Space tourism covers everything from quick suborbital flights that just skim the edge of space to multi-day orbital trips on spacecraft like SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
Private companies run these flights, letting regular folks experience weightlessness, gaze at Earth’s curve, and even earn astronaut wings—no need to be a government astronaut anymore.
If you pay to travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere for fun, adventure, or even business, you’re a space tourist.
Private companies—not NASA or other government agencies—organize these trips.
To count as a true space tourism experience, you need to cross either the Kármán line at 62 miles up or the US military’s definition of space at 50 miles.
You buy a ticket instead of joining as a professional crew member.
Core qualifying factors:
Suborbital flights give you about 3-4 minutes of weightlessness in a 10-15 minute trip.
If you go orbital, you’ll spend a few days circling Earth at over 200 miles altitude.
Companies like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX have to get FAA licenses before flying tourists.
Passengers get astronaut wings after their trip.
Dennis Tito kicked things off in 2001, dropping $20 million for eight days on the International Space Station.
That first mission showed regular people could handle spaceflight with the right training.
Things sped up after 2004, when SpaceShipOne won the Ansari X Prize by flying to space twice in two weeks.
Private companies proved they could build safe spacecraft for civilians.
SpaceX really shook things up in 2015 with reusable Falcon 9 rockets, slashing launch costs by up to 90%.
In 2021, Inspiration4 launched as the first all-civilian orbital mission, spending three days in orbit.
Some big milestones:
The market grew from billionaire-only trips to include middle-class professionals, thanks to financing and cheaper suborbital options.
Space tourism comes in three main flavors, depending on how high you want to go, how long you want to stay, and how much you can spend.
Suborbital flights are the most approachable, while orbital missions pack in more weightlessness and time in space.
Suborbital experiences launch you just past the edge of space for a few minutes of floating.
Virgin Galactic drops SpaceShipTwo from a carrier plane at 50,000 feet, then fires the rocket.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard goes straight up from West Texas, carrying six people per flight.
These trips cost between $200,000 and $450,000 per seat and don’t ask for much training.
Orbital space travel uses ships like SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
You circle Earth for a few days, get continuous weightlessness, and see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day at altitudes over 250 miles.
Prices range from $250,000 for short hops to a whopping $55 million for International Space Station visits.
Training takes weeks and covers everything from spacecraft systems to emergency drills.
Extended orbital missions can last weeks and sometimes include docking with space stations for research or even stays in space hotels.
Three big names really stand out in commercial space tourism.
Virgin Galactic flies air-launched suborbital trips.
Blue Origin runs vertical rocket flights to the edge of space.
SpaceX focuses on multi-day orbital adventures with its reusable rockets.
Virgin Galactic pioneered air-launched space tourism with its SpaceShipTwo vehicle.
They launch from Spaceport America in New Mexico, using a twin-fuselage mothership called WhiteKnightTwo.
Passengers take off from a regular runway, then SpaceShipTwo separates at 50,000 feet.
It fires up its rocket motor and climbs above 280,000 feet.
You get roughly four minutes of weightlessness and some pretty incredible views through big windows.
Each mission carries up to six passengers plus two pilots.
Tickets start around $450,000 per seat.
You’ll need medical clearance and pre-flight training at their facility.
Virgin Galactic appeals to folks who want a more airplane-like experience—not everyone’s up for a vertical rocket ride.
The gradual climb feels less intense than a rocket launch.
Blue Origin built the New Shepard system just for space tourism.
Jeff Bezos started the company to make space accessible for millions.
New Shepard shoots straight up past the Kármán line, reaching 62 miles altitude.
The whole thing takes about 11 minutes, with four minutes spent floating above the atmosphere.
The crew capsule sports the biggest windows ever flown to space, offering panoramic views of Earth’s curve.
Each flight packs in six passengers—no pilot needed.
Blue Origin really focuses on safety, with lots of automated systems and backup plans.
The rocket lands itself vertically, so they can reuse it for future flights.
