Space tourism gift cards give people a pretty cool way to access space-related experiences and training programs. You can find cards for everything from a simple space center visit to an actual suborbital flight reservation.
A space tourism gift card works like a prepaid voucher for space-themed adventures. Recipients can use them for astronaut training programs, zero-gravity flights, tours at space centers, or even commercial spaceflight reservations.
Most cards let you redeem them over a flexible period—usually 12 to 24 months, though some pricier options stretch up to five years.
Providers often throw in extras beyond just the main event. Think training materials, flight suits, medical checks, or even keepsakes. If you splurge on a premium card, you might get a multi-day package with hotel stays and meals.
Value varies a ton depending on what you’re after. Entry-level cards start at about $50 for a space center visit. Mid-tier cards, which cover parabolic flights or advanced training, usually run between $500 and $5,000. If you’re aiming for actual spaceflight, you can expect prices to hit $250,000 or more.
Facility access cards let people visit places like the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. These cards cover admission to exhibits, simulators, and educational programs. Recipients get to explore real spacecraft and sometimes even meet astronauts.
Training experience cards focus on hands-on astronaut prep. You might find yourself in a centrifuge, simulating a spacewalk, or running through mission control drills. Most of these programs last one to three days at special facilities.
Zero-gravity flight cards put you on a parabolic flight for that classic weightless feeling. During these flights, you’ll experience the same zero-gravity conditions astronauts get in space.
Suborbital flight cards sit at the top tier. Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic both offer these. Recipients actually fly to space, enjoy a few minutes of weightlessness, and see Earth from above—seriously, it’s bucket list stuff.
Physical gift cards usually arrive in fancy packages. You’ll get an embossed card, space-themed packaging, and a detailed description of the experience. Some even feature custom designs with rockets or company logos.
Digital gift cards get sent instantly by email or through an app. Recipients receive a digital voucher with a unique code, plus virtual brochures and booking details.
Electronic cards are super convenient for last-minute gifts or if you’re buying for someone far away. No shipping delays, and you can add a personal message in seconds.
Physical cards feel more special, especially for big moments. The tangible card just makes the gift feel more significant. Lots of people prefer them for milestone birthdays or major celebrations.
Both formats offer the same access to experiences. Ultimately, the choice comes down to how you want to present the gift and how much time you have.
Space fans can redeem their gift cards at a few main types of destinations. Kennedy Space Center stands out for its civilian space programs, while NASA visitor centers all over the country offer educational adventures at real space facilities.
Kennedy Space Center in Florida is basically the top spot for space tourism gift cards in the U.S. They run programs that let everyday people try astronaut training and hands-on space activities.
Gift card holders can book the Astronaut Training Experience (ATX), where you’ll run through shuttle mission simulations and land-and-sea recovery drills. They use real NASA training gear to make it all feel legit.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers different experience levels:
The Enhanced Mission program lasts two days and lets you try microgravity simulators, spacewalk training pools, and mission control exercises. Former NASA engineers coach participants through real mission protocols.
Premium packages even include overnight stays in astronaut quarters and meals in the same dining halls as actual space crews. Gift card holders can access restricted areas within the launch facility.
The center also sells VIP viewing packages for live rocket launches, including SpaceX Falcon Heavy and NASA Artemis missions. These events sell out fast, so gift cards make it easier to snag a spot.
NASA runs visitor centers at nine active space facilities across the U.S., all of which accept space tourism gift cards for special programs. Johnson Space Center in Houston specializes in astronaut training and mission control.
Johnson Space Center hosts the Mission Mars program. Here, you’ll navigate simulated Mars missions using real NASA techniques. The four-hour experience covers rover training and habitat construction.
Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland focuses on satellite and deep space exploration. Gift card holders can join telescope workshops and satellite communications training.
Ames Research Center in California offers wind tunnel and flight simulation programs. Participants get to test aircraft designs in facilities that once helped develop the space shuttle.
Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama leans into rocket propulsion. You’ll see static rocket engine tests and even help with launch prep.
Each NASA center runs on its own schedule and has limited space for visitors. Gift cards give recipients the freedom to pick programs that fit their interests and calendars.
Commercial astronaut training centers accept space tourism gift cards for civilian prep programs. These places use tweaked NASA training protocols for non-professionals.
