When you book group space tourism trips, you have to juggle a lot: coordinating multiple passengers, getting everyone through medical clearances, and finding a launch window that works for the whole team. SpaceX and Virgin Galactic both offer group rates and smoother workflows, which really set them apart from the solo booking process.
Space tourism companies love group bookings—they fill more seats in one go. Virgin Galactic, for example, reserves all six seats on SpaceShipTwo for group bookings. SpaceX sets aside the entire Crew Dragon for four-person teams.
Groups get priority scheduling over solo travelers. Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic keep separate waitlists just for corporate and family groups. These groups can snag launch dates 6-12 months ahead of individuals.
Pricing perks also make group bookings appealing. Virgin Galactic hands out 10-15% discounts to groups that buy the whole flight. SpaceX starts corporate rates at $45 million for a four-person trip, which is a chunk less than the $55 million per seat for individuals.
Group members train together, which actually saves everyone time. Instead of weeks, suborbital group training can wrap up in just a few days since everyone goes through medical checks, fitness tests, and spacecraft orientation as a team.
Every group needs a single point of contact. This person keeps in touch with the space tourism company, manages payments, handles medical paperwork, and deals with any schedule changes for the group.
First, groups send in a reservation inquiry through the company’s website or a broker. You’ll need to say how many people are going, when you want to fly, and what your budget looks like.
The company usually replies within 5-10 business days. They’ll give you available dates, prices, and assign a group coordinator to walk you through the whole process.
Deposits for groups are hefty—usually 25-50% of the total flight cost right up front. Virgin Galactic asks for $75,000 per person as a group deposit. SpaceX wants 40% down for orbital group missions, which can mean $18-20 million for a four-person crew.
Next comes medical screening. The company sets up group evaluation sessions at approved clinics. Everyone does cardiovascular checks, fitness tests, and psychological screenings during the same window.
Once everyone clears the medical part, the company locks in the training schedule. Suborbital groups finish in 2-3 days. Orbital missions mean 3-6 months of intense prep—learning spacecraft systems and emergency procedures together.
Final payment is due 60-90 days before launch. The group then gets detailed pre-flight instructions, travel plans for the launch site, and info about family accommodations at viewing areas.
Every group member needs to show government-issued ID and proof of citizenship. Some companies only book U.S. citizens or ask for extra security clearance if you’re from another country.
You’ll need medical paperwork from an FAA-approved aerospace doctor. That means a full physical, cardiovascular sign-off, blood pressure results, and fitness scores that meet the company’s requirements.
Age limits are strict across the board. Virgin Galactic takes people aged 18-75, Blue Origin’s cap is 70, and SpaceX only allows 21-65 for orbital trips, mostly because longer missions are tougher physically.
There are weight and height rules, too. Virgin Galactic wants passengers between 110-250 pounds and 5’0″-6’4″ tall. These rules make sure the harnesses fit and you can exit quickly in an emergency.
Everyone in the group has to sign legal waivers and liability releases. These forms say you understand the risks and won’t hold the company responsible for injuries. Most group bookings also require travel insurance that covers space tourism.
You’ll need training completion certificates before you’re allowed to fly. If anyone in the group doesn’t finish the prep or fails the medical checks, the company won’t let just part of the group fly.
Some space tourism companies now roll out group packages for corporate clients, families, and private parties. Virgin Galactic leads the pack with structured group programs. Blue Origin fits multiple passengers per flight, and Space Adventures organizes multi-passenger orbital missions.
Virgin Galactic designed group booking options for corporate teams and private parties who want to share the suborbital experience. They reserve the entire SpaceShipTwo for groups of up to six, with prices starting at $2.7 million for the whole flight.
Corporate groups can book team-building trips that include three days of training at Spaceport America in New Mexico. Together, groups tackle centrifuge training, emergency drills, and spacecraft orientation.
Group Package Features:
Virgin Galactic lets groups pay over 12-18 months. Group leaders can manage medical clearances and training for everyone through a dedicated account manager.
These group options make space tourism more reachable for companies and families who want to experience the milestone together.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule fits six, so it’s built for group flights. The company markets these as shared experiences, not just individual bookings, so it’s easier to coordinate.
Families and teams can book seats together on the same 11-minute suborbital trip. Blue Origin runs group training at its West Texas site, where everyone learns emergency steps and spacecraft basics together.
