Back in October 2024, Deep Blue Aerospace started selling its first space tourism tickets for $210,000 each. They’re aiming to launch commercial suborbital flights in 2027.
Passengers get a 12-minute ride, and about five of those minutes are weightless. Not bad for a first shot at space.
Deep Blue Aerospace put its space tourism tickets up for sale on Taobao in October 2024. The first two tickets vanished in just 20 minutes during a live-stream event.
Each ticket comes in at 1.5 million yuan ($210,000), which is a lot, but way less than what international companies ask.
Virgin Galactic charges $600,000 per seat for a similar ride. Blue Origin and SpaceX? Also much pricier than Deep Blue’s offer.
They’re planning to release more tickets in the months after the initial sale. Huo Liang, the chairman, said prices might drop to several hundred thousand yuan once their reusable rockets get more efficient.
The tickets sold out fast, showing that people in China are really interested in space tourism. Deep Blue used Taobao to reach regular folks directly.
Deep Blue Aerospace wants to fly its first commercial passengers in 2027. They know rocket tech is risky and complicated.
The team plans to run dozens of safety tests over the next two years. These tests will make sure the system is reliable before anyone climbs aboard.
They’ll stick to strict testing protocols before the first commercial launch. Safety is their top concern, no question.
Jiangsu province is home base for Deep Blue Aerospace. They’re part of China’s fast-growing commercial space scene.
That 2027 goal lines up with what other space tourism companies are aiming for. It gives them time to get the vehicle ready and certified.
Development Milestones:
The whole flight takes 12 minutes. Passengers reach space but don’t go into orbit.
Weightlessness lasts at least five minutes. That’s the main draw for most people.
The rocket launches straight up, reaches space, and then drops back down.
Here’s what happens:
The launch shoves you back in your seat as the rocket climbs through the sky.
Zero gravity kicks in when the engines cut out. Passengers get to unbuckle and float inside the cabin.
During weightlessness, you can see the curve of Earth and that thin blue line of atmosphere.
Reentry pulls you back into your seat. The flight ends with a smooth, controlled landing.
Deep Blue Aerospace really leans into the multi-sensory experience of space travel. You get the sights, the sounds, and all the weird sensations you just can’t find on Earth.
Deep Blue Aerospace gives passengers a 12-minute ride that climbs between 100 and 150 kilometers up, crossing the Karman line for five minutes of weightlessness. Their Nebula-1 rocket takes six people per flight and lands using advanced parachutes.
The full suborbital flight experience takes about 12 minutes from launch to landing. Passengers ride Deep Blue Aerospace’s spacecraft to as high as 150 kilometers above the Earth.
The rocket crosses the Karman line at 100 kilometers—officially the start of space. After crossing, you’re technically an astronaut, at least by international standards.
At peak altitude, the spacecraft tips over and starts heading back down. Passengers feel gravity fade, then return as the descent begins.
The flight never completes an orbit. It’s a big up-and-down hop, not a lap around Earth.
Landing uses a parachute system made for safety. The spacecraft touches down on land, not water, so recovery is simpler and more predictable.
Passengers get at least five minutes of weightlessness. This starts once the rocket crosses the Karman line and ends when descent begins.
During this time, everyone floats freely in the cabin. You can try somersaults or just let objects drift. Huge windows show off the curve of Earth and the blackness of space.
Before the flight, passengers go through training to learn how to move safely in zero gravity. They practice body positioning and movement. Safety harnesses stay within reach the whole time.
Five minutes might not sound long, but it’s enough to get used to floating and snap some photos or videos. For most people, this is the highlight of the suborbital journey and the main reason they sign up as space tourists.
The Nebula-1 rocket, built for reuse, powers these flights. Using the same rocket more than once keeps costs down and reliability up.
The passenger capsule fits six people per trip. Big windows let you take in the view.
The cabin packs in safety systems and life support for the short flight.
Key capsule features:
Deep Blue Aerospace tests the spacecraft hundreds of times before letting anyone ride. They put safety first at every step.
The CEO even plans to ride on early flights to show he trusts the system.
China’s space tourism scene looks set to reach commercial operations within the next decade. Authorities are eyeing operational phases by 2035.
The market’s got strong growth potential, thanks to government support and public-private partnerships.
Globally, space tourism could hit $10.09 billion by 2030. The industry in China is growing at a wild 44.8% annual rate from 2024 to 2030.