New Shepard Specs:
They’ve flown some famous folks, like William Shatner, who became the oldest person in space at 90.
Ticket prices aren’t public, but most people guess they run in the hundreds of thousands.
SpaceX changed the game by offering multi-day orbital missions with the Crew Dragon.
Their reusable Falcon 9 rockets make launches much cheaper than old-school expendables.
Crew Dragon fits up to four people for several days in orbit.
These flights go up to 350+ miles—way higher than suborbital options.
You get a glass dome cupola for Earth-gazing and long stretches of weightlessness as you circle the planet every 90 minutes.
SpaceX proved civilians could do this with the Inspiration4 mission in 2021.
Four private citizens spent three days in orbit—no professional astronauts required.
SpaceX also plans lunar tourism missions with its upcoming Starship.
That would take passengers around the Moon and back.
SpaceX Advantages:
Mission costs reportedly fall between $50-100 million for private orbital flights.
Training takes months and feels a lot like astronaut boot camp.
Space tourists have to complete astronaut training, pass medical checks, and go through pre-flight simulations before launch.
These steps keep everyone safe and help you get the most out of your weightless adventure.
Commercial space companies make all passengers go through short training programs lasting two to five days before their trip.
Virgin Galactic trains folks at Spaceport America, while Blue Origin does prep in West Texas.
Physical conditioning is the backbone of training.
You’ll practice handling G-forces with centrifuge sessions that mimic launch and reentry.
Expect up to 3-4 times normal gravity during these drills.
Training also includes zero-gravity simulation with special gear.
Future space tourists practice moving in weightlessness using harnesses and pools.
It’s weird at first, but it helps you adjust to microgravity.
Emergency procedures take up a big chunk of your time.
You’ll learn what to do if the cabin loses pressure, how to fight fires, and respond to medical emergencies.
Companies run evacuation drills using real spacecraft mockups.
You’ll also get schooled on communication—how to talk to mission control and your fellow passengers.
Practice with the onboard radios and pick up some standard aviation lingo.
Space tourism companies keep strict medical standards to keep everyone safe.
Applicants go through full medical exams by FAA-certified aerospace doctors.
Cardiovascular health is the biggie.
Doctors run stress tests, EKGs, and check your blood pressure.
You need a solid heart to handle launch forces.
Age limits differ by company, but most take folks between 18 and 75.
Blue Origin has flown people in their 80s, while Virgin Galactic tends to accept younger passengers since their flights have higher G-forces.
Weight and height limits depend on the spacecraft.
Virgin Galactic sets their range at 50-100 kilograms; Blue Origin allows up to 110 kilograms.
Medical conditions that can disqualify you include uncontrolled diabetes, recent heart surgery, pregnancy, and severe claustrophobia.
If you take certain meds, you might need extra evaluation.
You can wear contacts or glasses, and companies provide backup eyewear just in case.
Final prep happens during pre-flight briefings 24-48 hours before launch.
Mission directors walk everyone through flight plans, safety steps, and what you’ll need to do at each stage.
Simulation sessions let you practice your actual flight in full-size spacecraft replicas.
You’ll rehearse how to get in, buckle up, and move around during weightlessness.
Flight timeline reviews break down every phase, from pre-launch to landing.
You’ll hear what to expect during engine ignition, leaving the atmosphere, floating at apogee, and reentry.
These briefings help calm nerves and make sure you’re ready.
Safety demos show you how to use your pressure suit, oxygen mask, and emergency comms.
You’ll practice putting on your flight suit and adjusting your restraints.
Weather briefings cover launch conditions and possible delays.
Mission control explains what happens if weather messes with your schedule.
You’ll also get tips on taking photos and video in space.
Companies supply approved cameras and show you how to get the best shots while floating.
Zero gravity flights give you real weightlessness by flying parabolic arcs, just like astronauts experience in space.
These special airplane rides cost way less than suborbital trips and still deliver true microgravity for 20-30 seconds at a time.
