Russia’s space agency has really carved out a spot for itself as a pioneer in commercial space travel. Since 2001, they’ve been flying paying customers into orbit.
They run these tourism missions through a mix of strategic partnerships and commercial subsidiaries. It’s not something you see every day—there aren’t many organizations offering these kinds of experiences.
Roscosmos stepped up as the first big space agency to let regular folks buy a ticket to space. Back in 2001, Dennis Tito, an American businessman, became the first space tourist to visit the International Space Station.
He shelled out $20 million for an eight-day adventure in orbit. That’s a price tag that still turns heads.
The agency has flown seven tourists to the ISS through its partnership with Space Adventures. They use the reliable Soyuz spacecraft, which has a reputation for safety built over decades.
Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov has talked about expanding tourism with the upcoming Russian Orbital Station (ROS). Russia plans for this station to take over after it leaves the ISS program in 2024.
The first modules for ROS are supposed to launch in 2027. That’s not too far off, if you think about it.
Roscosmos also signed a contract for a tourist spacewalk. That’s a big leap—moving beyond just flying around the Earth.
They seem pretty committed to giving civilians a shot at more than just looking out the window.
Space Adventures acts as Roscosmos’ main international partner for these tourism missions. This partnership has made all the civilian ISS flights using Russian rockets possible.
Roscosmos focuses on running the spacecraft, while Space Adventures handles customer service and planning. That split seems to work well for managing the complicated logistics of sending tourists to space.
Roscosmos had once approved Kosmokurs’ bold plan for suborbital tourism by 2025. But Kosmokurs shut down, and now Roscosmos is looking at hiring some of their people to keep the domestic tourism dream alive.
International collaboration still sits at the heart of Roscosmos’ tourism strategy. The agency keeps showing off its services at global aerospace events, including in India, pitching commercial spaceflight to non-professionals.
Glavkosmos acts as the main commercial arm of Roscosmos, handling international contracts and promoting space tourism. Over the years, they’ve managed more than 140 international deals.
Since May 2021, Glavkosmos has officially represented Roscosmos’ trademarks. This gives them the authority to negotiate and present Russian space tourism to the world.
They show off Russia’s tourism capabilities at big industry events. At these exhibitions, Glavkosmos highlights launch services, civilian orbital flights, and full mission packages—from planning through data analysis.
Glavkosmos also teams up with private Russian companies like SPUTNIX and Prosto Kosmos to broaden their offerings. Prosto Kosmos arranges ground-based tours to Russian space sites, including trips to Baikonur and Vostochny during launch campaigns.
Roscosmos kicked off commercial space tourism by teaming up with partners to send the first paying travelers to the ISS starting in 2001. They worked closely with Space Adventures to make eight tourist missions happen over almost a decade.
Things paused in 2009, but those early years set the stage for what came next.
Dennis Tito made history in April 2001 by becoming the world’s first space tourist. He paid $20 million and flew on a Russian Soyuz to the ISS.
He spent eight days in orbit and showed that, with the right training, civilians could handle spaceflight. Space Adventures arranged his trip with Roscosmos.
Tito went through tough training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center before heading to space.
His successful mission opened the door for others. Mark Shuttleworth followed in 2002 as the first South African in space.
Anousheh Ansari became the first female space tourist and the first Iranian in orbit in 2006. Charles Simonyi stands out as the first person to go twice, flying in 2007 and again in 2009.
These missions basically built the foundation for today’s space tourism.
Between 2001 and 2009, Roscosmos flew eight tourist flights carrying seven people to the ISS. Every flight used the trusty Soyuz spacecraft.
Some big firsts happened during this time:
Tourist seats cost between $20-40 million. Each mission required months of training in Russia.
Tourists got involved in scientific and educational activities while onboard.
Tourist flights stopped in 2009 when NASA needed more crew rotations after retiring the Space Shuttle. Soyuz became the only way to get astronauts to the ISS, so there just weren’t extra seats for tourists.
Russian space tourism basically went quiet for over ten years. Meanwhile, American companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic started building their own tourism programs.
