The American commercial space travel industry has come a long way. What started as experimental projects now looks like a booming business worth hundreds of billions.
Space tourism companies invite paying customers on suborbital flights, orbital missions, and zero-gravity adventures. Some folks say market revenues could top $1 trillion by 2040.
The U.S. space tourism market runs through established companies, each offering different space experiences. Virgin Galactic flies suborbital missions out of Spaceport America in New Mexico.
Blue Origin launches automated crew capsules from West Texas. SpaceX handles multi-day orbital journeys.
Active Space Tourism Services:
The FAA licensed just one commercial space launch in 2011, but by 2020, that number shot up to 39. That’s a wild 3,800% jump in a decade.
Now, the agency expects 50 or more licensed launches every year.
Eleven companies hold 23 FAA-issued launch or reentry licenses at the moment. The U.S. has 12 licensed spaceports, plus some federal and private launch sites.
These places keep regular commercial space transportation running smoothly.
The global space industry brings in about $400 billion a year. Analysts think it could hit $1.1 trillion—or even more—by 2040.
Commercial space transportation pushes a lot of this growth.
Market Growth Drivers:
Tech improvements keep making flights safer and a bit more affordable. Private companies have built reusable rockets and spacecraft, which really drops the price per seat compared to old-school government programs.
State and local governments chase spaceport development for economic gains. Texas, Florida, California, and New Mexico all lead the charge.
These projects bring jobs and pull aerospace companies into their regions.
Commercial space transportation rules have changed to help the industry grow. The FAA rolled out streamlined licensing in March 2021, ditching some outdated requirements.
Now, a single license can cover multiple launches at different sites.
Regulatory Improvements:
It’s not just aerospace giants getting involved now. Tech firms, entertainment brands, and hospitality companies are all jumping into space-related ventures.
This mix brings fresh ideas and business models.
Space tourism isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy anymore. Companies offer payment plans and shorter, more accessible experiences.
Suborbital flights need less training than orbital ones. That means more people can actually go.
NASA works with private companies to speed up industry growth. The agency buys services from these firms instead of owning everything itself.
These partnerships give companies steady income and save the government some cash.
Three big names lead the American commercial space travel scene. SpaceX runs the show for orbital missions with its Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Blue Origin focuses on suborbital tourism with New Shepard. Virgin Galactic uses its own spaceplane tech, flying SpaceShipTwo.
SpaceX has become the most successful private company in commercial spaceflight. They fly the Crew Dragon on top of their trusty Falcon 9 rocket.
Crew Dragon Capabilities:
The Falcon 9 has racked up over 200 successful flights. SpaceX recovers and reuses the first stage booster, slashing mission costs compared to traditional rockets.
Mission Types Available:
SpaceX charges about $55 million per seat for orbital trips. They put passengers through months of medical checks and training before launch.
Blue Origin runs New Shepard, a reusable suborbital vehicle built for space tourism. This ship launches straight up and gives passengers 3-4 minutes of weightlessness above the Karman Line.
New Shepard Features:
The whole ride takes about 11 minutes. Passengers feel smooth acceleration, then engine cutoff, and finally get to float in zero gravity.
Flight Profile:
Blue Origin prices seats at around $450,000 each. Training is pretty minimal—just 2-3 days before launch.
Virgin Galactic flies a unique spaceplane called VSS Unity. Instead of a rocket launch, they use a carrier aircraft to get things started.
SpaceShipTwo Operation:
VSS Unity offers a different vibe than capsule systems. Passengers can unbuckle and float around the cabin, checking out Earth through several windows.
Galactic Voyager Program: Virgin Galactic runs astronaut training at Spaceport America in New Mexico. The program covers centrifuge rides, altitude chamber sessions, and spacecraft familiarization.
Seats cost between $450,000 and $500,000. The spaceplane style tends to attract folks who like the idea of an airplane-style trip over a rocket launch.
Virgin Galactic aims for monthly flights as they ramp up.
Space tourism in the U.S. falls into three main categories, depending on altitude and trip length. Suborbital flights give a quick weightlessness experience at the edge of space.
Orbital missions offer multi-day journeys around Earth, with lots of time in zero gravity.