Chinese officials want to see operational space tourism by 2035. The China Center for Information Industry Development says commercial flights could start in five to ten years.
China’s commercial space sector already has over 160 companies working on satellites, rockets, and telecom. This network lays the groundwork for space tourism.
Government support from the China National Space Administration helps the market grow. National strategies focus on commercializing space, which really pushes the industry forward.
Right now, space tourism tickets worldwide run from $250,000 to $450,000 for suborbital trips. Chinese companies haven’t nailed down exact prices yet for their own flights.
Their main strategy is cost reduction through better tech. The goal? Make space more accessible than what’s offered internationally.
Private companies teaming up with state agencies could mean lower ticket prices. This kind of partnership might give them an edge over fully private Western companies.
China’s manufacturing strengths help keep production costs down. That could mean cheaper tickets once flights start for real.
China’s huge population creates a big market for space tourism. The growing middle class might become a major customer base for luxury space travel.
There are also chances to expand across Asia. Chinese operators could attract folks from neighboring countries looking for a shot at space.
The rapid growth of the commercial space industry supports these expansion plans. Companies with experience in satellites and rockets can pivot to tourism pretty easily.
Government backing brings stability and encourages private investment. State support lowers risk and makes it more appealing for companies to jump in.
China’s experience with human spaceflight adds crucial know-how for running safe tourist flights.
Chinese space tourism companies put a huge focus on advanced rockets and serious safety measures. Deep Blue Aerospace leads the way with reusable rocket systems and tough testing routines for commercial spaceflight.
Deep Blue Aerospace is developing reusable rocket technology to cut costs and boost reliability. Their Nebula-1 rocket lands vertically, a bit like SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
Reusable rockets can slash costs by up to 80% compared to single-use rockets. The same hardware can fly again after checks and refurbishing.
The main engines restart as needed for a controlled landing. Grid fins and landing legs pop out during descent to steer the booster home.
Deep Blue Aerospace’s teams run ground tests on engines before every reuse. They check key parts—turbopumps, combustion chambers, guidance systems—between flights.
Chinese space tourism companies stick to tough safety standards, drawing on decades of human spaceflight. They run hundreds of unmanned test flights before putting people on board.
Deep Blue Aerospace simulates emergencies like engine failures and aborts. Pilots train in simulators that mirror every stage of a suborbital mission.
Ground crews go over the spacecraft and life support systems before each flight. Medical teams keep an eye on passenger health from start to finish.
Rescue teams wait at landing zones before every launch, just in case. Communication stays open between the rocket and mission control throughout the flight.
Passenger capsules rely on multiple parachutes for safe landings. Main chutes open high up, and backups are ready if anything goes wrong.
Specialized recovery teams stand by at landing zones to help passengers right away. Capsules have impact-absorbing tech to soften the landing.
Heat shields guard against the intense heat of reentry. Life support systems keep the air and pressure just right during descent.
Recovery crews track capsules with GPS and radar, so they can reach passengers quickly. Medical staff hop aboard minutes after landing to check on everyone.
China’s commercial space tourism companies are coming up with real alternatives to Western providers, offering similar suborbital flights but likely at lower prices. Firms like Deep Blue Aerospace are aiming for operational flights by 2027, with ticket prices around $140,000.
Virgin Galactic kicked off commercial suborbital tourism with SpaceShipTwo. They charge about $450,000 per seat for a 90-minute trip.
Chinese companies are jumping in as affordable alternatives. Deep Blue Aerospace, for example, sells 12-minute flights at $140,000—a huge difference at about 70% less than Virgin Galactic.
Virgin Galactic already has multiple crewed flights under its belt and plenty of operational experience. Meanwhile, Chinese space tourism companies are still in development, with actual launches years away.
The flight experience isn’t really the same. Virgin Galactic offers longer periods of weightlessness and more passenger comforts. Chinese suborbital flights mainly aim for that 100-kilometer altitude, but the whole ride is much shorter.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard capsule gives you an 11-minute flight, reaching altitudes similar to what Chinese missions plan. Both use vertical rocket launches, skipping the air-launched approach.
Chinese companies are paying close attention to Blue Origin’s automated flight systems. Deep Blue Aerospace uses similar reusable rocket tech in their upcoming tourism vehicles.
Blue Origin has already flown paying customers and a few celebrities. In contrast, Chinese space tourism is still pre-commercial, with ticket pre-sales starting in 2024.