In 2017, Roscosmos approved Kosmokurs to start tourist flights by 2025, but the company shut down before making it happen. Now, Roscosmos is thinking about hiring some of those former employees to get things moving again.
The agency keeps looking for new partners to bring back space tourism. Lately, there’s been more buzz as competition from the U.S. heats up.
Roscosmos gives space tourists the chance to fly to the ISS and soon, maybe even try a spacewalk. They’re also planning for future trips on Russia’s next orbital station.
Experiences range from week-long ISS visits to more specialized activities outside the station.
Roscosmos runs the most established program for orbital space tourism using the Soyuz spacecraft. Since 2001, they’ve flown nine commercial passengers to the ISS, with each trip lasting about 8-12 days.
A seat costs around $20 million for an orbital experience. The journey starts with pre-flight training at Star City near Moscow.
Participants learn the basics—spacecraft systems, emergencies, even some science. It’s not just a sightseeing tour.
In December 2021, Japanese tourists Yusaku Maezawa and Yozo Hirano spent 12 days aboard the ISS, running experiments and capturing their journey. Dennis Tito kicked off the whole thing back in 2001, making Roscosmos the original leader in commercial orbital flights.
The Soyuz MS spacecraft is known for its reliability. Tourists usually fill the third seat, which is open when there’s no crew rotation.
They help out with daily station tasks and get to enjoy those jaw-dropping Earth views from the cupola.
Roscosmos wants to push tourist experiences even further. Soon, they’ll offer spacewalk opportunities for those willing to do extra training.
These spacewalks require more prep time. Tourists need to learn spacesuit operations, safety tethers, and emergency drills.
Training happens at special Russian facilities with seasoned cosmonauts guiding the way.
A typical spacewalk will last 2-4 hours. Tourists work with professional crew on tasks outside the station or just take in the view.
It’s a rare experience—seeing Earth with nothing but a suit between you and space.
Safety is a big deal here. Tourists use the same Orlan spacesuits as cosmonauts, and each walk includes at least two experienced crew members for backup.
Russia is working on a new orbital station to take over after the ISS retires around 2030. CEO Dmitry Bakanov says they’ll have special tourist missions to this new outpost.
Construction starts with a science and power module launching in December 2027 from Vostochny Cosmodrome. More modules will be added before 2030, and two more will dock between 2031-2033.
The Russian Orbital Service Station (ROS) will have better accommodations for tourists. Think private sleeping pods, observation decks, and places to relax—definitely an upgrade from the ISS.
Longer stays of 2-3 weeks will be possible with dedicated tourist facilities.
Roscosmos expects the Russian space tourism market to grow from $36.4 million in 2025 to $192.7 million by 2035. That’s a big jump and shows how much demand there is for these luxury experiences.
Russia’s launch sites at Baikonur and Vostochny give them a solid edge for getting tourists into orbit.
The Soyuz spacecraft stands at the heart of Russia’s space tourism efforts. With over 140 successful missions, it’s got a track record that’s tough to beat.
Between 2001 and 2021, Roscosmos flew nine paying customers on Soyuz, making Russia a real pioneer in civilian spaceflight.
Soyuz packs in several safety systems to protect passengers—especially those who aren’t professional astronauts. There’s an emergency escape system that can pull the crew module away from the rocket if something goes wrong at launch.
The spacecraft splits into three modules. Tourists spend most of their time in the spherical orbital module, which is roomier and has better windows for watching Earth roll by.
Soyuz uses a heat shield system that’s been battle-tested for over 50 years. During re-entry, the descent module shields everyone from temperatures above 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Safety Features:
Soyuz’s strong safety record makes it a top pick for tourists who care more about getting home in one piece than flying in luxury. Every mission includes a professional cosmonaut to handle the technical stuff, so tourists can just focus on the ride.
Roscosmos offers two main types of tourist missions on Soyuz. The typical trip lasts 8-12 days docked at the ISS.
Mission Duration Options:
Longer trips give tourists a shot at spacewalk training and participation. Space Adventures has even lined up the first civilian spacewalk with Roscosmos.