New Shepard Group Benefits:
Corporate clients often buy several seats for executive retreats or big celebrations. Blue Origin’s automated system keeps individual training minimal, so it’s easier to get everyone ready.
The company gives group discounts when you book four or more seats. Payment plans can stretch to 24 months for bookings above $1 million.
Space Adventures books multi-passenger orbital missions by working with international space agencies. They arrange for groups to fly together on Soyuz spacecraft for 8-12 day visits to the space station.
Corporate and research teams can split the $55 million per person cost by joining joint missions to the ISS. Space Adventures takes care of the logistics, including months of astronaut training in Russia for everyone.
Orbital Group Options:
Axiom Space also runs private astronaut missions for up to four civilians. These week-long orbital trips let groups do experiments and educational projects together in zero gravity.
World View and Space Perspective offer balloon flights to the edge of space for groups. Their pressurized capsules fit 8-12 people for six-hour journeys with sweeping Earth views and onboard dining.
Group space tourism brings unique flight options and tailored programs for teams traveling together. Companies now build custom packages for corporate groups, educational trips, and private parties who want a shared space adventure.
Space tourism companies design group flights to maximize the shared experience but keep things safe. Virgin Galactic flies up to six people at once on VSS Unity—perfect for small teams or families. Blue Origin’s New Shepard also takes six to the edge of space, climbing to 300,000 feet.
SpaceX gives groups the widest options with Crew Dragon. These missions fit four private astronauts for multi-day orbital journeys. The company already has private group missions lined up, including future lunar flybys.
Suborbital group flights last about 11 minutes. Passengers get 3-4 minutes of weightlessness together and a view of Earth’s curve. These flights hit altitudes between 62-100 miles up.
Orbital group missions stretch from several days to weeks. Groups train together for months before launch and share living space aboard the craft or station. These trips cost a lot more but give you more zero-gravity time and plenty of orbits.
Space tourism providers build programs around group goals and member backgrounds. Corporate teams get team-building training that focuses on working together under stress. Educational groups get more STEM activities and meet aerospace engineers.
Training can last anywhere from 3 to 15 weeks, depending on how complex the mission is. Groups practice together in centrifuges, neutral buoyancy pools, and spacecraft simulators. This shared prep helps build team spirit before the real flight.
Pre-flight activities might include visits to Kennedy Space Center or other launch sites. Groups can tour mission control, meet former astronauts, and watch how spacecraft are put together. These extras cost more but really round out the experience.
Post-flight programs offer professional video and debrief sessions. Groups get certificates and keepsakes for completing the mission. Some packages even include follow-up events where you can share your story with the media or at company meetings.
Space Adventures delivers some of the most complete group packages, from launch tours at Baikonur Cosmodrome to training at Star City in Russia. They’re flexible with group size and scheduling.
Booking as a group in the space tourism world can save you a lot compared to flying solo. Operators offer tiered pricing that rewards bigger parties, and most use volume discounts that can cut per-person costs by 15-30%.
Most companies start group rates at four or more passengers. Blue Origin charges about $400,000 per seat if you book alone, but if you fill all six seats, the price drops to $350,000 each.
Virgin Galactic has similar deals. Groups of four get 10% off the standard $450,000 per seat. Larger groups—eight or more—can talk their way down to $380,000 per ticket.
Orbital pricing is a whole different league:
Deposits run from $100,000 to $150,000 per person. You’ll need to pay the full amount 90 days before launch. Some companies let groups pay over 24 months if you’re verified.
Big operators use volume discounts that get better the larger your group. Virgin Galactic gives 10% off for 4-7 people and 18% off for groups of eight or more.
Blue Origin does it differently: the New Shepard capsule costs $2.1 million total, no matter how many of the six seats you use.
Corporate group packages might include:
SpaceX is the most flexible with group pricing for orbital flights. Book the whole Dragon capsule and you’ll get big per-seat savings and more room to customize the mission.
Sometimes, companies run special deals during industry events or space conferences. If you book during these times, you might get an extra 5-10% off on top of the usual group discount.
Group space tourists have a few spacecraft types to choose from, each with different passenger limits and flight styles. Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo fits up to six per flight, while SpaceX’s Dragon can take groups of four civilians on multi-day missions.
Virgin Galactic runs the most established group space tourism program with SpaceShipTwo. This suborbital spacecraft takes six passengers and two pilots on 90-minute flights that climb 50 miles above Earth.