Safety is another area where the differences show. Blue Origin puts a big emphasis on extensive testing before flying people. Chinese companies are still building out their safety frameworks as they move closer to launch.
SpaceX plays in a different league—orbital tourism, not suborbital. Their Dragon capsules offer multi-day adventures, but tickets cost tens of millions per seat.
Chinese space tourism is sticking to suborbital flights for now. There are plans to open the Tiangong space station to civilians, which would go head-to-head with SpaceX’s orbital trips.
There’s no denying the technology gap between Chinese companies and SpaceX. SpaceX has a track record, having taken several civilian crews to orbit with solid safety records.
China’s government is all in on space tourism as a strategic sector. That support could speed up development and drive down costs, especially compared to SpaceX’s more commercial model.
Chinese companies have their eyes on 2035 for full operations, which could mean real competition for SpaceX’s orbital tourism in the future.
A handful of private aerospace firms are racing to launch China’s first commercial space tourism flights. CAS Space leads the pack on development timelines.
Deep Blue Aerospace is making a name for itself with reusable rocket technology. State-backed companies are teaming up with tourism groups to build the market infrastructure.
Deep Blue Aerospace gets a lot of attention among Chinese space tourism companies because of its focus on reusable rockets. The company, based in Beijing, has developed vertical landing for its rockets, a move that’s a lot like what SpaceX does.
Their goal is to cut launch costs by reusing rockets. Instead of tossing a rocket after one flight, they fly it again and again.
Deep Blue Aerospace is gearing up for suborbital flights that touch the edge of space. Passengers will get a few minutes of weightlessness before heading back down.
Their reusable rockets are a major cost-saving innovation. Lowering launch costs could make space tourism possible for more Chinese consumers.
Deep Blue Aerospace doesn’t just compete with local players—they’re going up against Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, too. Their vertical landing tech is a sign of China’s growing skills in commercial spaceflight.
CAS Space is pushing hard to launch passenger flights by 2028. The company, also based in Beijing, has teamed up with China Tourism Group to create demand.
They even showed off a full-scale tourism capsule model at Airshow China 2022. This capsule will take passengers to the edge of space for a short weightless experience.
LandSpace Technology Corporation, founded back in 2015, is focused on orbital launch services, which could eventually support space tourism. They’ve pulled off several successful rocket tests and launches.
State support gives Chinese space tourism companies a big funding edge. Government partnerships let these firms tap into resources and know-how from China’s established space program.
A growing number of Chinese companies are aiming for first passenger flights between 2025 and 2028. That puts China just a bit behind American competitors, but the pace of progress is picking up fast.
China’s space tourism scene is a mix of strong government direction and carefully managed private sector involvement. The government sets the big-picture goals, but commercial companies get to develop certain capabilities—always under state supervision.
The Chinese government opened its space sector to private investment in 2014 with Document 60. This was a huge change, letting private companies jump into launch services and satellite work, and laying the groundwork for space tourism.
Beijing’s city government is pretty active, too. Its five-year plan targets space startups and high-tech private companies, hoping to spark innovation both at home and internationally. Provinces like Guangdong and Hainan are also building dedicated spaceports to boost commercial space activity.
The Civil-Military Integration Strategy gives private companies a regulatory framework to grow, but the state still keeps close watch. Government funding has shot up—from $2.22 billion in 2022 to $14.43 billion in 2023.
China’s long-term vision is ambitious. Space tourism fits into bigger goals for a thriving space economy. By 2045, they want to be a global space leader, with tourism as both an economic engine and a way to show off their tech.
Private companies now stand beside state-owned giants in building space tourism capabilities. LandSpace and iSpace lead in commercial rocket development, while CAS Space zeroes in on space tourism.
These companies get a boost from government support but still push for new ways to cut launch costs.
State-owned powerhouses like CASC and CASIC team up with private firms on tourism projects. This mix brings together government resources and private sector agility.
Still, the industry has to deal with tight government oversight and heavy reliance on state funding. There’s not as much room for the kind of disruptive innovation you see in Western markets.
China’s Space Silk Road project offers commercial space services to international partners, possibly opening up tourism markets in Belt and Road Initiative countries. It’s a way for Chinese companies to go global without losing sight of domestic goals.
If you want to travel to space, you need to meet some tough medical standards and finish training programs. Chinese space tourism companies require thorough health screenings and special prep courses to keep passengers safe.
Chinese space tourism companies ask passengers to pass detailed medical exams before booking. These checks look for heart issues, blood pressure problems, and respiratory conditions that could get worse in space.