Usually, each tourist flight carries two paying passengers and a professional cosmonaut. That setup feels like the right balance for safety and support.
Glavkosmos and Space Adventures both sell seats on these dedicated tourist flights. These are different from regular crew rotations—they’re all about the tourist experience.
Soyuz launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. After the adventure, the capsule lands back on Kazakh soil.
Tourists get the full spaceflight experience: launch, orbit, and a wild ride back to Earth.
Space tourists spend several months training before they can fly on Soyuz missions. The preparation usually starts 8-9 months before launch and happens mostly in Russia.
Training Components:
Doctors screen candidates to make sure they can handle the physical demands of spaceflight. The medical board checks if each person can deal with zero gravity and handle basic spacecraft operations.
Roscosmos runs both pre-flight training and post-flight rehab. The training program covers spacecraft controls, safety procedures, and how to live on the ISS.
Tourists learn to use Soyuz toilets, food systems, and sleeping gear. They also practice with spacesuits in case emergencies pop up.
Professional astronauts train alongside the tourists so that everyone understands their mission roles. Honestly, this team approach seems to work well—they’ve pulled off several civilian spaceflights since 2001.
The ISS orbits about 250 miles above Earth, giving paying customers a front-row seat to real science and jaw-dropping views. Since 2001, Roscosmos has flown private citizens to this unique orbital outpost through careful partnerships.
Life on the International Space Station turns regular people into temporary crew members. Space tourists follow the same daily routines as professional astronauts.
Tourists wake up in sleeping bags strapped to the walls. Meals come in special space packaging, and water gets sipped from pouches. With no gravity, everything floats—including the people.
Daily activities range from scientific experiments to snapping photos and chatting with Earth. Some tourists run their own research projects. Many spend hours just taking pictures of Earth’s surface and wild weather patterns.
The ISS offers 360-degree viewing windows called cupolas. Tourists get to watch 16 sunrises and sunsets every day as the station circles the planet. Earth looks like a blue marble—no borders in sight.
Adapting physically takes a little time. Most tourists feel space sickness for a few days. Their faces puff up because bodily fluids shift upward in zero gravity.
Using the bathroom in space is its own challenge. Tourists use vacuum toilets and restraints. For hygiene, it’s all about no-rinse shampoo and even edible toothpaste.
In the 1990s, Roscosmos opened up commercial space tourism when budget issues forced them to look for new income. The Russian space agency saw a chance to bring private passengers aboard.
Dennis Tito made history in 2001 as the first space tourist. He dropped about $20 million for an eight-day ISS visit. Roscosmos flew him up on a Soyuz spacecraft.
From 2001 to 2009, seven private individuals completed eight successful missions. Each paid between $20-40 million for 8-15 day flights. Every single one flew on a Russian Soyuz.
| Tourist | Year | Duration | Notable Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis Tito | 2001 | 8 days | First private citizen |
| Mark Shuttleworth | 2002 | 10 days | AIDS research experiments |
| Gregory Olsen | 2005 | 10 days | Protein crystal experiments |
Space Adventures worked with Roscosmos to make these flights happen. The American company handled the customers, while Roscosmos took care of the ride and the training.
Russia paused its tourism program in 2010 because the ISS needed more crew. Now, they’re planning new tourist flights again.
Roscosmos teams up with NASA and other agencies to help tourists get to the ISS. These partnerships keep things safe and organized.
NASA signs off on all tourist activities in the American sections of the station. The agency reviews experiments and photo plans. NASA astronauts often help tourists with daily tasks.
Roscosmos supplies the Soyuz spacecraft for most tourist trips. These reliable vehicles have carried humans to space for decades. Each Soyuz fits up to three people, including tourists.
Training happens at several international sites. Tourists start at Star City near Moscow. Some also train at NASA and European Space Agency centers.
The partnership covers emergencies too. Tourists learn evacuation steps using both Russian and American systems. They get to know life support equipment from several countries.