The cabin stretches 90 inches in diameter, and each passenger gets an individual seat that reclines during the powered ascent. You’ll have your own window to catch a glimpse of Earth’s curve during the four-minute weightless phase.
SpaceX Dragon handles orbital group missions with a four-passenger capacity. Instead of the usual docking port, the spacecraft uses a transparent cupola dome. This glass dome lets you take in 360-degree views on multi-day orbital trips.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule whisks six passengers on 11-minute suborbital flights. The capsule boasts the largest windows ever flown in space—42 inches tall and 28 inches wide.
Everyone gets a window seat, so the views aren’t blocked at all. Since the flight system is automated, there’s no pilot, freeing up all six seats for customers.
Virgin Galactic assigns seats based on weight distribution and safety. The cabin comes with individual reclinable seats and five-point harnesses to handle the shift between gravity and zero-g.
Once you’re weightless, you can unbuckle and float around. Handholds and padding line the interior so you can move safely in microgravity.
Dragon spacecraft have sleeping bags attached to the walls for overnight orbital trips. There’s a bathroom behind a privacy screen, and meals are pre-packaged but can be heated up.
Climate control keeps the cabin comfortable. Each seat comes with its own air vent and a comm system for chatting with ground control.
New Shepard’s cabin gives the most room per passenger, with 530 cubic feet of interior space. Seats face those massive windows, making the most of the quick flight.
The cabin pressurization system means you don’t need a spacesuit, unless there’s an emergency. If something goes wrong with the pressure, oxygen masks drop down automatically.
Booking a group space trip means everyone goes through medical screening and specialized training—it’s a whole different process than booking a solo ticket. The industry has set up standard ways to manage groups and still keep the tough safety standards needed for commercial spaceflight.
Group medical assessments make screening more efficient but still keep every passenger safe. Companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin require everyone in the group to fill out the same medical questionnaires about heart health, bone density, and any meds you’re taking.
The FAA asks for informed consent from passengers, but each operator sets their own medical standards with their medical teams. This puts the decision in the hands of both aerospace doctors and the space companies.
Medical screening focuses on these areas:
If one group member has a medical emergency, it can affect the whole mission. Operators usually have backup passengers who go through the same screening.
Age rules change by company, but most care more about your health than your age. If you manage a chronic condition like diabetes, you might still get cleared after seeing a specialist.
Screening usually takes three to six months before launch. That gives you time for any extra tests or treatments if needed.
Group training gets everyone ready at once and helps build some team spirit. Virgin Galactic runs three-day training sessions at Spaceport America, covering everything from spacecraft systems to emergency procedures and weightlessness training.
Training starts in the classroom with lessons on G-forces, cabin pressure, and how microgravity affects your body. Groups practice moving together in tight mockups to avoid bumping into each other during zero-g.
Emergency drills get a lot of attention—everyone has to know how to respond as a group. You’ll learn how to communicate, evacuate, and help anyone feeling sick from the motion.
Training includes:
Blue Origin’s training is shorter and more intense, since the flight only lasts 11 minutes. Groups do everything in one day—capsule entry, restraint systems, and weightlessness basics.
Most programs end with full mission simulations. Groups run through the whole flight sequence so everyone feels confident and ready.
Group space trips take a lot of planning—timing, training, medical checks, and flight prep all need to line up for everyone. Companies offer structured programs and optional extras to make the whole thing more memorable.
Virgin Galactic organizes group flights with synchronized three-day training at Spaceport America. On day one, groups of six do medical checks, then spend day two learning about the spacecraft and emergency procedures.
Flight day kicks off before dawn. Everyone suits up together and boards the carrier plane as a team. The 90-minute experience gives you time to float together and take in the view.
Blue Origin can handle up to six passengers per New Shepard flight. Their schedule is quick—one day of training at the West Texas site.
Typical Blue Origin Group Timeline:
SpaceX manages bigger corporate groups by splitting them across multiple Crew Dragon missions. Training happens at their California facilities and can take months, with everyone graduating together.
Space tourism companies have special group perks beyond the basic flight. Virgin Galactic hosts private hangar events where you can meet astronauts and tour the manufacturing floor.
Blue Origin makes custom mission patches for groups and families. They also set up professional photo sessions in flight suits, so you’ll have plenty of memories captured.
SpaceX offers longer orbital trips for groups that want to do zero-g experiments together. Corporate teams sometimes run research projects while orbiting Earth for several days.