Zero Gravity Corporation flies out of several airports nationwide, offering weightlessness flights on modified Boeing 727s. Each flight includes 15 parabolic arcs, giving you about 25 seconds of true microgravity each time.
The National Aerospace Training and Research Center in Pennsylvania lets participants try centrifuge training to simulate launch and reentry forces. You’ll pull up to 6 Gs and learn astronaut breathing and orientation techniques.
Space Camp programs at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center welcome adults for weekend crash courses. Activities include spinning in a multi-axis trainer, mission planning, and assembling a space station as a team.
Suborbital training facilities in Nevada and New Mexico get people ready for commercial flights with Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin. These require medical clearance and several days on site.
Private centers usually offer smaller classes and more flexible schedules compared to government facilities, which makes using a gift card a lot easier.
Space tourism gift cards act as prepaid vouchers for flights, training, and experiences with select companies. Recipients need to activate them through secure portals, and each card comes with its own rules on expiration and usage.
Most space tourism companies sell gift cards directly on their websites or through official dealers. Virgin Galactic offers cards from $1,000 to $150,000, so you can pay toward the $450,000 flight cost in chunks.
Blue Origin lets you buy gift certificates for their New Shepard flights. For purchases over $10,000, the company requires identity checks and banking details.
Most providers accept wire transfers or certified checks for big purchases. If you’re using a credit card, the max is usually $25,000 due to processing limits. SpaceX’s partner, Axiom Space, uses specialized financial services to handle the more complicated regulatory stuff.
Gift card amounts depend on the company:
Corporate buyers can order gift cards in bulk for employee rewards or marketing.
Recipients need to activate their cards through the company’s secure online portal within 30 days. The process includes identity confirmation and agreeing to medical screening.
Gift card holders enter their unique codes during booking. The card’s value automatically applies to flights, training, or equipment.
Virgin Galactic allows partial redemption, so you can use a card for a deposit and finance the rest. Blue Origin requires full payment up front, so gift cards need to cover the whole cost or work with another payment.
Redemption steps:
Some companies let you transfer cards to immediate family, but you’ll need legal paperwork and possibly pay a fee.
Space tourism gift cards usually expire two to five years after purchase. Virgin Galactic will extend the expiration if their flights get delayed.
Cards don’t cover everything—medical exams, insurance, or personal equipment aren’t included. Recipients pay for those separately.
Typical restrictions:
Blue Origin cards lose 10% of their value if unused after one year. SpaceX partners honor the value indefinitely, but may adjust for inflation on bookings that happen years later.
If someone fails the medical screening, they can usually transfer the card to a qualified family member. Companies sometimes offer alternative experiences, like astronaut training or tours, as a backup.
You’ll find space-themed gift cards from NASA retailers, big space centers, and specialty shops focused on all things cosmic. Each provider offers different price points and products for every kind of space fan.
The Space Store, an authorized NASA reseller, sells digital gift cards from $10 to $100. These cards work for authentic NASA merchandise like mission patches, astronaut apparel, and educational kits.
Recipients can buy directly from NASA’s official lines. The shop stocks everything from model shuttles to astronaut food.
The Space Store ships worldwide and describes every NASA item in detail. Their gift cards unlock exclusive NASA collectibles that space lovers and collectors really appreciate.
You get digital delivery almost instantly—perfect for last-minute gifts. Recipients receive an email with their code within minutes.
Kennedy Space Center offers gift cards up to $1,000 for experiences at their Florida site. These cover admission, simulator rides, and behind-the-scenes tours of real NASA launch sites.
Visitors use the cards for the Atlantis Experience, astronaut training simulators, or bus tours of active launch pads. The complex features real spacecraft and interactive exhibits that tell the story of America’s space program.
Gift card holders can also book extras like lunch with an astronaut or IMAX shows. The center runs all year and accepts gift cards for any ticketed experience.
These cards are great for families on Florida vacations or anyone who wants a hands-on space adventure. The complex often hosts rocket launches that visitors can watch from special viewing areas.
Etsy has over 60 space-themed gift cards from independent makers offering custom space gear. These cards cover handmade jewelry, art prints, and personalized astronaut swag.
The Candy Space focuses on space-themed snacks and sells gift cards for freeze-dried astronaut ice cream and rocket-shaped treats. Their goodies match what astronauts actually eat in orbit.