Space Adventures keeps coordinating between Roscosmos and would-be tourists. The company manages bookings, training, and mission planning. Future flights will keep these international partnerships going.
Russia plans to leave the ISS by 2028 and launch the Russian Orbital Station (ROS) as a replacement. This new station will support space tourism along with science and government work.
The Russian Orbital Station is Roscosmos’ big move to build its own independent platform. ROS will fly in a polar, sun-synchronous orbit about 250 miles above Earth.
This path is pretty different from the ISS. The polar orbit lets the station cover the entire planet, which is perfect for observation and research.
Key ROS Features:
Russia sees ROS as the next step after Mir. Roscosmos wants to keep Russia in low Earth orbit even after the ISS is gone.
RSC Energia leads the technical side. They’re handling the design and building for Roscosmos’ human spaceflight programs.
Roscosmos approved a schedule that runs from 2027 to 2033. The first ROS module should launch in December 2027.
Development Timeline:
Russia originally planned to send the Nauka module to the ISS. Instead, Roscosmos decided to make it part of ROS.
The timeline matches up with NASA’s plans to retire the ISS. This way, Russia won’t lose access to space.
Yury Borisov heads up the project for Roscosmos. His team and RSC Energia are working hard to hit those deadlines.
Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov says they’re moving forward with space tourism on ROS. The new station will welcome civilians alongside astronauts and researchers.
Tourism could bring in serious revenue for Russia’s space program. Commercial flights help pay the bills and open up space for more people.
Tourism Capabilities:
The polar orbit gives tourists new views of Earth. You’ll see both the poles and the equator during your stay.
ROS tourism will compete with other commercial space stations. Private companies like Axiom Space are planning their own tourist destinations in orbit.
Roscosmos expects tourism to really pick up after 2030. Early flights will focus more on government work and building the station.
Roscosmos has built its space tourism program through smart partnerships with American companies, but now faces more competition from private spaceflight providers. The agency’s longest partnership is with Space Adventures, and they’re now up against SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for orbital tourism customers.
Roscosmos and NASA have a complicated relationship that directly affects space tourism. Both agencies coordinate ISS access for commercial passengers.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program brought new competition for Roscosmos. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner now carry astronauts, so NASA doesn’t rely on Soyuz flights like before.
Space tourists still get the benefits of this partnership. The ISS is a joint operation. Russian cosmonauts help with tourist spacewalks and safety routines on board.
Key collaboration areas:
Space Adventures is Roscosmos’s main link to American private spaceflight. Their partnership started back in 2001 with Dennis Tito’s flight.
Now, Space Adventures is working with more partners. They’ve bought four seats on SpaceX Crew Dragon missions for future orbital trips. This means they’re less tied to Soyuz.
Roscosmos and SpaceX now compete head-to-head for tourists. SpaceX offers similar trips but with modern spacecraft systems. Crew Dragon has bigger windows and newer life support tech.
Private companies keep raising the bar. SpaceX’s reusable rockets have slashed launch costs. That’s tough for Roscosmos, since lower prices attract more tourists.
Roscosmos still controls 41% of the Russian tourism market but faces growing pressure worldwide. SpaceX leads the global commercial spaceflight scene with cutting-edge tech and cheaper prices.
Market competition:
China’s space program is an up-and-coming rival. Their new station could take international tourists. The European Space Agency might join in as well.
Roscosmos still has the edge on experience and safety. They’ve flown over 140 crewed Soyuz missions without a fatality. That kind of reliability matters to cautious space tourists, even if the price is higher than some newer options.
Roscosmos keeps strict standards for civilian passengers, uses thorough safety protocols built on decades of experience, and requires careful medical checks for anyone hoping to fly on Soyuz missions.
Roscosmos looks for people who are physically fit, mentally stable, and able to follow instructions when emergencies happen. They want tourists who can handle the demands of a Soyuz flight.
Age and Physical Requirements:
Candidates need some technical sense. They have to understand basic spacecraft systems and talk clearly with mission control. Flight experience helps, but isn’t a must.