Suborbital flights take people up to 50-62 miles above Earth but don’t make a full orbit. These rides offer 3-4 minutes of weightlessness and some pretty wild views of Earth’s curve against deep space.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard launches straight up from West Texas, going past 100 kilometers. The automated system handles everything, so passengers just sit back for the 11-minute ride.
Six people feel multiple g-forces on the way up, then float in the capsule for a few minutes.
Virgin Galactic flies out of Spaceport America with a different approach. SpaceShipTwo launches from under WhiteKnightTwo at 50,000 feet.
The hybrid rocket pushes the ship above 80 kilometers for that suborbital thrill.
Key suborbital features include:
Suborbital seats run $200,000-$450,000 each. These space tourism experiences let more civilians try spaceflight without the long commitment.
Orbital missions actually circle Earth, usually above 200 miles in low Earth orbit. These trips need much more speed and advanced spacecraft than suborbital flights.
SpaceX leads the way in orbital tourism with Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 launches from Kennedy Space Center. Passengers spend days in zero gravity, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes.
The spacecraft can dock with the International Space Station for longer stays.
Orbital flight prices start around $250,000 for short hops, but ISS visits cost $55-60 million per person. Extra days in orbit add about $35,000 daily for life support and accommodations.
Orbital mission characteristics:
Axiom Space arranges private missions to the ISS for qualified folks. These trips often include science projects and educational activities during the stay.
Commercial space stations are the next big thing for orbital tourism. Private companies are building dedicated facilities made for tourists, not just scientists.
Axiom Space leads the charge with modular stations. Their first modules will attach to the ISS, then break off to become an independent outpost.
They’ll have bigger windows and amenities meant for tourists.
Blue Origin and Sierra Space teamed up on Orbital Reef—a “business park in space.” The station will fit up to 10 people and have special areas for tourism and Earth-watching.
Commercial space station advantages:
These stations will let people stay longer in orbit for less cash than current ISS visits. Commercial space stations should open in the late 2020s, making orbital tourism more accessible.
The FAA has licensed 11 commercial spaceports in eight states, building a network of launch sites for all kinds of missions.
Kennedy Space Center takes the lead for orbital launches. Spaceport America handles suborbital tourism, and West Texas sites support both testing and commercial flights.
Kennedy Space Center remains the top spot for commercial space tourism in America. This legendary Florida site gives SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets a prime place to launch toward the ISS.
Launch Pad 39A now supports most commercial crew missions. SpaceX upgraded this famous Apollo-era pad for modern Dragon capsules carrying civilians to orbit.
Florida’s location helps rockets with a natural boost from Earth’s spin, cutting down on fuel for eastbound launches.
Launch Pad 39B is set up for NASA’s Space Launch System and deep space trips. The center handles over 30 launches a year, making it the busiest spaceport in the country.
Florida storms can cause weather delays, especially from June to November. Still, Kennedy’s year-round launch windows make it essential for space tourism.
The spaceport offers crew training facilities, mission control, and recovery operations to support multi-day orbital adventures.
Spaceport America stands out as the world’s first commercial spaceport built specifically for spaceflight. Virgin Galactic flies its VSS Unity suborbital missions from this facility in New Mexico, not far from Truth or Consequences.
The site’s launch operator license covers horizontal takeoffs and landings on a 12,000-foot runway. This setup suits spaceplanes, not the usual vertical rockets.
Pilots and crews really appreciate the remote desert location. The airspace stays clear, and the weather rarely causes trouble.
New Mexico’s high altitude and dry climate make it perfect for suborbital tourism launches.
Virgin Galactic runs regular passenger flights that reach 50 miles up. Tourists float weightless for a few minutes and see Earth’s curve through massive windows.
The facility can ramp up to multiple flights daily if demand spikes. Crews handle training, maintenance, and tourist processing all on the same site.
Since 2010, Spaceport America has hosted 10 licensed launches—about 30% included crew members. The spaceport keeps adding new capabilities to attract more commercial space companies.
West Texas is quickly becoming a hotbed for private spaceflight. SpaceX Starbase, located near Brownsville, is now the country’s biggest privately owned launch site. SpaceX uses it for Starship development, with Mars on the horizon.