SpaceTrader Gift Shop offers gift cards for space collectibles and vintage NASA memorabilia. They specialize in authentic artifacts and rare items.
Specialty shops usually carry unique stuff you won’t find in bigger stores. Gift card recipients can pick out personalized gifts or rare collectibles that match their own space interests.
Space tourism gift cards unlock astronaut training programs, hands-on exhibits with real spacecraft, and flight simulators that mimic space travel. These gifts let recipients dive into space exploration activities at top facilities like Kennedy Space Center.
Astronaut encounter programs give gift recipients a chance to meet space veterans who’ve actually flown missions to the International Space Station. These programs bring in former NASA astronauts to talk about spacewalks, what it’s like living in zero gravity, and the feeling of seeing Earth from orbit.
Participants can ask astronauts about daily life aboard spacecraft and get a real sense of the training it takes to become a professional astronaut. Plenty of these programs include photo ops and autograph sessions too.
Kennedy Space Center regularly hosts astronaut encounter events. Visitors might meet crew members from Space Shuttle missions or International Space Station expeditions. These sessions usually run for about 45 minutes and dive into the details of specific missions.
Some programs keep things small, limiting groups to 20-30 people. That way, gift recipients can have longer, more personal conversations with astronauts about their time in space.
Immersive space exhibits let visitors get up close to full-size replicas of spacecraft and space station modules. You’ll find actual hardware from space missions—heat shields, rocket engines, and crew capsules that have come back from orbit.
At Kennedy Space Center, the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit lets people walk beneath the orbiter and check out its cargo bay doors and robotic arm. The Saturn V rocket from the Apollo moon missions is on display there too.
Interactive exhibits let you try spacewalk simulations and docking procedures, just like the astronauts do. Many places have touchscreen displays showing real mission footage and technical details on current spacecraft.
Visitors can walk through mock-ups of crew quarters on the International Space Station. You’ll see where astronauts sleep, prep their meals, and work out during long missions.
Spaceflight simulators put you in the middle of a rocket launch or orbital flight using motion platforms and virtual reality. These simulators pull data from real missions to make the acceleration and weightlessness feel authentic.
Launch simulators recreate the vibration and G-forces of rocket ascent. Participants strap in and feel simulated engine ignition and staging, just like astronauts.
Multi-axis trainers spin people in all directions, giving a taste of the disorientation astronauts deal with during maneuvers. This helps gift recipients appreciate the challenges of space environments.
Some places let you try centrifuges that generate up to 3 Gs, similar to what astronauts feel during reentry. Virtual reality headsets and motion platforms combine to make you feel like you’re floating inside a space station or walking on another planet.
Space tourism gift cards are best for people who already love space exploration or aviation. If someone follows space missions or dreams of experiencing weightlessness, this gift will probably hit the mark.
Space enthusiasts are the obvious choice for space tourism gift cards. These folks follow NASA missions, watch rocket launches, and collect space memorabilia.
They visit space centers and planetariums, sometimes more often than they’ll admit. Many subscribe to space magazines or follow astronauts online. Their homes might even show off space-themed art or models.
Key characteristics of ideal recipients:
Space enthusiasts care about the technical side of commercial spaceflight. They know the difference between suborbital and orbital flights and will research spacecraft specs and safety records before signing up.
Their knowledge makes them comfortable with the risks. They see space tourism as the next step in their passion for exploring the cosmos.
People who’ve always wanted to be astronauts are perfect candidates for space tourism gift cards. Plenty of adults still hold onto childhood dreams of space travel, and now it’s finally within reach.
These individuals often work in science, engineering, or aviation. Maybe they’ve applied to NASA’s astronaut program or gone through military pilot training. Others might work in aerospace, interacting with space tech every day.
Professional backgrounds that indicate good candidates:
Aspiring astronauts know the physical demands of spaceflight. They usually keep in good shape and may have experience with high-G environments. Their careers prepare them for the technical briefings that come before commercial space flights.
A gift card gives them a real shot at experiencing what professional astronauts go through.
Students in science, technology, engineering, or math can get a lot out of space tourism experiences. The gift brings real-world exposure to the concepts they learn in class.
High schoolers thinking about aerospace engineering get a valuable look at the field. College students working on space-related projects can apply what they learn firsthand.