Parabolic flights let you experience true weightlessness, all without leaving the atmosphere. Pilots fly modified aircraft—usually a Boeing 727-200—in carefully planned arcs between 24,000 and 32,000 feet. Inside, you’ll find a 90-foot padded cabin where you can float around with everyone else.
Each flight runs through about 15 parabolic arcs. The plane climbs at a steep 45-degree angle, so you’ll feel nearly twice your normal weight during ascent.
When the aircraft reaches the top of the arc, the pilots push the nose down and throw the plane into a controlled free fall.
That’s when the magic happens. During each descent, you’ll get about 20 to 30 seconds of real microgravity. Across all the arcs, you’ll rack up a total of roughly 7.5 minutes of weightlessness in a typical 90-minute flight.
The crew can also simulate lunar gravity (one-sixth of Earth) and Martian gravity (one-third of Earth). These phases let you get a feel for what it might be like to walk on the Moon or Mars—pretty wild if you think about it.
ZERO-G Corporation is the only FAA-approved commercial provider of zero gravity flights in the U.S. Their G-Force One aircraft takes off from major cities like Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, and Kennedy Space Center.
Current Pricing Structure:
You’ll also find departures from Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Washington DC, though the schedule rotates. So far, they’ve kept a perfect safety record with over 850 flights and more than 22,000 passengers.
Aurora Aerospace handles mostly research missions and specialized training for aerospace pros. They run custom flight profiles from select locations, but don’t offer regular public flights.
The whole experience takes about five hours, from check-in to the post-flight celebration. Passengers get flight suits, safety briefings, motion sickness tips, and professional photos to remember the day.
Weightlessness kicks off some fascinating changes in your body as you adapt to microgravity. Suddenly, you can move in any direction with just a gentle push off the cabin wall.
Your inner ear might start sending confusing signals to your brain, so expect a little disorientation at first. About 30% of first-timers feel mild motion sickness, but with today’s prep methods, it’s usually manageable.
Physical sensations include:
Most people get the hang of moving around after the first few arcs. You’ll gain confidence fast, and it’s honestly a great way to prep for future space travel.
Photographers capture all your weightless antics, so you’ll have proof you floated like an astronaut. These flights make space more accessible for regular folks and help you get ready for longer stretches of zero gravity if you ever go suborbital or orbital.
A handful of companies now offer flights that reach the edge of space using balloon tech and high-altitude jets. These space experiences give you jaw-dropping views of Earth’s curve, where the sky fades to black and the atmosphere looks like a thin blue ribbon.
Space Perspective leads the way in balloon-based space travel with their Spaceship Neptune capsule. They use massive high-altitude balloons to lift passengers 100,000 feet above Earth.
The ride takes about six hours from start to finish. You’ll spend two hours rising, two hours at the top, and two hours floating back down.
Key Features:
World View offers a similar balloon trip to the edge of space, with tickets at $125,000. They call it the most affordable space tourism ticket out there.
The ascent is smooth and gentle—no rocket G-forces. You can move around the cabin, chat with other passengers, and just soak it all in.
Some folks want more adrenaline. Military-grade fighter jets can climb above 60,000 feet for a different kind of edge-of-space thrill.
You’ll suit up in a pressure suit and hang on tight for rapid climbs that pack a punch with high G-forces. The jets reach their peak in minutes, not hours.
Flight Characteristics:
Space Experiences arranges these jet fighter trips with certified pilots and aircraft. They make safety a top priority.
If you crave a heart-pounding ride and a taste of the stratosphere, these flights combine aviation thrills with those rare high-altitude views.
Once you’re above 50,000 feet, you can really see Earth’s curve. The atmosphere wraps around the planet as a thin blue line.
The sky shifts from blue to pitch black the higher you go. You can even spot stars during the day up there.
Passengers often talk about the overview effect—that mind-bending moment when you see Earth as one whole, without borders.