Most operators set age limits between 18 and 65. Passengers can’t have serious medical conditions like epilepsy, insulin-dependent diabetes, or recent surgeries.
Physical fitness requirements include:
Deep Blue Aerospace and others run these medical reviews weeks before the flight. Passengers fill out health questionnaires and get physical exams from approved doctors.
Some health issues will disqualify you right away. Others might just need a doctor’s note before you’re cleared.
Chinese space tourism companies put everyone through mandatory training lasting from a few days to a few weeks. These programs get you ready for the weird conditions you’ll face during your 12-minute suborbital flight.
Training includes learning about the spacecraft, emergency procedures, and what to expect during launch and re-entry. Passengers practice getting in and out of seats with space suits on.
Key training components:
Deep Blue Aerospace requires passengers to try centrifuge training to simulate launch forces. This step can weed out anyone who can’t handle the acceleration.
You’ll also get a rundown on the flight timeline and safety rules. The staff will show you how to move safely in the cabin during weightlessness.
Chinese operators must carry special insurance for passenger flights. This covers medical emergencies, delays, and possible accidents during space travel.
Passengers usually need to buy extra travel insurance for space activities. Regular travel insurance doesn’t cover commercial spaceflight.
Safety protocols include:
Chinese companies stick to strict safety standards, much like international operators. Flight crews train extensively for emergencies.
Security checks happen weeks before launch, not just at the spaceport. This gives plenty of time for full background checks on passengers and crew.
Chinese space tourism companies are working hard to make space travel cheaper than what Western competitors offer. Tickets start at $210,000, while international prices often top $600,000. That price gap could help China lead the way in making space accessible to the middle class.
Deep Blue Aerospace rolled out China’s first commercial space tourism tickets at $210,000 for a 12-minute suborbital ride. The first batch sold out in just 20 minutes during a Taobao livestream.
This price is about a third of Virgin Galactic’s $600,000 ticket. The Chinese flights promise at least five minutes of weightlessness.
Space tourism tickets in China could get even cheaper as technology improves. Deep Blue Aerospace’s chairman, Huo Liang, hinted that tickets priced in the hundreds of thousands of yuan might be possible with better reusable rockets.
Reusable rockets are the key to cutting high costs. Deep Blue Aerospace will run multiple test flights over the next two years to make sure things are safe before opening for business in 2027.
China wants to appeal to its growing middle class, not just billionaires. That’s a big difference from Western companies, which mostly serve the ultra-wealthy.
Chinese social media users think local companies could help lower global space tourism prices. The competitive pricing strategy aims to let adventurous middle-class folks try space travel.
The country also plans to open the Tiangong space station for civilian tourists within the next decade. That would give people more options than just suborbital flights.
Chinese companies are pouring money into technology to cut costs and boost accessibility. The focus on affordability matches predictions for global growth in space tourism over the next 15 to 20 years.
China’s space tourism industry is at a turning point, where technological progress meets changing public attitudes. The country faces engineering challenges and a shift in how people view commercial spaceflight as it builds up its capabilities.
China’s space tourism companies face some tough technical challenges as they try to build safe, reusable spacecraft. Designing vehicles that can reliably carry civilians isn’t easy—it takes years of testing and validation, and honestly, there’s no shortcut.
Reusable rocket tech stands out as the biggest headache right now. CAS Space, iSpace, and others are hustling to nail controlled landings and quick turnarounds, but so far, these systems are pricey and unproven at a commercial scale.
Safety systems come first in every design conversation. Chinese engineers focus on redundant life support, emergency abort options, and heat shields that won’t fail. Each part gets tested for thousands of hours before anyone even thinks about putting people on board.
The China National Space Administration backs the space tourism industry, which makes a huge difference. This support gives companies access to launch sites and technical know-how that would be really tough to get on their own.
Manufacturing innovation could be the game-changer for costs. Chinese firms might be able to use the country’s manufacturing strengths to build spacecraft parts cheaper than what international rivals can manage.
Interest in space tourism is picking up among Chinese consumers, especially wealthy professionals in big cities. Early surveys show tech entrepreneurs and business execs see space travel as a new kind of status symbol.
Cultural attitudes around risk and adventure definitely shape the market. With traditional Chinese values focusing on safety and family, the customer base might stay smaller at first compared to places where people are more risk-tolerant.