Launching from the coast means rockets can safely fly over the Gulf of Mexico. Starbase should eventually support lunar and interplanetary tourism, too.
Blue Origin has its own West Texas site near Van Horn, where it runs New Shepard suborbital missions. The isolated desert keeps things quiet and safe for rocket tests and passenger flights.
Van Horn’s site has already launched several crewed flights, sending paying customers to the edge of space. Blue Origin’s automated systems cut down on ground infrastructure needs, especially versus orbital launches.
Texas offers year-round launch weather and very few air traffic restrictions. State rules make it easier for companies to get permits and scale up quickly.
Both sites really show where American commercial spaceflight is headed. Private companies are building their own infrastructure for space tourism in a way that just didn’t happen before.
The International Space Station has become America’s main orbital destination for commercial space. NASA opened up the ISS so private companies and tourists can get a real taste of spaceflight.
Through NASA’s commercial partnerships, the ISS now welcomes tourists. Private astronaut missions bring paying customers up for multi-day stays.
SpaceX Dragon capsules handle transportation for these commercial crews to the ISS. Missions usually last 8-10 days, with seats going for around $55 million each.
Tourists on the ISS get to experience true orbital spaceflight. They float in microgravity, orbit 250 miles above Earth, and see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day.
The station offers sleeping quarters, science equipment, and big observation windows. Commercial astronauts can join research projects and even take part in educational events.
NASA makes sure all space tourists finish extensive training before launch. Training covers spacecraft systems, emergency procedures, and basic science.
NASA works with Axiom Space to organize private astronaut trips to the ISS. Axiom acts as the main go-between for NASA and commercial clients.
Axiom handles crew selection, training, and mission planning. They make sure tourists meet all of NASA’s medical and technical requirements.
SpaceX provides the ride with its Crew Dragon spacecraft. The same vehicle that carries NASA astronauts also brings commercial crews to the station.
Commercial crews follow NASA’s strict safety protocols. These include quarantine, medical checks, and flight readiness reviews.
With this partnership model, NASA brings in revenue from the ISS and keeps control of the station. It’s a way to fund ongoing operations while NASA gets ready for future commercial stations.
Modern commercial spacecraft rely on reusable technology and advanced flight systems. SpaceX and Blue Origin have really shaken up space travel with their engineering breakthroughs.
Reusable spacecraft have changed the game for commercial space transportation. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule flies multiple missions after each refurbishment. This cuts launch costs by up to 90% compared to old single-use rockets.
The Falcon 9 rocket lands vertically after sending payloads to orbit. SpaceX has reused some boosters over 15 times. Blue Origin’s New Shepard works the same way for suborbital trips.
Virgin Galactic does things differently with SpaceShipTwo. The spaceplane drops from a carrier aircraft at 50,000 feet, then fires its rocket to reach suborbital space.
Key Reusable Technologies:
Spaceflight technology now puts passenger safety and comfort first. Modern spacecraft use advanced life support to keep cabin pressure and air clean. Emergency escape systems can separate crew from rockets in milliseconds.
Propulsion tech has improved, too. SpaceX uses liquid methane and oxygen, which burn cleaner than old-school rocket fuel. These engines offer smoother acceleration for passengers.
Navigation systems rely on GPS and automated computers. Spacecraft can dock without a human pilot. Ground control teams track every detail of the flight in real time.
Commercial space transportation builds on NASA’s decades of research. The Commercial Crew Program shared proven tech with private companies, speeding up development while keeping safety tight.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees commercial space launches, with its Office of Commercial Space Transportation handling licensing and safety for space tourism operations.
The FAA keeps the public safe during all US commercial space activities. The agency requires licenses for any launch or reentry by US citizens anywhere, or by anyone operating from US soil.
Safety inspectors check for compliance before, during, and after missions. If operators break the rules, the FAA can suspend or revoke licenses, or issue fines.
Inspectors travel to all sorts of launch sites—across the US, abroad, and even international waters if American companies are involved.
When something goes wrong, the FAA leads the investigation. Flights can’t resume until the FAA confirms all safety issues are fixed and the public is safe.
Key FAA responsibilities:
This FAA office manages licensing for commercial space operators. They review applications for policy compliance, payload safety, airspace integration, financials, and environmental impact.