Educational benefits include:
Graduate students researching space topics find the experience incredibly useful for their dissertations. The gift card can even motivate students who are struggling with tough STEM classes.
Teachers and professors make great recipients too. They can share stories from space with students, sparking curiosity in the next generation of explorers and scientists.
A lot of space tourism companies offer educational discounts for students and educators. You can combine the gift card value with these programs to make the trip more affordable.
Space tourism gift cards give recipients flexible booking options and access to exclusive space experiences. For gift-givers, it’s a memorable way to share the wonder of space travel. These cards tackle the unique challenges of space tourism with some clever features.
Space tourism gift cards take the headache out of planning around commercial spaceflight schedules. Recipients can hold onto their card value while they keep an eye on weather, their own plans, and the best launch windows.
Most companies ask for bookings 6-12 months in advance. With a gift card, recipients can lock in their spot without picking a date right away. That flexibility matters when you’re juggling work or family commitments.
Weather delays are common with space launches. Gift card holders can reschedule if bad weather postpones flights, without losing their investment. Companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic make this flexibility part of their gift card programs.
The cards usually stay valid for 2-3 years. That gives plenty of time to clear medical checks and finish astronaut training. Some fitness requirements take a while to meet, so having extra time is a big plus.
Space tourism gift cards often come with perks you can’t get from a regular booking. Providers bundle exclusive experiences into their gift card packages to make them feel special.
Kennedy Space Center gift cards might include behind-the-scenes tours of launch facilities. Recipients can see restricted areas where astronauts prep for missions. These tours offer close-up views of spacecraft and mission control.
Some cards give you priority boarding during busy seasons. With space tourism demand rising, preferred access is a real bonus. Companies set aside certain flight slots just for gift card holders.
Launch viewing parties are another cool perk. Gift card recipients get invited to private events to watch other space flights before their own. These gatherings connect future space travelers with folks who’ve already been.
Training facility access comes with many high-value cards. Recipients can check out centrifuges and zero-gravity simulators before their big day.
Space tourism gift cards deliver experiences you just can’t match with ordinary gifts. For space enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, it’s the ultimate adventure.
The presentation of space tourism gift cards often stands out. Companies create nice certificates with spacecraft images and personal messages. Some even include scale models of their vehicles.
Bragging rights come with every space tourism gift card. Recipients join a rare group of civilian astronauts who’ve felt weightlessness and seen Earth from above. That’s a story they’ll tell for the rest of their lives.
Gift cards are perfect for people who already have plenty of stuff but want something unforgettable. Space travel tops the list for adventure tourism, way beyond any traditional luxury gift.
Corporate gift-givers also use space tourism gift cards to wow clients or reward top performers. It shows a real investment in the recipient’s experience.
Space tourists can explore the universe with virtual reality technology and live online sessions with astronauts. Experiences range from immersive VR tours of the International Space Station to realistic spacecraft simulations that help people prep for real spaceflight.
Space tourism companies now offer exclusive video calls with both active and retired astronauts. These sessions let participants ask about life in space, mission details, and what it really feels like to travel beyond Earth.
SpaceX and Blue Origin regularly host these events for their customers. People learn about zero gravity effects, daily routines on spacecraft, and how astronauts mentally prepare for missions.
Sessions usually last 60-90 minutes. Astronauts share personal stories from their missions and talk about commercial spaceflight operations.
Some programs offer small group chats with well-known astronauts like Chris Hadfield or Peggy Whitson. These intimate sessions help space tourists connect with veteran explorers in a meaningful way.
Virtual reality can take you 250 miles above Earth to experience the International Space Station up close. These tours use real NASA footage and accurate spacecraft environments.
Space Explorers: The Infinite is probably the most realistic ISS experience out there. Users float through real station modules and look out cupola windows, just like astronauts do.
The VR experiences include:
Advanced haptic feedback lets users feel what it’s like to float in microgravity. Some setups even include motion platforms to mimic spacecraft movement.
Professional simulators recreate real spaceflight scenarios, using the same tech NASA uses to prep astronauts. These experiences put participants through the same paces as real crews.
Kennedy Space Center’s Astronaut Training Experience uses centrifuges and multi-axis trainers. Participants feel the G-forces of launch and reentry for themselves.
Simulations cover key phases like launch, orbital operations, and landing. Participants work through emergency scenarios that test decision-making under pressure.