Popular Group Add-Ons:
World View and Space Perspective take bigger groups in their balloon capsules. Up to eight people can toast with champagne while watching the curve of Earth for six hours in the stratosphere.
Pulling off a group space trip takes serious coordination—from travel plans to remote launch sites to communication tools that keep everyone in sync. These operational details can make or break your group’s experience.
Space tourism launches usually happen far from big cities, so getting there isn’t always simple. Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Spaceport America in New Mexico, and Mojave Air and Space Port in California are the main launch sites.
Groups need to book flights into regional airports well in advance. For Spaceport America, the closest airport is still a 45-mile drive through the desert. Kennedy Space Center is easier to reach—Orlando International Airport is just 45 minutes away.
Charter transportation is a must for groups over ten. Regular rental cars won’t fit all the gear and paperwork you need for space travel.
Launch dates can change last minute because of weather or technical stuff. Groups should pick flexible travel options that won’t charge you extra for rescheduling. Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic usually give 48 hours’ notice if plans change.
Hotels near launch sites fill up fast during flight windows. If you’re headed to Spaceport America, book your rooms as soon as you have your launch date.
Space tourism groups can’t rely on basic group chats—there’s too much sensitive info and last-minute changes. You’ll need platforms that keep everything secure and organized.
Dedicated coordination platforms send real-time updates about medical clearances, training, and launch prep. These systems track who’s finished what—centrifuge training, medical checks, equipment fittings, you name it.
When weather or technical problems crop up, everyone gets notified at once. Companies use their own apps to deliver encrypted updates about the schedule.
Group coordinators can see everyone’s status on a dashboard—medical clearance, training done, gear fitted. That way, nobody falls through the cracks.
Emergency protocols make sure you can reach everyone quickly if something goes wrong. Since many launch sites are out of cell range, satellite comms are often the backup for group coordination.
Families get regular updates through secure portals, so they know what’s happening without risking anyone’s privacy.
Space tourism companies have special membership programs that give groups lower prices and access to unique perks. These tiers open up premium experiences for families, corporate teams, or just groups of space fans—often at a discount.
Group memberships can save you a lot. Virgin Galactic gives groups of six or more a 15% discount on standard suborbital flights. Blue Origin offers similar deals for corporate teams that book multiple New Shepard seats.
SpaceX’s private missions include group perks for Crew Dragon flights. Book an entire capsule, and you’ll get discounts on training and extra help with mission planning. Sometimes, groups save as much as $500,000 versus booking solo seats.
Corporate memberships usually have three levels: Bronze (8-12% off), Silver (12-18% off), and Platinum (18-25% off). The higher the tier, the bigger the group you need—10 to 20 people for the top level. Family memberships start with groups as small as four.
Most programs throw in free astronaut training for groups. Virgin Galactic, for example, gives member groups three days of centrifuge training at no extra cost.
Member groups get first dibs on new mission dates and premium spacecraft. Companies set aside 30-40% of their annual flights for groups before letting individuals book.
Virgin Galactic lets member groups book the new Delta-class spacecraft first, with bigger windows and more room for zero-g fun. Blue Origin does the same with New Shepard upgrades and longer flights.
Special member experiences can mean private launch viewing areas, astronaut meet-and-greets, or exclusive pre-flight dinners. Groups also get priority for medical checks and can fast-track their training.
Space hotels like Axiom Station reserve modules for member groups during big events—think solar eclipses or ISS dockings. These windows offer the best photo ops and longer stays in orbit.
Group space tourism bookings bring a bunch of legal headaches that need specialized insurance coverage and solid risk management.
Space tourism companies have to work through federal regulations and make sure groups traveling together get enough protection on each mission.
Group space tourism insurance doesn’t look much like what individuals get.
Companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic team up with specialized insurers to build policies that address the risks of flying multiple passengers at once.
Group policies usually break down into three main types.
Hull insurance covers the spacecraft if it gets damaged during flight.
Liability coverage protects operators if an accident affects people or property on the ground.
Personal accident insurance helps passengers if they get injured or worse during the trip.
Insurers look at group size, everyone’s medical history, and how complicated the mission is before setting premiums.
Suborbital flights with Virgin Galactic tend to cost less to insure than orbital trips to the International Space Station.
Sometimes, companies make groups buy extra coverage on top of what the operator already has.
The Federal Aviation Administration sets minimum insurance requirements for commercial space launches.