They issue experimental permits for companies testing new spacecraft. These permits let them run research flights, but not carry paying passengers or cargo.
Three types of spaceports operate under FAA rules: licensed commercial facilities, government-owned sites, and private exclusive-use locations. The office offers technical help to spaceports, both existing and proposed.
For human spaceflight, companies must tell crew and passengers that the government hasn’t certified these vehicles as safe for people. Everyone signs informed consent forms acknowledging the risks.
The Federal Aviation Administration regulates commercial space transportation using performance-based rules that try to balance safety with flexibility. Different agencies cover everything from launch licenses to communications.
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation holds regulatory authority over all US commercial space activity. This covers launches, reentries, and spaceport operations by private companies.
The regulatory framework focuses on performance, not strict step-by-step rules. Companies can show compliance in different ways as long as they meet safety goals.
Key regulatory areas:
Right now, the FAA operates under a learning period for crew safety rules. This lets the commercial spaceflight industry develop safety practices through experience, instead of heavy upfront regulations.
Companies must prove their systems protect the public. Spaceflight participants accept known risks by signing informed consent documents.
The rules keep evolving as the industry grows. New proposals aim to speed up approvals without cutting corners on safety for crew or passengers.
Commercial operators need proper authorization before any launch or reentry. The FAA gives out application checklists to help companies through the process.
A standard launch license covers routine flights with proven vehicles and procedures. Companies must show their vehicle design, operations, and safety systems meet the rules.
An experimental permit lets companies test reusable suborbital rockets. It requires less paperwork than a full license but limits flights to certain test conditions.
Safety approval reviews check vehicle systems, procedures, and risk management. Companies must show they protect public safety and property.
The licensing process can take months, depending on complexity. Early talks with the FAA help companies figure out requirements and speed things up.
Required paperwork includes safety analysis, environmental reviews, and payload info. Companies must also prove they can pay for any third-party damages.
Human spaceflight needs extra crew safety demonstrations. Operators have to inform participants about risks and get written consent before flight.
The US space tourism market shows strong demand, mostly from wealthy professionals and corporate clients. Americans make up about 68% of global bookings. Peak booking happens in months with good weather, while corporate bookings follow their own quarterly trends.
Demand for space tourism peaks from April through October, when weather conditions help flights run smoothly. Clear skies at launch sites mean fewer delays and better experiences.
Florida’s hurricane season, from June to November, affects Kennedy Space Center launches. This pushes some bookings to New Mexico’s Spaceport America, which offers steady weather all year.
Corporate booking patterns:
Holidays bring booking surges, but flight slots are limited. People often buy space tourism trips as milestone gifts or for big celebrations.
Weather cycles drive demand in different regions. West Texas sites keep steady operations, while coastal launch centers face more seasonal ups and downs.
Americans make up the bulk of space tourism bookings, and certain demographic patterns really stand out. Most customers are high-net-worth individuals between 35 and 65, and a lot of them have backgrounds in aviation or tech.
Key customer demographics:
The booking process starts with a hefty deposit—anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000. Customers then go through some pretty thorough health screenings before they can get final approval for flight.
Training requirements depend on the mission. Suborbital trips barely need any prep, but if you’re going orbital, you’ll need to complete astronaut-level training that can take up to six months.
Most people book directly with the companies themselves, not through travel agents. Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX all handle reservations in-house, with customer teams guiding people through months of preparation.
Commercial space travel pumps billions into the economy and creates specialized jobs all over the country. In 2024, the space tourism market hit $327.60 million and now supports thousands of workers, from engineers to hospitality staff at launch sites.
The U.S. leads the world in commercial spaceflight, holding over 46% of the global market share. The American space tourism market hit $327.60 million in 2024, and projections suggest it could reach $1.5 billion by 2034.
Florida, thanks to Kennedy Space Center, gets the biggest economic boost. SpaceX’s orbital launches alone bring in $2-5 million each in direct activity. Local hotels, restaurants, and tourist businesses all see a surge during launch periods.
Virgin Galactic’s base at Spaceport America gives New Mexico a big lift. The site directly employs over 200 people and supports more jobs in the area. The state has invested $220 million into spaceport infrastructure.
