Suborbital astronaut training gets civilians ready for short flights to the edge of space. The main goals? Safety, and helping people make the most of those few weightless minutes.
Training centers like NASTAR and other specialized spots run these programs. They’re really different from the long, technical NASA training for orbital astronauts.
Suborbital training gets you ready for flights that touch space but don’t actually orbit Earth. The whole thing lasts maybe 10-15 minutes, and you get 3-5 minutes to float.
The focus is on handling launch and reentry forces, not on living in space for weeks. You’ll learn how to manage G-forces—sometimes up to 6 Gs—during the most intense parts.
Key differences from orbital training:
You’ll get familiar with the spacecraft, practice emergency procedures, and learn how to handle G-forces. Instructors show you how to move in zero gravity and teach breathing tricks for high-acceleration moments.
Unlike NASA’s in-depth training, suborbital programs don’t expect you to know all the tech details. The focus stays on getting you comfortable and ready for the ride.
Companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin require every passenger to complete training before flying. They want to make sure everyone’s safe and knows what to expect.
Training helps cut down on anxiety and motion sickness. When you’re prepared, you’re more likely to handle the launch and reentry without freaking out.
Safety benefits:
Training also helps you get the most out of your time in space. Instructors show you the best ways to look out the window and how to float without crashing into stuff.
Insurance companies usually want proof you’ve done the training, too. Operators protect themselves by making sure you understand the risks and procedures.
This prep helps set realistic expectations. If you know what’s coming, you’re more likely to enjoy it—and maybe even leave a glowing review.
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation keeps an eye on commercial spaceflight training. Right now, they care more about informed consent than forcing specific training rules.
Standard training covers:
Training centers have to follow safety standards for centrifuge and aircraft operations. NASTAR and similar places go through regular safety checks and have to renew their certifications.
Medical requirements depend on the operator. Usually, people with heart issues, pregnancy, or certain meds can’t fly. Most companies limit flights to adults between 18 and 65.
NASA’s training standards influence these programs, but commercial requirements aren’t as strict. Still, NASA’s experience helps shape best practices for civilians.
If you’re coming from another country, you’ll need extra paperwork. Training programs try to work with different fitness levels but always put safety first.
Suborbital astronaut training boils down to three big areas. These programs teach you about your spacecraft, the way the flight unfolds, and the timeline you’ll follow.
Training starts with a deep dive into spacecraft familiarization. You’ll learn about the specific vehicle you’ll ride—maybe Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity, maybe Blue Origin’s New Shepard.
Every spacecraft has its quirks. You’ll practice basics like adjusting your seat, buckling up, and using the radio. Trainers walk you through emergency situations like cabin depressurization, fires, and what to do if you lose comms.
Emergency Training Includes:
Simulators recreate the actual flight environment. You’ll get to try moving around in a mock spacecraft and practice the activities you want to do during your weightless window.
There’s a big focus on getting ready for G-forces. You’ll learn how to breathe and position your body. Many programs use centrifuges to safely mimic these conditions on the ground.
Suborbital flights follow a pretty set pattern. You’ll need to know what’s coming from launch to landing.
The ascent hits you with 3-4 Gs for about 90 seconds. Training shows you how to breathe and tense your muscles so you don’t black out or feel sick.
You’ll float for 3-4 minutes once you pass the Karman line. Instructors teach you how to move gently, unbuckle, float, and get strapped back in before time runs out.
Flight Timeline:
For reentry, you’ll face 4-6 Gs on the way down. The body position is different than on the way up, and some vehicles spin a bit. Multi-axis trainers help you practice for that.
Trainers also talk about the Overview Effect. Seeing Earth from space can be emotional, and they help you get ready for that, too.
Most suborbital training lasts 3-5 days. It’s intense, but they keep it focused so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Day one usually covers classroom lessons and a look at the spacecraft. You’ll learn the basics of flight physics, safety, and what you’re supposed to do.
Days two and three get you into simulators and physical training. You’ll try out G-force machines, run through emergencies, and take simulated flights. Some programs even give you a taste of weightlessness in an airplane.
Sample Training Schedule:
The last days are all about rehearsing your mission and refining your personal plans. Coaches help you make the most of your brief time in space.
Programs typically cost $25,000-$50,000 per person. That covers your room, meals, and all the training. Some companies offer shorter versions for pilots or those with prior experience.
You’ll finish with a small ceremony and feedback from your trainers. They’ll give you tips for your actual flight based on how you did.