Financial and Legal Qualifications: A ticket costs about $50-90 million for an orbital flight. Tourists need to pass background checks and get the right paperwork for international missions. Insurance adds even more to the cost.
Roscosmos checks each candidate’s motivation and commitment. Training lasts 3-6 months, which means a big break from work and family.
Roscosmos has built special safety systems for civilian passengers, drawing on decades of crewed missions. The Soyuz spacecraft has one of the best safety records out there.
Pre-Flight Safety Training: Space tourists practice emergency steps for launch, orbit, and landing. They learn to use safety gear like spacesuits, restraints, and radios. Training covers fires, cabin leaks, and what to do if things go wrong.
Professional astronauts always fly with the tourists. These experienced crew members handle the tough parts, while tourists focus on following instructions.
Spacecraft Safety Features: Soyuz has backup systems for life support, navigation, and propulsion. Automated systems can bring the ship home if the crew can’t. Escape rockets can pull the capsule away from the rocket in case of launch trouble.
Flight doctors keep an eye on everyone’s health during the trip. Medical gear on board can treat space sickness and minor injuries.
Space tourists go through thorough medical evaluations to make sure they can handle the physical and mental stress of spaceflight. Roscosmos runs these assessments at specialized facilities in Russia.
Physical Medical Testing: Doctors run stress tests, electrocardiograms, and monitor blood pressure to check cardiovascular health. They also test lung function, vision, hearing, and balance.
Blood tests help spot any hidden conditions that might cause trouble in space.
Candidates take part in centrifuge testing, which simulates launch and reentry forces. These intense sessions show how well people handle acceleration up to 4-5 times Earth’s gravity.
Psychological Evaluation: Mental health professionals check if each candidate can stay calm during emergencies. They look for signs like claustrophobia, anxiety, or panic that could put the mission at risk.
Ongoing Health Monitoring: Medical staff track health throughout training. They tweak exercise routines and diet plans to get participants in top shape before flight.
Final medical clearance comes within 30 days of launch.
Space tourists get detailed briefings about common symptoms like nausea, disorientation, and fluid shifts. Almost all first-time space travelers experience these.
Roscosmos space tourism isn’t cheap. The price per passenger lands somewhere between $50-90 million, depending on the trip. The logistics are no joke either—participants go through months of training, travel to the ISS on a Soyuz spacecraft, and get full support along the way.
Roscosmos charges much more than companies offering suborbital flights. Right now, you’re looking at $50 to $90 million for a multi-day orbital mission to the ISS.
The booking process starts with Space Adventures or Glavkosmos, both subsidiaries of Roscosmos. These groups handle all the commercial arrangements.
Customers have to provide a mountain of medical paperwork and proof of funds before they can even think about reserving a seat.
Payment happens in stages. You make an initial deposit to secure your spot, then pay in installments during training. The final payment is due before you get launch certification.
Glavkosmos says they’re working to lower costs through operational improvements. They’re always looking for ways to cut expenses but keep things safe.
Roscosmos currently holds a 41% market share in Russian space tourism as of 2025. Space Adventures has 18%, and Glavkosmos manages 15%. This competition is pushing prices a bit lower in the Russian market.
Booking takes time—usually 18-24 months from first contact to launch. This long timeline covers medical checks, training, and making sure the spacecraft fits into the ISS schedule.
Roscosmos uses the trusty Soyuz spacecraft for all tourism flights to the ISS. The adventure kicks off at Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The launch itself only takes about 8.5 minutes to reach orbit, which always amazes me.
The Soyuz capsule docks with the ISS using a standard procedure. Most flights take the fast-track route and get there in about 6 hours, but sometimes missions require the old-school 2-day orbital chase.
Space tourists usually spend 7-10 days on the ISS. They float in zero gravity, try some basic experiments, and join in educational activities with the professional astronauts.
For the return, the Soyuz undocks and goes through a controlled reentry. The descent module lands in Kazakhstan with the help of parachutes and retro-rockets.
Safety protocols match those used for professional astronauts. Tourists get the same life support, emergency instructions, and backup gear as the career crew.