Blue Origin’s West Texas site brings economic value to Texas. The company draws in aerospace suppliers and creates high-paying technical jobs. Even rural areas see improvements in infrastructure and property values.
Space Tourism Market Growth Metrics:
Space tourism opens up a range of jobs, not just in aerospace. Launch sites need security, medical staff, customer service, and hospitality workers. Kennedy Space Center alone employs thousands of contractors for commercial crew operations.
Spaceport America hires engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers, and guest services staff. They also need unique roles like payload specialists and flight operations experts. Training centers look for instructors with real aerospace experience.
Supporting industries benefit too. Hotels near launch sites often fill up during flight windows. Restaurants and local attractions get more business from space tourists and their families.
About 68% of all booked space tourists worldwide come from the U.S. This high concentration fuels demand for services like astronaut training centers and space-themed attractions.
Manufacturers ramp up hiring as companies build more spacecraft and components. SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic now employ thousands in engineering, manufacturing, and operations. These jobs pay better than typical manufacturing gigs and call for specialized skills.
The commercial space transportation world stands at a crossroads. There’s a lot of excitement about growth, but plenty of challenges still shape how soon everyday people might get to space. Lowering costs and figuring out regulations will really decide how fast space tourism becomes mainstream.
The industry expects huge growth, with market value rising from $757.9 million in 2025 to $3.5 billion by 2035. But honestly, this all depends on technology making flights affordable for more people.
Reusable spacecraft have made the biggest dent in costs so far. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon show how using rockets again and again saves money. Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo works on similar principles for suborbital trips.
Companies are trying a bunch of ways to make access easier:
Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic target the suborbital market, aiming for a price point more people can afford. These short flights give a taste of space without the huge costs of orbital missions.
Infrastructure keeps expanding too. Launch sites in Florida, New Mexico, and Texas offer more options for scheduling and help reduce bottlenecks.
Safety certification slows things down for new spacecraft. The FAA requires loads of testing before it gives the green light for passenger flights.
Tech limits are still a pain:
Regulations come from all directions. The FAA handles launch licenses. NASA gives technical advice for crew programs. States add their own rules for spaceports, making things even more complicated.
Reliability is the biggest technical hurdle. Companies have to prove—again and again—that their vehicles are safe, which takes lots of test flights and a ton of money before they can really start making a profit.
Insurance is another headache. Coverage for passenger flights isn’t cheap, so companies pass those costs along in ticket prices.
The industry also faces pilot shortages and tough requirements for ground crew certification. Even with better spacecraft, a lack of trained staff could slow things down.
Boeing and Axiom Space have jumped in to drive space station development and private astronaut missions. Space Adventures keeps pushing orbital tourism through partnerships with international space agencies.
Boeing plays a big part with its Starliner spacecraft. The CST-100 Starliner ferries crews to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Axiom Space leads commercial space station development. The company plans to launch Axiom Station, which will start attached to the ISS and then operate independently.
Axiom Space Services:
Boeing works with NASA on more than just crew flights. Their technical know-how helps with other commercial space projects under Space Act Agreements.
Axiom Space has already run private missions like Ax-1 and Ax-2. These trips show that commercial space tourism can work for longer orbital stays.
Space Adventures was the first to send regular people to space. Between 2001 and 2009, they arranged eight tourist flights on Russian Soyuz rockets.
The company offers several options. Suborbital flights give a quick taste of weightlessness, while orbital missions let people visit the space station for days.
Space Adventures Programs:
Space Adventures works with international agencies to get access to spacecraft and launch systems for civilians.
Their experience with private missions gives the industry a lot to learn from. Space Adventures keeps building new partnerships to help more people reach space.
People have a lot of questions about commercial space travel. Costs, safety, flight length, and passenger prep come up a lot. The three main US providers offer everything from quick suborbital hops to multi-day orbital adventures.
Blue Origin offers the lowest entry price—about $200,000 per seat on New Shepard. These flights last 11 minutes and give four minutes of weightlessness, plus a killer view from 100 kilometers up.
Virgin Galactic charges roughly $450,000 for SpaceShipTwo flights from New Mexico. Passengers get 3-4 minutes of weightlessness in a 2.5-hour experience.