Bring your camera, because the photo ops are unreal. The contrast between the blue atmosphere and black space makes for dramatic shots.
You’ll spot weather systems, cloud patterns, and even continents from this high up. It’s a perspective that’s hard to describe until you see it for yourself.
Depending on when and where you fly, the views change. Early morning and evening flights usually give you the most dramatic lighting and shadows on Earth’s surface.
Suborbital flights are probably the easiest way to break into commercial space travel. These rocket-powered rides shoot you above 50 miles, where you’ll float in weightlessness for a few minutes and see Earth like never before.
Companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic use advanced spacecraft to make these experiences possible, all without the complexity of going into orbit.
Suborbital rockets use powerful engines to blast you past the Karman Line at 62 miles up. The spacecraft follows a parabolic path that gives you 3 to 5 minutes of microgravity at the top.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard launches vertically with a BE-3 hydrogen engine. The crew capsule separates at the highest point, then drifts back to Earth under parachutes. The whole thing lasts about 11 minutes, start to finish.
Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo does things differently. The craft drops from a carrier plane at 50,000 feet, then fires its hybrid rocket motor. This lets the pilots control the ride more closely during ascent and descent.
Both companies build in tons of safety systems. Escape features let the capsule break away in an emergency. Heat shields protect everyone during the wild reentry, when you’re going over 2,000 mph.
You’ll start with pre-flight training that lasts two or three days at the launch site. There’s safety briefings, spacecraft walkthroughs, and emergency drills. Medical checks make sure you’re fit for flight.
On launch day, things get real about 90 minutes before takeoff. Crew helps you suit up and buckle in. Final checks confirm the spacecraft and weather are good to go.
The space part gives you 10 to 15 minutes above the atmosphere. You’ll unbuckle, float around, and stare out the huge windows at Earth’s curve and the darkness of space.
After landing, you’ll get a quick health check and a mission debrief. They hand out astronaut certificates, too. Most people are ready to get back to normal life within an hour.
Blue Origin runs flights from West Texas with their New Shepard rockets. They’ve flown several paying passengers, with tickets around $450,000 per seat.
Virgin Galactic launches from Spaceport America in New Mexico using SpaceShipTwo, which they call VSS Unity. Their prices are in the same ballpark as Blue Origin.
Both companies go above and beyond with safety—think aviation standards, but stricter. Their spacecraft go through heavy testing and FAA certification. Crew members train like real astronauts.
Space tourism agencies help you book, handle your deposit, and coordinate your trip to the launch site. The waitlist is long—expect 12 to 24 months before your turn comes up.
Orbital space tourism is the ultimate adventure for civilians. You’ll reach orbit, circle Earth, and spend days floating in true zero gravity. These trips require a spacecraft to hit orbital velocity, and you might even visit a working space station or a commercial outpost.
Private orbital missions let regular people experience space without government red tape. SpaceX leads the charge with its Crew Dragon, flying several all-civilian missions.
The Inspiration4 mission in 2021 changed the game. Four people orbited Earth for three days at 366 miles up—higher than the International Space Station. They even had a custom glass dome for 360-degree views.
Most private orbital flights last 3 to 5 days and cruise between 250 and 400 miles above Earth. You’ll circle the planet every 90 minutes, with 16 sunrises and sunsets each day. The spacecraft keeps things comfortable with automated life support.
Key features of private orbital missions:
Boeing’s Starliner will join the market soon, offering a roomier cabin and space for up to seven passengers.
The International Space Station is still the top destination for orbital tourists who want the real astronaut lifestyle. Floating 250 miles above Earth, the ISS gives visitors access to science labs and observation decks used by pros.
Axiom Space organizes most civilian trips to the ISS. These missions last 8 to 12 days, and you’ll live alongside career astronauts. You’ll sleep in the same bunks, eat the same food, and take part in daily routines.
The Cupola module is a favorite—it’s a seven-windowed dome with unbeatable views of Earth and space. Many tourists spend hours snapping photos of storms, city lights, and coastlines.