Mission control teams on the ground watch over every second of the flight. They stay in touch with tourists using the standard ISS communication systems.
Pre-flight training lasts 6-8 months at Russian and international facilities. The sessions cover spacecraft systems, emergency drills, zero gravity adaptation, and even basic Russian for crew communication.
Medical support starts months before launch with full health evaluations. Aerospace medicine specialists help tourists get physically ready for space.
During flight, professional ISS crew members support tourists every day. Russian cosmonauts help with daily routines, emergencies, and technical stuff.
After coming back, tourists go through more medical checks for a few weeks. They get bone density scans, heart assessments, and psychological checkups to see how they’re recovering from microgravity.
Roscosmos gives out mission documents, flight certificates, photos, and videos. These serve as official proof of the experience.
Educational support includes briefings before the flight about space science and ISS operations. Many tourists join outreach programs after returning, sharing their stories with schools and space groups.
Roscosmos really led the way in commercial space tourism. Between 2001 and 2009, they flew seven wealthy passengers to the ISS. These groundbreaking missions turned space tourism from fantasy into reality and set a bunch of world records.
Dennis Tito made history as the world’s first space tourist in April 2001. He paid $20 million for an eight-day trip to the ISS on a Soyuz. He worked with Space Adventures and Roscosmos to pull it off.
Charles Simonyi stands out as the only person to fly twice as a tourist. The Microsoft co-founder visited the ISS in 2007 and again in 2009.
Other notable tourists include Anousheh Ansari, who became the first female space tourist and the first Iranian in space. Richard Garriott, son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, became the first second-generation American in space.
Here’s the full list of Roscosmos space tourists:
Flights cost between $20 million and $35 million. Each tourist stayed in space for about 10-14 days.
In 2006, Space Adventures offered tourists the chance to do a spacewalk for an extra $15 million. No one actually did it during the original program, though.
Later, the company signed contracts with Roscosmos for future missions that could include the first-ever tourist spacewalk. These flights would let private citizens step outside the station with a Russian cosmonaut.
Some tourists set records during their trips. Ansari broke new ground as the first woman to pay for her own spaceflight. Shuttleworth became Africa’s first space tourist.
Garriott ran science experiments, like growing protein crystals and snapping photos for research. His trip blended tourism with a bit of citizen science.
The program showed that private citizens could safely reach orbit using Soyuz technology. This proof of concept opened the door for today’s commercial space companies.
Roscosmos space tourism drew massive global media attention and changed how people thought about spaceflight. TV networks broadcast launches and station activities live.
Tourists often did educational outreach from orbit, talking to students and joining live broadcasts. These efforts inspired lots of kids to get interested in science and space.
The flights proved that ordinary people—not just government astronauts—could go to space. This shift sparked new conversations about making space more commercial.
Several tourists shared their stories through books, interviews, and on social media. Their firsthand accounts gave a rare look at what space travel actually feels like.
Other companies, like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX, point to these early missions as inspiration for their own programs.
Media coverage often highlighted the high prices and exclusive nature of these trips. That helped frame space tourism as a luxury market and got people excited about the possibility of cheaper tickets in the future.
Roscosmos has big plans. They’re upgrading spacecraft and developing the Russian Orbital Station (ROS) as a new base for tourists. The agency wants to go beyond today’s offerings, with better safety and trips to deeper space.
Roscosmos keeps improving its Soyuz spacecraft for tourism. They’re working on enhanced safety systems and better comfort for civilians.
The Soyuz capsule will get upgraded life support, which means longer missions and better air quality.
Key Soyuz improvements:
Roscosmos also looks for ways to cut costs. They want to make space travel more affordable through smarter manufacturing and streamlined processes.
New automated systems will make training easier and shorter. That should open space to more people who don’t want months of prep.
The Russian Orbital Station (ROS) is Roscosmos’ next big leap. This new station will eventually replace Russia’s role in the ISS.
ROS will have tourist modules with bigger windows and comfier living spaces. The plan is to offer multi-day stays for visitors.