Many programs use the same software that trains commercial astronauts for SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner. This authentic training gives participants a real sense of the physical and mental demands of spaceflight.
Space tourism gift card recipients should know the booking process and important policies before redeeming their cards. Technical hiccups can delay bookings, so having a few troubleshooting tips in mind helps keep things smooth.
Start by visiting the redemption website listed on your space tourism gift card. Most companies have dedicated booking platforms where you’ll enter the unique gift card code from your card.
Booking usually involves three main steps. First, pick your preferred launch date from the available options—remember, space tourism flights don’t happen every day. Next, complete the required medical clearance forms and astronaut training.
Gift card holders need to book within the card’s validity period, which is usually two to five years depending on the company. Some allow date changes for a fee, while others set your schedule once you book.
You’ll need to provide government-issued ID that matches the name on the gift card. International travelers should have their passports ready at least 60 days before their scheduled flight.
Space tourism gift cards come with specific terms, so recipients really need to read them closely. Most cards list blackout dates during busy launch periods or when bad weather could mess with scheduling.
Companies differ a lot on transfer policies. Some will let you change the name for an immediate family member if you have the right paperwork. Others? They just don’t allow transfers at all. It’s important to check those details before booking anything.
Every space tourism company sets weight and medical restrictions. If you don’t meet the requirements, you might get a partial refund or credit for a future flight, but that depends on the company’s rules.
Companies set cancellation terms to protect both sides. Weather delays usually mean you’ll get rebooked automatically for free. But if you cancel for personal reasons, expect fees—sometimes pretty steep, anywhere from 10% to 50% of what you paid.
Website glitches during redemption pop up a lot, especially when traffic is high or maintenance is happening. Try logging in during quieter hours, or just reach out to customer service if you hit a wall.
Gift card code errors usually come from either a damaged card or a typo. Double-check every character, and make sure there aren’t any sneaky spaces before or after the code when you type it in.
If you see an invalid card message, your card might be expired, or maybe there’s a technical hiccup. Customer service can check the card’s status and might offer another way to redeem it if it’s still good.
Sometimes payment issues happen if extra fees go over your card’s value. Keep a backup payment method handy for taxes, training, or upgrades that your card doesn’t cover.
Missing confirmation emails? They often land in spam folders or get sent to the wrong address. Check your junk mail and make sure your email matches what you used to book.
You can buy space tourism gift cards from official space center sites, big retailers, and stores that specialize in space merch. Each one comes with its own perks and price ranges for space experience gifts.
Kennedy Space Center is the go-to for authentic space experience gift cards. The Visitor Complex sells cards up to $1,000 for their space tourism experiences. With these, you can try astronaut training simulators, check out interactive exhibits, and see real NASA launch sites.
Since the center sits on Merritt Island, visitors get close to real space operations. Gift card holders can hop into zero-gravity simulators and walk among rockets that actually went to space.
ShopNASA.com offers official NASA gift cards for fans. You can use these at Johnson Space Center gift shops or online for NASA merchandise and memorabilia.
Space centers give gift recipients a real taste of space. Their cards usually don’t expire and work for multiple visits.
Costco stocks space experience gift cards right alongside their other travel and adventure deals. They’re known for good prices on space center visits and space-themed experiences. If you’re a member, you might get extra discounts too.
Target sells travel gift cards with space tourism options. Their lineup includes Kennedy Space Center trips and other space packages. You can even get same-day delivery or pickup.
Amazon lists Space Needle gift cards and other space-themed experiences. They offer instant digital delivery for those last-minute gifts, and customer reviews can help you pick the best package.
Big retailers make it easy to buy these cards, and you can often bundle space tourism with other adventures.
The Space Store focuses on space-themed gift cards from $10 to $100. As a top NASA reseller, they’ve got authentic merchandise and experience packages. You can use their cards for products or space tourism.
Virgin Experience Gifts sells Kennedy Space Center packages built for space tourism fans. The gifts include astronaut training and behind-the-scenes tours. They really cater to adventure seekers and science lovers.
SpaceTrader Gift Shop stocks specialized space tourism gift cards for serious enthusiasts. Their selection features rare experiences and exclusive access programs. If you’re a collector or dedicated space tourist, this is your place.