ISS guests can join in on science experiments designed for non-professionals. These projects usually focus on biology, physics, or Earth observation, and your data helps real research.
Getting to the ISS takes coordination with several international partners. Right now, Russian Soyuz and SpaceX Crew Dragon handle transportation, but Boeing Starliner will add more seats once it’s cleared for crew.
If you’re thinking about orbital space tourism, get ready for some serious preparation. These missions are complex and last long enough that you can’t just wing it.
Most training programs run for three to six months. You’ll dive into spacecraft systems, emergency procedures, and how to adapt to the space environment.
Physical prep? Oh, it’s intense. You’ll climb into a centrifuge to feel launch forces and spend hours underwater to mimic weightlessness. Passengers squeeze into confined spaces and practice emergency evacuations. Doctors run thorough medical exams to check your heart and make sure you’re fit for the weirdness of zero gravity.
Technical sessions walk you through spacecraft controls, life support, and communication gear. Sure, automated systems do most of the work, but you still need to know manual backups. If you fly with the Russians, you’ll need some basic language skills to chat with ground control.
Training components include:
How long you’ll spend in orbit depends on where you’re going and the spacecraft. Private orbital flights usually last three to five days, but if you’re visiting the ISS, expect eight to twelve days.
Longer trips mean more training, especially for space station operations and research.
Certified facilities in the U.S., Russia, and other partner countries host this training. Passengers often train right alongside professional astronauts, using the same gear and routines as government crews.
Spacewalks really are the ultimate space adventure for tourists. Imagine floating outside the spacecraft, tethered to nothing but your lifeline. These days, private citizens go through month-long training programs just to prep for extravehicular activities.
When space tourists step outside their spacecraft, they’re performing extravehicular activities. They’re in full protective suits, floating in the vacuum. It’s not like moonwalking—spacewalks are more like drifting in zero gravity, grabbing handholds, and using foot restraints.
Space tourism companies like to call it a floating “space ballet,” and honestly, that’s pretty accurate. Tourists work in pairs, always under the watchful eye of experienced crew. Tether lines keep everyone from drifting off into the abyss.
Most spacewalks last a few hours. Tourists have to stay sharp, focusing on tasks while taking in those unreal views of Earth. Sometimes, they do simple maintenance or scientific observations. Specialized tools, handrails, and foot restraints help them move around safely outside.
In 2023, private spacewalks finally became an option. Now, some space tourism companies offer them as extras during International Space Station visits.
Space tourists deal with wild temperature swings, radiation, and risk from tiny space debris. Their suits handle all that—regulating temperature, blocking radiation, and keeping them breathing.
The views? They’re jaw-dropping. From hundreds of miles up, you can see Earth’s curve, continents, and even weather systems. Every 90 minutes, you orbit the planet, so you see day turn to night and back again.
Tourists mostly stick to simple stuff: equipment checks, snapping photos, or basic maintenance. The pros handle the tough repairs. Companies keep tourist activities limited, just to be safe.
Floating while tethered feels surreal. Tourists talk about the mix of weightlessness and the vast void around them. Moving isn’t really walking; it’s more about gentle pushes and pulls.
If you want to do a tourist spacewalk, plan for an extra month of training. Underwater sessions help you get used to weightlessness, just like you’ll feel in space.
Doctors check your health carefully. Spacewalkers need to be in top physical shape. Fitness and age requirements depend on the spacecraft, but the bar is high. There’s also training for mental toughness, because space can mess with your head.
You’ll run through emergency drills, suit operation, and tool handling. Training includes practicing with handholds, foot restraints, and basic tools during mock spacewalks. Professional astronauts are there to guide you through every step.
Safety is everything. Training drills focus on using backup life support and proper tethering. Tourists practice staying in touch with the crew inside, recognizing suit issues, and handling emergencies.
Not everyone gets to launch into orbit. But you can still get a taste of space travel right here on Earth. Programs let you meet real astronauts, try out flight simulators, or watch cosmic events that bring you closer to the stars.