Planned ROS features:
Roscosmos is exploring lunar tourism with China. If all goes well, moon orbit trips for wealthy tourists could happen by the early 2030s.
The agency is also looking into deep space tourism. Future missions might include asteroid flybys or long stays around the Moon.
Roscosmos wants to create full tourism programs at Russian spaceports like Baikonur and Vostochny. Visitors will get to see launch prep and astronaut training up close.
They’re aiming for a 41% market share in Russian space tourism by growing their services and teaming up with international companies.
Tourism infrastructure plans:
Roscosmos works with foreign partners to reach more people. These partnerships could bring more international tourists to Russian flights and facilities.
The agency’s roadmap stretches through 2030 with a focus on commercialization. Space tourism revenue will help fund future exploration and station projects.
Training will get shorter and easier. Roscosmos hopes to cut prep time from months to just weeks for basic orbital flights.
If you’re thinking about space tourism with Roscosmos, you probably have lots of questions—about booking, training, costs, and safety.
You can reach out to Glavkosmos, Roscosmos’s commercial arm, through their official website. They offer info in Russian and English to help you navigate the booking steps.
Glavkosmos managers are available by phone or email to discuss flight details with serious candidates. They organize information into sections that answer common questions about space travel.
Interested tourists or their representatives should be ready to provide detailed personal info at the start. Glavkosmos has managed over 140 international contracts and launched more than 150 spacecraft in its thirty-five year history.
Space tourists must complete pre-flight training before heading to the ISS. The program includes physical prep, learning spacecraft systems, and emergency drills.
Participants practice operating in zero gravity and learn about daily routines they’ll follow in space. They also cover safety steps specific to Soyuz operations.
Medical evaluations are a big part of getting ready. Candidates have to show they’re physically fit for space travel.
Roscosmos has charged about $20 million per passenger for its space tourism flights in the past. Back in 2001, Dennis Tito became the first space tourist to visit the ISS, and he paid that much for his eight-day adventure.
If you want current pricing, you’ll need to reach out directly to Glavkosmos representatives. The exact cost depends on how long you plan to stay and what you want out of the mission.
Usually, the price covers pre-flight training, the ride to and from the International Space Station, and your stay while you’re up there. If you want extra services or a longer trip, you’ll probably pay more.
If you’re thinking about becoming a space tourist, you’ll have to pass some tough medical examinations. The doctors want to make sure you can handle the physical challenges of space travel.
You’ll also need to meet strict age and health requirements—Roscosmos doesn’t mess around when it comes to safety. And of course, you’ll need the funds to pay for the mission and any extra expenses.
You don’t need to have flown in space before, but you do have to show that you can finish all the required training. Since you’ll be working with Russian ground control and crew, some language skills might come in handy.
Physical fitness matters too. You’ll need to handle launch and re-entry, so they make sure you’re up to it.
Most Roscosmos space tourism missions last about eight days. That covers your trip to the International Space Station, your stay, and the journey back home.
Depending on the docking schedule and the mission plan, your time on the ISS might vary a bit. Tourists get to spend several days floating in microgravity and gazing down at Earth.
The launch and landing take a few hours each. Most of your time, though, is spent in orbit, soaking up the experience. Mission lengths can change a little based on the ISS schedule or what you want out of your trip.
Roscosmos relies on the Soyuz spacecraft system, which honestly has a pretty solid safety record after decades of flying people to space. They pack the Soyuz with backup systems and built-in emergency abort features, just in case.
Before anyone gets close to launch, ground teams run extensive tests and put both tourists and crew through mission simulations. That way, everyone knows what to do if something unexpected happens. Medical teams also keep an eye on passengers’ health from start to finish.
The International Space Station offers a stable, well-equipped place for space tourists to stay. If there’s a medical issue or something goes wrong technically, Roscosmos can evacuate people quickly with emergency return options.
They really don’t mess around with quality control, either. Roscosmos checks every spacecraft component and system carefully, and they keep reviewing and updating their safety procedures to match the latest best practices in human spaceflight.
