commercial crew vehicles. Visitors need to prove they’re medically fit, passing tough physical exams at Johnson Space Center.
Security clearance depends on how long you’ll be up there and what you’ll access. Short-term tourists get temporary clearances, but longer stays mean Secret-level approval. International visitors usually spend six to twelve months on this process.
ICE oversees special visa categories for space participants through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The B-1 business visa covers most tourists, but longer training might need a different visa.
SEVP works with NASA to track international visitors during training and flight. Participants must stay in touch with program officers while in the U.S.
Agencies demand detailed itineraries for all training locations, from Kennedy Space Center to private sites run by SpaceX and others. Visa holders can’t change plans without getting approval first.
Astronauts acting as crew commanders file extra paperwork when international visitors join. They also handle real-time reports and emergency contacts for any diplomatic issues that might pop up during the mission.
The ISS visitor program sparks technological breakthroughs through private sector teamwork and opens new doors for STEM education. Commercial flights test the latest gear and inspire future engineers and scientists.
Private astronaut missions give companies unique research chances that government crews just can’t get. Businesses use ISS trips to test their products in microgravity before launching them on Earth.
Axiom Space has tested advanced communication systems and life support gear on their missions. These experiments help build better equipment for the next wave of commercial stations. Data from tourist flights leads to safer, smarter spacecraft.
SpaceX Dragon flights with private crews have shown that automated docking works well. Now, this tech supports regular cargo and crew trips. The success of these tourist flights proves commercial spacecraft can manage lots of different missions.
Key tech wins from visitor missions:
Tourists also try out new manufacturing processes in orbit. These tests might lead to products that help people back on Earth. Microgravity lets researchers grow crystals and study proteins in ways you just can’t do down here.
ISS tourism brings educational opportunities that push students toward science. When regular folks run experiments in space, it makes the whole thing feel possible for anyone.
Tourist missions often feature experiments from students. These projects let kids get hands-on with real space research. Schools across the country follow along, learning about orbital mechanics and space science.
Seeing civilian astronauts do real science in orbit breaks down old barriers. Students realize regular people can make discoveries in space, and that draws more diverse groups into STEM.
Educational impacts:
Universities team up with commercial space companies to build courses around space tourism. Students dive into spacecraft systems, mission planning, and space medicine. These programs help fill the talent pipeline for the growing space industry.
Private competition keeps innovation moving fast. Every tourist mission pushes the limits of what civilians can do safely in space.
NASA plans to run two private missions to the ISS by 2027. They’re teaming up with European agencies and commercial partners to open access with better training and lower prices.
NASA is actively looking for proposals for private missions in 2026 and 2027. These flights will test new commercial crew skills and widen tourist access to space.
The agency wants to show that civilians can safely join longer missions. Each flight will last 8-12 days, giving tourists time to get used to microgravity and join in research.
Virgin Galactic is working with NASA to build astronaut prep programs for these trips. The company will pick candidates, organize their training, and handle travel.
Right now, it costs $35,000 per day to stay on the station. That covers life support, comms, and basic amenities.
Mission Timeline:
NASA has broadened its partnerships with commercial companies to build out the visitor program. These deals cover training, transportation, and safety protocols.
The European Space Agency wants to join in on civilian ISS missions. European astronauts would help train visitors and support operations.
Virgin Galactic’s deal includes building standard training for ISS tourists. They’ll run training centers in several countries for international customers.
SpaceX keeps flying crews with Dragon and has tweaked its systems for civilian passengers who might not have much space experience.
Key Partnership Benefits:
The ISS visitor program is working to make space tourism easier for people around the world. New training programs cut prep time from months to just weeks for those who qualify.
Medical requirements have gotten simpler for tourists. You don’t need full astronaut fitness anymore, though you still need to pass basic health checks.
NASA wants to boost visitor numbers as commercial space stations launch in the late 2020s. The ISS will help train people for these new destinations.
Training costs are dropping as more companies join the market. Competition has shaved about 30% off total mission expenses since 2024.
The program now takes applicants from more countries through international agency deals. Europeans and Canadians can apply through their own space agencies.
New payment plans let qualified visitors spread out the cost. This makes orbital trips possible for more people—not just the ultra-wealthy.
People hoping to visit the International Space Station face unique applications, training requirements, and costs that are nothing like regular travel. Private companies now let civilians buy a ticket through commercial crew programs, but there are still strict medical and prep standards.
If you want to visit the ISS, you’ll go through companies like Axiom Space that organize private astronaut trips. Applicants fill out detailed forms with medical info, background checks, and proof of funds.
The whole process takes a few months. Companies look for people in good shape, mentally ready, and able to help with the mission.
Most providers start with a consultation to check if you meet the basics. If things look good, you move on to the full application.
Health standards are pretty close to those for pro astronauts—solid cardiovascular fitness, no disqualifying conditions. You’ll need to pass a full medical exam with aerospace doctors.
Age limits depend on the provider, but generally you need to be 18 to 65. Blood pressure, eyesight, and hearing must fit specific aerospace guidelines.
You’ll go through psychological tests to make sure you can handle tight spaces, teamwork, and stress. Security clearances are required for everyone because of the ISS’s international nature.
There are also height and weight limits because of seat sizes. Most commercial spacecraft fit people from 5 feet to 6 feet 3 inches.
Most commercial ISS trips last 8 to 10 days on the station. That gives you time to get used to microgravity and still keeps mission costs in check.
Counting launch and return, the whole thing takes about 12 to 14 days. That covers docking, undocking, and any weather delays.
Shorter 3-5 day trips might show up as the market grows. These would focus on the basic space experience, not in-depth research.
Mission length depends on docking availability and the ISS schedule. NASA coordinates all visits to avoid overlap with crew changes or supply runs.
Pre-flight training takes about 3 to 6 months at special facilities. You’ll cover spacecraft systems, emergency drills, and ISS basics.
Visitors practice moving in microgravity using parabolic flights and underwater training. These help you get used to eating, moving, and sleeping in zero-g.
Safety training covers suits, fire safety, and emergency evacuation. Everyone needs to show they can handle the essentials.
Mission-specific prep focuses on the projects or experiments you’ll run in orbit. This makes sure you get the most out of your time up there.
A commercial ISS trip costs $50 million to $55 million per person. This covers your ride, training, mission support, and basic accommodations.
If you want extra training, custom gear, or special mission goals, expect to pay more. These extras can add millions to the base price.
The cost includes launch and return on SpaceX Dragon or another commercial ship. You also get life support, meals, and basic personal items.
Insurance is a big extra cost—policies often run several million dollars. This protects both you and the space company from any potential problems.
Axiom Space leads the charge in commercial ISS missions. They pulled off the first fully private crew mission back in 2022.
Now, they’re planning more regular civilian flights, and it sounds like they’re aiming to expand capacity soon. It’s honestly exciting to watch.
NASA actually supports these private astronaut missions, working with their commercial crew program partners. This teamwork lets civilians get up there, while still keeping a close eye on safety.
Looking ahead, there should be even more chances as commercial space stations come online. Companies like Axiom Space want to launch their own private stations, which could open the door for more civilian visits.
Right now, though, we’re still limited to just a handful of missions each year, mostly because of ISS scheduling. Seats are tough to snag, and competition among qualified folks is fierce.