Specialty retailers know their stuff and often have experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Space fans can find awesome gifts through real NASA collectibles, official space-themed products, and even astronaut training experiences that actually connect you to space exploration.
Official NASA gear gives you a real link to space missions. The NASA Store sells mission patches from actual flights—even ones astronauts wore on the ISS. These patches really do carry some history.
Space agency apparel includes flight suits modeled after what astronauts wear. NASA logos and mission insignia add to the vibe. If you want to snack like an astronaut, authentic astronaut food is available too.
Model spacecraft show off real vehicles like SpaceX Dragon capsules and Artemis program parts. These replicas highlight what’s current in space tech. Many models come with detailed specs straight from the real thing.
NASA technical manuals and mission reports make for great educational material. Space enthusiasts can dig into actual engineering documents used to build spacecraft. It’s a cool way to peek behind the curtain.
NASA puts out commemorative items for big missions and milestones. Artemis program memorabilia marks America’s return to the Moon, which is pretty huge.
You can find signed astronaut photos that bring a personal touch to any collection. Some astronauts offer authentic autographs through official channels. Space-flown items—things that actually went to orbit—give you a direct connection to space.
Mission collectibles celebrate major moments. Mars rover landings, station anniversaries, and first flights all make for lasting keepsakes. NASA’s official partnerships help guarantee authenticity.
Rare blueprints and technical drawings show off the engineering side. These documents reveal how real space vehicles were designed and built. Engineering fans will appreciate all the details.
NASA Kennedy Space Center runs behind-the-scenes tours of real launch sites. You can explore spacecraft prep areas and mission control centers. These tours give you access to spots most visitors never see.
Astronaut training simulators put you in the action with realistic mission scenarios. Zero gravity chambers let you float as if you’re in space. Flight simulators use real spacecraft controls and procedures.
Space camps offer multi-day experiences. Adult programs include technical training modules that real astronauts use. You’ll learn navigation, spacewalks, and how to operate spacecraft.
Private space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin sometimes offer exclusive tours. You can catch a glimpse of spacecraft development and testing. It’s a rare look at the future of commercial space.
Space tourism gift cards are moving way past basic suborbital flights. Now they cover lunar flybys, multi-day orbital trips, and even full astronaut certification programs. Companies are tossing in virtual reality previews and personal training modules, making the whole gift experience way more immersive.
Gift recipients can now pick lunar flyby missions lasting five to seven days. These trips circle the Moon and show off the far side. SpaceX aims to launch these between 2025 and 2027, with prices starting around $100 million per seat.
Space hotel packages are another wild new option. Axiom Space is building commercial stations where tourists can spend up to two weeks in orbit. These stays include guided Earth-watching sessions and zero-gravity fun.
Multi-destination orbital tours mix visits to the ISS with free-flying spacecraft missions. Recipients train for several months before their big trip.
Private lunar landings could be available by 2030. Imagine being among the first civilians to walk on another world—these missions would last about a week.
Longer flights, up to 30 days or more, are in the works too. They’re looking at Mars flybys and deep space journeys. But you’ll need to pass tough medical checks and train for a year before you go.
Space tourism companies now include VR experiences with flight packages to help people prepare. These systems let you practice inside the exact spacecraft you’ll ride in.
Blue Origin offers VR sessions that walk you through the New Shepard launch. You can practice moving around the cabin during weightlessness.
Advanced VR training teaches emergency procedures using haptic suits. Recipients learn to work life support systems and talk to ground control during realistic malfunctions.
SpaceX provides Dragon capsule VR sessions to show how to use the touchscreen controls and get around inside. These help reduce training time and motion sickness.
Some companies even have VR spacewalks. You can practice suiting up and handling tools before the real deal.
Now, gift cards often come with custom fitness plans designed by former NASA astronauts. These prep you for g-forces, weightlessness, and tight spaces over a few months.
Centrifuge training simulates launch and reentry up to 3.5 g. You’ll learn breathing and muscle tensing to avoid blackouts.
Neutral buoyancy pool sessions let you practice moving in simulated weightlessness. You’ll eat, drink, and use controls underwater in a real spacesuit.
Wilderness survival courses teach you what to do if you land in a remote spot. You’ll build shelters, purify water, and learn signaling.
Medical monitoring tracks your heart, bones, and mental health during training. These checks make sure you’re ready for spaceflight.