Educational campaigns matter a lot for building trust. Companies pour resources into outreach at universities and science museums, hoping to show off their safety protocols and make spaceflight seem less out-there.
New jobs are popping up in the industry, too—not just in aerospace, but in space hospitality, medical support, and customer training as companies ramp up.
Media coverage can make or break public opinion. When test flights succeed or celebrities get involved, people start to see space tourism as a real travel option, not just some wild experiment.
Space tourism offers transformative personal experiences—think weightlessness and seeing Earth from orbit. These moments can totally change how travelers see the world and themselves.
The industry is working on luxury accommodations in orbit. Soon, high-end travelers might book trips that go way beyond anything you’ll find on Earth.
Seeing Earth from space brings on the so-called “overview effect.” It’s a shift in awareness—suddenly, you see the planet as one fragile, connected system. Space tourists get this, too, watching Earth’s curve against the black of space.
Weightlessness is wild—there’s just nothing on Earth like it. Passengers float around for several minutes during suborbital flights, and their bodies adjust to the lack of gravity. A lot of people say it feels freeing, even spiritual.
At altitude, the thin blue line of atmosphere stands out in a way you can’t imagine from the ground. Travelers see how it protects all life, and this view often sparks a new sense of environmental awareness.
Some space tourists say the experience changes their priorities and worldview for good. The vastness of space and Earth’s isolation can trigger deep emotional reactions that stick with you.
Space hotels are coming—they’ll offer multi-day stays with crazy views and top-tier amenities. Guests will get private sleeping pods, lounges for watching Earth, and special dining areas designed for zero gravity.
Companies are working on rotating stations that use artificial gravity by spinning. This setup lets guests try both weightless fun and gravity-assisted living in the same place.
Luxury space stays will have big windows, gourmet meals tweaked for space, and activities you can’t do anywhere else. Think Earth photography, zero-gravity sports, and stargazing that’s impossible from the ground.
This industry won’t just change travel—it’ll create new jobs in space hospitality, orbital maintenance, and entertainment.
Longer trips in orbit also open up research opportunities. Civilian guests could help scientists learn more about how space affects the body and mind.
China’s space tourism sector is heating up. Companies like Deep Blue Aerospace plan $210,000 flights as soon as 2027, and there’s talk of Tiangong space station visits within a decade. All this brings up lots of questions about costs, safety, and regulations for would-be travelers.
Deep Blue Aerospace leads the pack. The company, based in Jiangsu, aims to launch 12-minute suborbital flights in 2027.
CAS Space is another big name, backed by the state. They want to launch their own tourism vehicle by 2027 and reach the edge of space by 2028.
The China National Space Administration also plans to open the Tiangong space station to tourists in the next 10 years.
Deep Blue Aerospace has set the bar with a price: $210,000 per person for a 12-minute suborbital flight.
That’s quite a bit less than Virgin Galactic, which charges $600,000 for similar trips.
Company leaders think prices will drop as reusable rocket tech gets better. Deep Blue Aerospace’s chairman, Huo Liang, even said costs could eventually be just a few hundred thousand yuan.
Right now, training requirements for Chinese space tourism aren’t public. Companies haven’t shared many details about what passengers need to do before flying.
Deep Blue Aerospace plans to run a lot of tests over the next two years. They admit rocket tech is complicated and risky, so they’re not rushing.
Traditional astronaut programs require months of tough training, but Chinese companies will probably create shorter, more doable programs for regular people.
China’s space tourism rules are still taking shape. Yang Shaoxian at CCID Consulting expects big policy changes in five to ten years.
The government supports commercial space travel and encourages new tourism projects as part of a bigger push for the space industry.
Current rules focus mostly on safety and operations. Companies have to pass strict tests before they can fly passengers.
Deep Blue Aerospace plans to run dozens of safety tests before 2027. They know rocket technology is risky business.
All companies must prove their systems are safe and reliable before launching commercial flights.
Chinese operators put a lot of emphasis on reusable rockets. This approach should boost safety and help cut costs for passengers.
Deep Blue Aerospace pulled off a significant milestone when it sold out space tourism tickets in just 20 minutes. That October 2024 event really showed how eager people in China are for space travel.
The Tiangong space station is almost finished, which feels like a huge step. The government says they’ll welcome space tourists there within the next decade.
Chinese companies have started offering prices that beat most international providers. Setting tickets at $210,000 makes space tourism seem a bit more realistic for regular folks, at least compared to before.