Suborbital flights put your body through some wild stuff. You’ll face strong G-forces during launch and reentry, and then suddenly float when you reach the top. Training helps your body handle these extremes and teaches you how to deal with less oxygen at high altitudes.
You’ll feel 3-4 times heavier than normal during launch and reentry. Even simple movements get tough.
Launch Acceleration: As the rocket fires, you get pushed hard into your seat. Breathing gets harder, and your vision might even blur a bit.
Reentry Deceleration: Coming back down, you feel those forces again, but in reverse. Good posture becomes really important.
Training centers use centrifuges to let you experience these forces safely. NASTAR’s machines spin you at controlled speeds, so you can see how your body reacts.
Physical prep focuses on core strength and heart health. You’ll learn how to breathe under pressure and tense your muscles to keep blood from pooling in your legs.
Medical screening checks for heart problems or blood pressure issues. Most healthy adults do fine after some practice.
Weightlessness lasts 3-4 minutes. You can unbuckle and float, but the sudden switch from heavy to weightless can mess with your head.
Spatial Disorientation: Without gravity, it’s easy to lose track of up and down. Some people get dizzy or even panic.
Motion Control: You move by pushing off gently. If you try to walk or reach like normal, you’ll just spin out of control.
Training often uses parabolic flights or underwater sessions to help you practice. You’ll get the hang of moving slowly, using handholds, and not overdoing it.
Space Motion Sickness: Some folks get nauseous, just like on a boat. Trainers might suggest meds if you’re sensitive.
You’ll practice somersaults or floating poses. Visual cues inside the cabin help you stay oriented.
Suborbital flights go above 50 miles, where the air’s almost gone. The cabin stays pressurized, but you need to know what to do if there’s a problem.
Cabin Pressure: Modern suborbital ships keep the cabin at sea-level pressure. If the main system fails, backups kick in.
Emergency Oxygen: You’ll learn how to use oxygen masks in case of a sudden pressure drop. Acting fast is key at those heights.
Training covers the warning signs—dizziness, confusion, or even a weird sense of happiness. You’ll practice emergency moves with suits and oxygen gear.
Decompression Drills: Some programs show you how fast oxygen can drop at high altitude. It really drives home why emergency steps matter.
Pre-flight checks make sure your lungs are healthy and you don’t have any breathing issues. They’ll ask about smoking and check your lung capacity.
You’ll learn to spot altitude problems in yourself and others. Quick action can make all the difference.
Getting familiar with your vehicle and procedures is a big part of training. You’ll spend time on spacecraft operations, how to get in and out, and the life support systems that keep everyone safe.
Suborbital vehicles aren’t like regular planes. Blue Origin’s New Shepard uses autonomous systems, so the crew doesn’t have to do much. Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo relies more on pilot control and has a different cabin setup.
Training programs walk you through your vehicle’s layout and controls. You’ll see where the emergency gear is, how to use the comms, and how to adjust the cabin environment.
Mock-up trainers let you practice with real hardware. You’ll get comfortable with switches, handles, and displays.
Each vehicle has its own quirks. Vertical launchers like New Shepard need a different approach than air-launched ships like SpaceShipTwo. You’ll study flight profiles, acceleration, and how the pressurization works for your flight.
Training covers normal flight steps and how to watch the systems. You’ll learn what warning lights mean, how to read displays, and what to do if you hear an automated announcement. This knowledge helps keep nerves in check and boosts safety once you’re airborne.
Getting in and out of a suborbital vehicle safely is a big deal. Astronauts start training on the ground, usually with high-fidelity mock-ups of the actual spacecraft.
They run through these moves over and over until they barely have to think about it.
Normal ingress procedures mean getting into the right seat, using the restraint system, and running through pre-flight checks. Each astronaut finds their assigned seat and follows a specific routine for buckling up with safety harnesses.
Different vehicles have their own quirks, so everyone gets vehicle-specific training.
Emergency egress training gets pretty intense. Astronauts learn to get out fast if there’s a fire, smoke, or sudden loss of cabin pressure.
They practice ground egress techniques and get comfortable with emergency exits—speed really matters here.
The restraint systems in suborbital vehicles are way more complicated than airline seatbelts. Training covers how to adjust, tighten, and release these systems.
Before anyone gets cleared for flight, they have to show they can work the restraints solo—no help allowed.
Life support systems keep the cabin safe during flight. Training covers oxygen, pressure, and temperature controls, which usually run automatically.