Space tourism companies set up personal meetings with astronauts. These happen at space centers, museums, and sometimes even special venues around the U.S.
Real astronauts share stories from their missions—space station life, shuttle flights, and what it’s like floating above the planet. Visitors can ask all sorts of questions, from weightlessness to the best view out the window.
Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Johnson Space Center in Texas are popular spots. Private companies like Space Adventures even host exclusive dinners and small group chats.
Prices range from $50 to $500, depending on what you want. Group talks are cheaper, but private dinners with big-name astronauts will cost more.
Most programs offer photo ops and autographs. Sometimes astronauts bring along gear that’s actually been to space—pretty cool, right?
Flight simulators give you a real taste of space travel, minus the rocket. These machines let you experience launches, orbital maneuvers, and even docking, just like real astronauts.
You can find NASA-level simulators at places like the Huntsville Space Center or private facilities. Visitors feel real G-forces during simulated launches and try their hand at docking with a space station.
Popular simulator experiences include:
Sessions run from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Prices start around $75 for entry-level stuff and go up to $2,000 for full-day astronaut training.
Advanced simulators have multi-axis trainers that spin you in every direction. It’s a wild way to understand how astronauts stay oriented in space.
Professional stargazing programs bring people closer to space with telescopes and cosmic event viewings. These happen at observatories, dark sky parks, and space centers all over the country.
Rocket launches are a must-see at places like Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. Companies host viewing parties with experts explaining what’s happening during big SpaceX or NASA launches.
Special events include:
Astronomy guides explain how these connect to space tourism. They point out the same places commercial spacecraft visit.
Observatory experiences cost $25 to $200 per person, depending on the setup. Private group sessions and rare cosmic events cost more, but you get a more personal touch.
Many programs combine stargazing with space tourism education. You’ll learn about orbits and satellites while watching them glide across the sky.
Space tourism packages come in all shapes and sizes—different durations, altitudes, and price tags. Booking isn’t just a click-and-go thing; you need to plan ahead and work with specialized agencies. Payment plans are available, but your choice really depends on your budget and how adventurous you’re feeling.
A few companies offer a range of space adventures. Virgin Galactic does suborbital flights, taking you right to the edge of space for about 90 minutes.
Blue Origin has a similar suborbital ride in their New Shepard capsule.
SpaceX goes for orbital missions that last several days. Their Dragon spacecraft can even take civilians to the International Space Station. These trips cost a lot more, but you get more time floating in zero gravity.
Types of Experiences:
Budget is a huge factor. Suborbital seats start at around $450,000. Orbital missions? Those can hit $50 million or more per person.
Physical fitness matters, too. Companies require medical clearance and some basic training.
Prices vary based on the experience and how long you’ll be up there. Virgin Galactic charges about $450,000 for their suborbital flights. Blue Origin is in the same ballpark.
SpaceX’s orbital flights are a whole different league. A private ISS mission can cost $55 million a seat. That includes training, gear, and mission support.
Payment Options:
Most companies let you reserve your seat with a deposit. Virgin Galactic asks for $150,000 up front. Blue Origin does something similar.
Some agencies partner with banks for financing. You’ll need excellent credit and solid income for those loans.
Specialized agencies handle bookings for the big space tourism companies. Space Adventures has been arranging orbital flights since 2001, working directly with Russian spacecraft and training centers.
RocketBreaks focuses more on suborbital trips and training. They partner with several companies to offer packages that include hotels and ground experiences.
Agencies do more than just book your flight. They help with medical exams, training schedules, and travel logistics. Most assign a coordinator to guide you through the whole process.
Typical Agency Services:
Working with an agency beats going it alone. They know the ins and outs, can match you with the right experience, and offer backup plans if your flight gets delayed or canceled.
From first contact to launch, the process takes 6–18 months. That gives you time to train and get ready.