Specialized courses cover space law, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft systems. Finish the program and you’ll be officially certified as a trained spaceflight participant, not just a passenger.
Space tourism gift cards come with their own quirks—think pricing, restrictions, tracking balances, how to redeem, transfer rules, and security. They’re a different beast compared to regular gift cards.
Space tourism gift cards start at $1,000 if you just want to chip in, but can go all the way up to $450,000 for a full suborbital flight. Most companies offer amounts between $5,000 and $50,000 to make space travel a bit more giftable.
Virgin Galactic lets you buy gift cards starting at $10,000, which you can use toward the $450,000 SpaceShipTwo flight. Blue Origin’s cards start at $5,000 for New Shepard trips.
Expect a 2-3% fee on top of the card price. That covers processing and gives you a longer window to use the card—sometimes several years.
Some companies package gift cards with space camp or astronaut training. These bundles cost anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000 and add an educational twist.
Most space tourism gift cards only work for specific flights from the company that issued them. For example, Virgin Galactic cards are just for SpaceShipTwo suborbital flights—you can’t use them with other operators.
Blue Origin cards cover New Shepard flights and their training programs, but not orbital trips or third-party providers.
SpaceX does things differently. You can use gift funds for Crew Dragon flights, but you’ll need to verify full payment before they confirm your seat.
Some cards come with blackout dates during peak launch times. You might have fewer flight date options than someone paying full price.
Training requirements don’t change, no matter how you pay. Gift recipients still have to complete medical checks and astronaut prep before flying.
Most companies have secure online portals for checking your balance. Enter your card number and security code to see how much is left and when it expires.
Virgin Galactic customers can check their card info in the reservation system. It’ll show your balance, transaction history, and how long the card’s good for.
Blue Origin uses a similar setup, but also sends SMS alerts when your card’s about to expire or after you use part of it.
Most space tourism gift cards stay valid for five to ten years. That gives you time to book and train for your flight.
If you prefer, you can call customer service for balance info. They’ll ask for ID before sharing details, just to be safe.
To start redeeming a space tourism gift card, just reach out to the issuing company’s reservations team. You’ll need to hand over your gift card number and some personal details to kick off the booking.
Next up, there’s the medical screening. No matter how you pay, you have to pass both physical and psychological checks before the company lets you use your gift card for a flight.
If you clear the medical part, you’ll move on to training. Gift card holders join the same astronaut prep programs as everyone else, and honestly, it’s not a quick thing—it can take anywhere from six months to a full year.
Once you finish training, you’ll finally get your flight assignment. The company will work with you to pick a launch date that fits your schedule and matches the mission’s needs.
If your gift card doesn’t cover the whole cost, you’ll have to pay the rest. Most people use wire transfers or certified checks for the remaining balance.
Most space tourism gift cards let you transfer them to family members. The company usually asks for written permission from whoever bought the card and checks the IDs for both people.
Virgin Galactic lets you transfer a gift card once without any extra charges. If you want to transfer it again, they’ll tack on an administrative fee—anywhere from $500 to $1,000, depending on the card’s value.
Refund policies? They’re all over the place. Blue Origin gives full refunds if you ask within 90 days of buying the card, but after that, you’ll only get a partial refund, based on how much time is left before the card expires.
If you can’t pass the medical screening, you’ll usually get a full refund, no matter how much time has passed. The company just returns your money if you’re medically disqualified from flying.
But here’s the catch: once you start training, some companies lock down the gift card and make it non-transferable. That way, they avoid last-minute passenger swaps that could mess up mission prep or crew planning.
Space tourism companies assign a unique identification number and security code to each gift card. These details help them block unauthorized access and keep tabs on every redemption attempt.
For digital gift cards, companies rely on encryption. They deliver these cards through secure portals, so recipients have to log in with a password and confirm their identity with two-factor authentication.
Physical gift cards come with security holograms and tamper-proof materials. If a card looks altered or damaged, companies usually void it to stop anyone from cashing in fraudulently.
If you lose your gift card or someone steals it, you can usually get a replacement if you provide the right paperwork. Card holders need to file a police report for theft and show a purchase receipt before the company will process a replacement.
For cards worth more than $25,000, there are insurance options. These policies can kick in if the company goes bankrupt or if something else happens that regular loss coverage doesn’t cover.