These requirements go up as the passenger count and mission risks increase.
Space tourism operators always require liability waivers from everyone in the group before they can fly.
These legal forms spell out the dangers of spaceflight and limit the company’s responsibility if something goes wrong.
Group organizers need to make sure each participant signs their own waiver, acknowledging the risks.
The documents talk about things like radiation exposure, system failures, and emergency landings.
Nobody gets on the spacecraft without signing the liability release.
Federal rules require passengers to go through detailed risk briefings as part of an informed consent process.
Groups have to finish these sessions together so everyone understands the hazards before signing anything official.
Some waivers mention what happens in medical emergencies during flight.
Passengers agree that medical help in space is limited and take responsibility for any pre-existing health issues that could get worse up there.
The space tourism industry keeps rolling out new booking platforms built for group adventures.
Fresh providers are also making space travel more accessible with creative tech and pricing models.
New companies are jumping into space tourism with booking systems focused on groups.
Axiom Space, for example, offers private missions to the International Space Station where groups can reserve an entire mission together using digital platforms.
Orbital Assembly Corporation is working on space hotels that can host group stays in orbit.
These hotels let guests book shared activities like group spacewalks or zero-gravity meals.
The booking tech connects with existing travel sites, making reservations feel a lot like booking a regular hotel.
SpaceX keeps pushing its group capabilities with the Starship program.
Starship can carry bigger groups than anything flying now.
Blue Origin is also working on orbital tourism flights that can take multiple passengers per mission.
Virtual reality training is quickly becoming the norm for group bookings.
These VR systems let groups train together before the flight, which cuts down costs and saves time.
Automated booking platforms now handle group scheduling, payments, and mission planning.
Group pricing is starting to make space tourism a little less out of reach.
Virgin Galactic, for instance, gives discounts when groups book together, bringing the price per ticket down from $450,000 to something more manageable.
Corporate packages are popping up for business teams and schools.
Companies can book team-building trips to space or set up educational journeys for students through special group booking sites.
Payment plans help groups split costs over time, which opens the door for folks who can’t pay everything up front.
Some providers bundle insurance for the whole group under one policy.
Regional spaceports in several states now handle larger groups more efficiently.
Facilities can process more people at once, so groups don’t get stuck waiting around as long.
With commercial flights on the rise, the space tourism industry faces growing pressure to create environmental safeguards.
Companies are now rolling out new tech and rules to cut emissions and space junk, all while trying to keep the magic of spaceflight alive.
Rocket launches pump out a lot of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
One suborbital flight can give off as much as a transatlantic commercial flight per passenger.
The carbon footprint varies a lot between companies.
Virgin Galactic’s air-launched SpaceShipTwo creates fewer emissions than classic rocket launches.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard burns liquid hydrogen and oxygen, so the exhaust is mostly just water vapor.
Space debris is a serious issue.
Failed launches or broken gear can leave junk in orbit, threatening satellites and other spacecraft.
Thousands of objects already zip around the Kármán line at dangerous speeds.
Atmospheric effects are another worry.
Some rocket fuels can hurt the ozone layer, and black carbon from launches can warm the atmosphere.
Certain propellants release chlorine compounds that damage stratospheric ozone—definitely not ideal.
Group bookings can help by filling every seat.
A full six-passenger Virgin Galactic flight spreads out emissions among more people, so each traveler leaves a smaller footprint.
SpaceX leads the way with reusable rockets.
The Falcon 9 booster can fly again and again, which really cuts down on waste and costs.
Other companies are starting to follow this model.
Blue Origin made New Shepard fully reusable from the start.
Both the booster and the crew capsule come back to Earth for another round, which means less hardware gets tossed.
Companies are also looking at cleaner fuels.
Some are researching electric propulsion or biofuels for future spacecraft.
Virgin Galactic uses a hybrid rocket motor that burns solid fuel with a liquid oxidizer, which lowers toxic emissions.
To tackle space junk, companies are teaming up through industry groups.
The Commercial Spaceflight Federation shares data and coordinates flight paths to keep orbits safer.
Carbon offset programs let space tourists balance out their flight emissions.
Some companies put offset money into renewable energy or forest projects.
Others invest in tech that pulls CO2 straight from the air.
Regulatory agencies like the FAA work closely with these companies to set environmental standards for commercial space operations.
Booking a space tourism trip isn’t exactly simple.