Space tourism isn’t all fun and games—there are real risks, from radiation to mechanical failures. Companies put strict safety protocols in place, including medical screening, emergency drills, and solid insurance coverage. Modern spacecraft pack multiple backup systems and abort features to protect passengers.
Space tourists face radiation levels up to 100 times higher than on Earth. Cosmic rays and solar storms are the big worries on orbital trips; suborbital flights are so short, they barely register.
Launches hit you with up to 3.5 Gs. That’s enough to make breathing tough or even cause you to pass out if you’re not prepared. Motion sickness hits about 60% of travelers, and it can last a few days.
Weightlessness brings its own physical challenges:
Space debris is a real hazard at orbital heights. More than 34,000 tracked objects bigger than 10 centimeters zip around at over 17,500 mph. Even tiny bits can punch through a spacecraft window or hull.
Mechanical failures are always a risk, no matter how much testing happens. Rocket engines face extreme heat and pressure, and things can go wrong fast. Parachute issues during landing are another big worry.
Medical teams screen out passengers who have cardiovascular issues, uncontrolled blood pressure, or balance disorders that get worse in zero gravity.
Companies usually accept travelers between 18 and 75, focusing more on emergency response skills than athletic ability.
Training can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on the mission.
Passengers run through emergency drills—cabin depressurization, fire response, and abort scenarios.
Centrifuge sessions get your body ready for launch forces, while parabolic flights let you try out weightlessness.
Modern spacecraft pack in redundant safety systems:
Space companies track space weather using NOAA’s prediction center.
Solar flares can force a delay if radiation levels get too high.
Flight directors can call off missions at any sign of bad weather or technical trouble.
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Blue Origin’s New Shepard went through a ton of testing before flying anyone.
Both vehicles completed several uncrewed flights and abort tests to meet commercial crew standards.
Space tourism insurance costs usually fall between $20,000 and $100,000. The price depends on how long you’ll be up there and what the policy covers.
Suborbital flights tend to come with lower premiums than multi-day orbital trips since you’re exposed to less risk.
Standard life insurance won’t cover you for space travel.
Passengers need special aerospace insurance or an amendment to their policy to cover commercial spaceflight.
Some providers will even offer medical evacuation if anything goes wrong after the flight.
Coverage often includes:
Third-party liability covers any damage a passenger might cause to the spacecraft or other property.
Companies keep separate insurance for their vehicles and for passenger injury claims.
Insurers look at your age, health, and the mission profile when setting premiums.
Orbital flights cost more to insure because of longer radiation exposure and more complicated systems.
Some insurers need proof that you finished your training before they’ll issue a policy.
Space tourism’s about to move way beyond short suborbital hops.
We’ll see lunar vacations and even Mars expeditions.
SpaceX and others are working on reusable rockets to lower costs, and new spacecraft designs will let people stay longer in orbit or go farther from Earth.
Reusable rockets have really shaken up the economics of space tourism.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy can fly over and over, slashing launch costs by as much as 90% compared to the old single-use models.
New spacecraft put passenger comfort and safety front and center.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard has huge windows for incredible Earth views.
Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo aims for a smooth suborbital ride.
These ships also come with better life support and automated safety systems.
By the mid-2030s, more people will be able to afford space travel.
Right now, a suborbital seat costs about $450,000, but industry experts expect that to drop to $50,000–$100,000 as tech improves and flights become more common.
Training is getting simpler, too.
Early space tourists spent months preparing, but future passengers might just need a few days of basic safety training before their trip.
Lunar tourism is shaping up to be the next big leap.
Companies plan to send civilians around the Moon by 2030.
These trips will last about a week and give you a view of the lunar surface—and even the far side.
SpaceX’s Starship is built for deep space, with passenger cabins and life support for long journeys.
It can carry up to 100 people.
Moon landing missions for tourists could kick off in the late 2030s.
Mars tourism is still way off, but planning has started.
A round trip to Mars takes 18 to 26 months because of how the planets line up.