Still, astronauts need to know what’s normal and what’s not, so they can spot problems early.
Emergency oxygen equipment gets special attention. Even though the cabin stays pressurized, astronauts learn how to use backup oxygen.
They practice mask deployment, getting a good fit, and how to breathe if things go sideways.
Fire suppression and smoke detection gear are standard now. Training includes finding and using fire extinguishers, smoke evacuation steps, and working as a team in emergencies.
These skills apply whether you’re going suborbital or orbital.
Communication systems keep the crew in touch with ground control. Astronauts run through radio procedures, emergency calls, and backup communication tricks.
Clear communication isn’t just helpful—it’s absolutely essential, especially when things get tense.
Medical equipment on board usually includes basic first aid and emergency meds. Astronauts learn where the kits are and how to use them, but nobody expects them to be doctors for these quick flights.
Suborbital passengers go through some pretty tough emergency training. They practice for things like oxygen loss, cabin fires, or getting out fast.
Programs focus on building muscle memory, so people react automatically—even when they’re stressed or dealing with high G-forces.
Hypoxia training helps passengers handle sudden oxygen loss. The NASTAR Center uses altitude chambers to mimic low-oxygen environments.
Passengers learn to spot early hypoxia symptoms, like tingling, a weird sense of euphoria, or trouble thinking clearly.
Vision changes and confusion can hit fast.
Training includes these key elements:
Trainers simulate conditions up to 25,000 feet. That’s about what you’d face if the cabin lost pressure on a suborbital flight.
Passengers experience mild hypoxia, but medical staff keep everything safe.
NASA’s approach emphasizes repetition. Passengers repeat emergency oxygen routines until they don’t have to think about them.
That way, even if their brains get fuzzy, their hands know what to do.
Fire is easily one of the scariest emergencies in space. Suborbital passengers spend a lot of time learning how to spot smoke and fight fires.
Training starts by helping people tell the difference between types of smoke. Electrical fires smell acrid and look gray, while burning materials give off thick black smoke.
Emergency response sequence includes:
During ground training, passengers actually use fire extinguishers. They practice aiming and keeping a safe distance.
CO2 extinguishers are the go-to in spacecraft since they don’t make a mess or damage equipment.
Smoke evacuation isn’t like on a plane. Spacecraft don’t have much air circulation, so passengers learn to move away from smoke—if possible—while staying buckled in.
Getting out of a cramped spacecraft fast takes practice. Passengers train for different egress situations as part of their prep.
Primary egress training covers:
The NASTAR Center runs these drills in spacecraft mockups. Passengers wear full flight suits and helmets, and trainers set time limits to keep the pressure up.
Ocean landings bring their own set of challenges. Passengers learn how to inflate life vests and get into life rafts.
They cover cold water survival—like body positioning and conserving heat.
Desert landings? That’s a whole different animal. Passengers practice signaling for help, building quick shelters, and managing water and heat.
Teamwork and clear communication aren’t just nice to have—they’re vital in suborbital flights. Training puts a lot of effort into building these interpersonal skills and setting up protocols for working together under pressure.
Suborbital crews operate with clear hierarchies. The pilot in command calls the shots, while the rest of the crew handles safety monitoring, passenger help, and emergencies.
Programs like NASTAR Center’s really drill down on interpersonal communication and professionalism in tight quarters.
Participants figure out where they fit in the crew and when to speak up if something seems off.
Space Flight Participants (SFPs) get a crash course on crew dynamics before flight. They practice working with pros in simulators, so they know their boundaries but stay alert.
Training covers conflict resolution and decision-making under pressure. Crew members learn to support each other instead of competing for control.
That’s crucial in a flight that’s short but intense.
Good crew coordination means knowing each person’s strengths and limits. Training scenarios push participants to communicate their needs clearly while respecting the chain of command.
Suborbital flights are over in a flash—maybe five to seven minutes—so staying aware is everything. Training teaches folks to monitor multiple info sources at once and keep tabs on what’s changing.
Crew resource management focuses on building and sharing situational awareness. Participants scan displays, listen to crew chatter, and keep an eye on their own bodies the whole time.
Active listening is huge here. Crew members practice taking in info from Mission Control, the pilot, and onboard systems.
They learn to spot what’s routine and what needs an immediate response.
Training scenarios ramp up the pace, simulating fast-changing conditions. Participants get a taste of how G-forces and microgravity mess with their ability to think.
They practice staying mentally sharp, even when their bodies feel weird.