You’ll usually deal with direct company reservations, need to make a pretty hefty financial investment (think $125,000 up to $55 million), and have to meet some medical requirements.
Big names like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX each do things their own way with different booking steps and training.
Civilians can book space flights straight from company websites or through authorized agencies.
SpaceX lets you reserve seats for Dragon and Starship missions on its online portal.
Virgin Galactic runs its own customer portal for suborbital flights at $450,000 a seat.
Blue Origin asks would-be passengers to apply online before giving out prices.
Most companies keep waiting lists since seats are so limited.
Depending on demand, you might wait months or even years for your turn.
Space Perspective and World View have balloon-powered capsule rides starting at $50,000, and their online booking is a bit more accessible.
Some travelers use specialized brokers who help match you with the right flight—handy if you’re overwhelmed by all the options.
The price of commercial space travel can swing wildly depending on what you pick.
Virgin Galactic charges $450,000 per seat for about four minutes of weightlessness on a suborbital flight.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard suborbital flights go for $250,000 to $300,000 per person and last 11 minutes, crossing the 62-mile-high space boundary.
If you want to go orbital, get ready for a big bill.
SpaceX Crew Dragon flights to the ISS cost $55 million per seat through Axiom Space.
Space Perspective offers six-hour balloon rides to 100,000 feet for $125,000.
World View does similar trips starting at $50,000.
Don’t forget extra costs like training, medical checks, and special insurance.
Insurance alone can run $10,000 to $50,000 per passenger, depending on the mission.
Virgin Galactic runs VSS Unity flights out of Spaceport America in New Mexico.
Their spaceplane gives you four minutes of weightlessness at 280,000 feet.
Blue Origin uses New Shepard for vertical launches from West Texas.
The capsule can take up to six passengers on 11-minute suborbital flights up to 340,000 feet.
SpaceX offers orbital rides with Crew Dragon from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
These trips can include ISS visits or private orbital jaunts.
Space Perspective and World View send balloon-powered capsules to the stratosphere—no rockets or big g-forces, just a gentler ride.
Axiom Space partners with SpaceX for private ISS missions and is working on commercial space stations just for tourists.
Virgin Galactic is charging $450,000 per seat for suborbital flights on VSS Unity.
That price covers the 90-minute trip, including about four minutes of weightlessness.
To book, you’ll need to put down a $150,000 deposit.
The rest is due 60 to 90 days before launch.
They’ll give a full refund if you cancel at least 90 days before your flight.
If a company doctor approves a medical cancellation, you get your money back any time.
The ticket price comes with a three-day training course at Spaceport America.
Training covers spacecraft systems, emergency drills, and weightlessness prep.
You’ll also need to budget for travel, hotels, and space tourism insurance.
Insurance for Virgin Galactic flights usually runs $15,000 to $25,000.
Flight frequency depends a lot on the provider and type of mission.
Virgin Galactic usually flies suborbital missions about once a month, weather and tech allowing.
Blue Origin runs New Shepard flights every six to eight weeks, but sometimes pauses for upgrades or maintenance.
SpaceX doesn’t launch orbital tourism flights very often.
They might do one or two civilian missions a year, mixed in with government contracts.
Weather can delay launches for days or weeks—wind, storms, or rough atmosphere all play a role.
Training is another factor.
Orbital missions need months of prep, while suborbital flights only take a few days of training.
Balloon rides from Space Perspective are even more weather-sensitive.
Wind and atmospheric conditions can cause more delays than rockets usually see.
Getting medical clearance stands out as the biggest hurdle for would-be space tourists. Companies ask for heart checkups, blood pressure tests, and a full fitness assessment—pretty similar to what astronauts go through.
Most providers set age limits, usually letting folks between 18 and 75 fly. Spacecraft have their own weight and height rules, but most adults fit within those guidelines.
Training varies a lot depending on the trip. Suborbital flights ask for just a couple days of prep, while orbital adventures demand weeks of learning about spacecraft systems and emergency drills.
You’ll want to think about money early on. Companies often ask for big deposits, strict payment deadlines, and there’s not much wiggle room if you have to cancel.
Standard travel insurance won’t cut it here. Space tourism insurance covers things like medical emergencies, canceled flights, or even equipment problems—definitely worth considering for the investment.
Getting in shape helps more than you might expect. Most companies suggest cardio training and a chat with an aerospace medicine specialist before you lock in your spot.