Passengers would spend months on Mars before the long flight home.
Space hotels are on the horizon as waypoints to the Moon and Mars.
Orbital stations will offer training and a place to rest for travelers headed farther out.
The space tourism market is set to explode by 2035.
Right now, it’s mostly about suborbital flights, but soon we’ll see orbital stays and even science missions.
Early travelers help test safety measures and build the groundwork for everyone who comes next.
Several companies are already running commercial flights.
Virgin Galactic takes passengers on suborbital trips from New Mexico.
Space Adventures arranges orbital rides to the International Space Station.
SpaceX flies civilian missions like Inspiration4 and Axiom Space.
New spaceports are popping up across the U.S.
Florida’s Kennedy Space Center handles commercial launches.
Texas sites support SpaceX.
These places bring jobs and attract new space tourism businesses to local areas.
By 2040, space tourism should include educational trips, research missions, and maybe even cultural exchanges.
Students and scientists will join flights to do experiments in zero gravity and see Earth from above.
Space tourism prices range from $5,000 for zero-gravity flights to $70 million for full orbital missions.
Several companies now offer commercial space travel, each with different training and prep requirements.
Prices vary a lot depending on the adventure.
Zero-gravity flights start at $5,000 for a parabolic flight on a modified plane.
Suborbital trips go from $17,000 for supersonic jet rides up to $250,000 for a ride on Virgin Galactic’s spaceship.
Balloon rides to the edge of space cost $75,000 to $118,000.
If you want to go orbital, you’re looking at the top end: about $70 million for a trip to the International Space Station.
Those prices cover training, safety, and mission support.
Virgin Galactic leads the way for suborbital flights with SpaceShipTwo, taking people up to 62 miles above Earth.
They’ve already completed several commercial flights from Spaceport America in New Mexico.
Blue Origin flies New Shepard capsules above the Karman Line.
SpaceX runs orbital missions with their Dragon capsule and Falcon 9 rocket.
Space Adventures arranges civilian flights to the International Space Station using Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
Zero G Corporation gives people a taste of weightlessness on modified Boeing 727s.
Virgin Galactic charges $250,000 per person for their spaceflight.
The package includes three days of pre-flight training at Spaceport America.
Passengers board SpaceShipTwo, which launches from a carrier plane at 50,000 feet.
The rocket climbs up to 62 miles for a few minutes of weightlessness.
The experience covers medical checks, flight suit fitting, and mission briefings.
At the end, you get your astronaut wings.
Training depends on the flight.
Zero-gravity flights just need a basic orientation and safety briefing.
Suborbital trips usually require one to three days of training, covering the spacecraft, emergency procedures, and G-force prep.
Orbital missions demand months of training.
Participants learn spacecraft systems, spacewalk drills, and emergency protocols—almost like real astronauts.
Suborbital passengers get a few minutes of weightlessness and can see Earth’s curve against the black sky.
The ride is usually pretty smooth and not too rough physically.
During weightlessness, you can float around the cabin and take in the planet from a whole new angle.
Big windows give you panoramic views for photos and just soaking it all in.
Orbital flights offer longer stretches of zero gravity—days or even weeks.
Passengers on the International Space Station can run experiments and watch Earth drift by for hours at a time.
Suborbital flights usually take about 90 minutes from takeoff to landing. You’ll get 3-5 minutes of actual weightlessness in space.
Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin stick to this general timeline. It’s quick, but honestly, those few minutes in microgravity are what most people remember.
Zero-gravity parabolic flights offer 20-30 seconds of weightlessness at a time, and they repeat this up to 15 times. The total flight lasts around 90 minutes.
If you count the whole experience, including prep time, you’re looking at about 5 hours. It’s a whirlwind, but the sensation is unforgettable.
For orbital missions to the International Space Station, trips usually last between 8 and 12 days. Passengers get a chance to adjust to microgravity and try out different space-based activities.
It’s a much longer adventure, and honestly, you probably need those days just to wrap your head around floating in space.