SpaceX orbital missions cost a lot more. Short private flights run $250,000 to $500,000 per seat. If you want to visit the International Space Station, you’re looking at $55-60 million per person because of usage fees and longer stays.
Training is usually included in suborbital ticket prices. For orbital missions, though, you’ll pay extra for weeks of astronaut-level training and emergency drills.
SpaceX runs a bunch of uncrewed test flights before letting anyone onboard. The Crew Dragon has an automatic abort system that separates it from the rocket if something goes wrong. Backup life support systems keep cabin pressure and oxygen steady.
Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo uses a feathering system for safe reentry. The wings change shape to stabilize the descent. Pilots train hard for emergency situations and aborts.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard is fully automated—passengers don’t need to do anything. The capsule can separate from the booster if needed, and multiple parachutes back up the landing.
All companies require medical checks to make sure passengers can handle launch forces. Emergency oxygen kicks in if cabin pressure drops. Ground crews monitor passenger vitals during each flight.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard flights last 11 minutes from launch to landing. You get four minutes of weightlessness at the top.
Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo trips take about 90 minutes from takeoff to landing. The rocket part is just a minute, but you still get a few minutes of weightlessness.
SpaceX orbital flights are all over the map. Some last just a few hours, while ISS visits can stretch for days or even weeks. The Crew Dragon can stay docked for up to 200 days.
Getting ready takes time too. Suborbital flights need only a quick safety briefing the same day. For orbital trips, you’ll train for weeks on spacecraft systems and emergency procedures.
SpaceX leads in orbital tourism with Crew Dragon missions from Kennedy Space Center. They hold about 72% of the US market and offer both private orbital flights and ISS trips.
Blue Origin runs New Shepard suborbital flights out of West Texas. They focus on short, weightless experiences—no pilot training needed.
Virgin Galactic flies SpaceShipTwo from New Mexico, using a unique air-launch system. Their Galactic Voyager program targets people who want a space experience without the commitment of an orbital mission.
Axiom Space arranges private ISS missions for those who qualify. They work with SpaceX for transport and handle all the passenger training and mission planning.
Suborbital flight training doesn’t take much time compared to what you’d need for an orbital mission.
Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic give passengers quick, same-day safety briefings. These cover emergency procedures and what to expect from G-forces.
You’ll learn how to sit properly and how to talk to the crew during the flight.
SpaceX, on the other hand, puts people through a much more intense prep for orbital missions. Passengers spend weeks getting familiar with the spacecraft and practicing emergency responses.
Centrifuge training helps your body get used to the forces of launch and reentry. It’s not exactly a walk in the park, but it’s doable.
Companies run medical evaluations to check if you’re fit for space travel. They look for heart issues and motion sensitivity since those can get tricky in zero gravity.
Age limits aren’t the same everywhere. Some providers even let folks over 80 fly, which is honestly pretty wild.
Physical conditioning plays a big role, too. Passengers need enough basic fitness to move around safely in the spacecraft, especially if something goes wrong.
Most companies set up prep fitness programs before the flight. They’ll help you get ready for the unique stresses of space.
Suborbital flights pack a punch, but they’re over in minutes instead of days. Passengers get a wild glimpse of Earth’s curve set against the vast blackness of space, and there’s that short, unforgettable stretch of weightlessness.
After this whirlwind, the flight brings everyone right back to the original launch site, usually within just a few hours.
Orbital missions feel like a whole different world. Travelers spend more time floating in continuous weightlessness, soaking in the view as Earth spins beneath them.
You get to watch sunrises and sunsets from space—honestly, how many people can say that? Multi-day trips let you try out experiments or just take in the endless scenery for a while.
How you launch matters too. SpaceX sticks with classic vertical rocket launches, and honestly, those G-forces can feel pretty intense.
Virgin Galactic does things differently, starting from 50,000 feet with an air-launch system that eases you into space with much gentler acceleration.
The price tag really tells the story. Suborbital flights might set you back hundreds of thousands, but orbital missions? Those can run into the millions.
Training ramps up, too. A quick suborbital trip might just require a few hours of prep, but if you’re heading into orbit, expect to spend months getting ready.