The curriculum includes communication protocols—basically, how to keep transmissions short and clear. Crew members use standard terms to avoid confusion, especially when seconds count.
Rocket-powered flight is stressful, no matter how tough you are. Suborbital training helps people handle both the physical and mental load.
Training digs into human factors unique to suborbital flights. Participants learn to spot stress symptoms in themselves and others.
They practice ways to stay focused and keep the team together.
Conflict management is a big part of it. Crew members work through disagreements in simulated high-pressure situations, sometimes while feeling the effects of G-forces.
Training also covers stress that people bring on themselves—think nerves or overthinking. Crew members pick up breathing exercises, communication tricks, and mental prep to keep calm when it matters.
Emergency drills specifically show how stress can mess with decision-making. Participants practice keeping their heads during simulated fires, pressure drops, and quick evacuations.
It’s all about building confidence and supporting the team when things get real.
Suborbital and orbital training programs couldn’t be more different when it comes to time, complexity, and physical challenge. Suborbital participants get through core safety stuff in a few days or weeks.
Orbital candidates, though, spend months learning advanced systems and prepping for long missions.
Both types of training cover the basics. Everyone learns emergency procedures, gets tossed around in G-force simulators, and practices basic spacecraft operations.
The NASTAR Center’s STS-400 centrifuge is a big part of both programs.
Training Duration:
Physical Requirements: Suborbital flights need a basic medical check and fitness test. Orbital flights require much more—think heart stress tests and psychological screenings.
Technical Complexity: Suborbital training sticks to launch, brief weightlessness, and landing. Orbital training dives into complex systems, docking, life support, and all the details of living in space.
G-Force Preparation: Suborbital folks train for up to 3-4 Gs. Orbital candidates get ready for higher Gs and multiple acceleration phases—launch, orbit, reentry.
Space tourists who finish suborbital training can transfer some of their skills to orbital programs. Safety basics, G-force tolerance, and emergency know-how all carry over.
But moving up means more medical screening and a bigger technical workload. Orbital training builds on suborbital skills, adding spacecraft systems, longer weightlessness, and mission-specific routines.
Centers like NASTAR create step-by-step pathways. You can start with suborbital certification and upgrade later.
That helps cut down the total training time for folks chasing multiple space adventures.
Physical prep from suborbital training gives a good base. Still, longer orbital flights demand more endurance and adapting to life without gravity.
Several U.S. facilities now offer certified suborbital astronaut training programs. The NASTAR Center is the only FAA-approved commercial spaceflight training facility, but international partners are making training more accessible worldwide.
The NASTAR Center is the main spot for commercial spaceflight training in the U.S. It’s in Pennsylvania and uses the FAA-approved STS-400 centrifuge for both suborbital and orbital programs.
They’ve trained crews for big missions—Inspiration4, Axiom-3, Blue Origin, and more. The Kitchen family, for example, both trained at NASTAR before their Blue Origin flights.
Orbite runs astronaut training programs that prep people physically, mentally, and even spiritually for all types of commercial spaceflight. They offer suborbital training aimed at making flights safer and more enjoyable for space travelers.
The Space Training Academy specializes in mental and physical readiness, especially for first-time space travelers.
International partnerships are growing fast. NASTAR recently teamed up with The Spaceflight Institute in Toulouse, France, so participants can train at multiple locations around the world.
The Federal Aviation Administration keeps a close eye on commercial spaceflight training programs. The NASTAR Center stands out as the first—and still the only—FAA-approved facility that meets Crew Qualification and Training Requirements under 14 CFR Part 460.5.
They’ve got FAA Certificate SA 10-001, which means their training programs meet federal safety and competency standards. The FAA doesn’t just approve and walk away; they keep checking in on commercial spaceflight training protocols to make sure safety stays consistent across the whole industry.
Training facilities have to prove their equipment and instructors meet strict federal requirements. These standards line up with NASA protocols but also address the unique needs of commercial spaceflight participants.
International groups like The Spaceflight Institute work to standardize training globally. Thanks to this kind of teamwork, American space tourists can find high-quality prep programs no matter which launch provider or training site they pick.
To keep their approved status, facilities go through regular compliance checks and equipment inspections.
Commercial space companies have opened up several ways for civilians to get on suborbital flights. These programs range from basic eligibility requirements to fancy membership options that offer priority access to training and flights.
Most commercial suborbital programs ask participants to meet basic medical and physical standards. Companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic usually want a medical clearance from a doctor who knows aviation medicine.
Age restrictions depend on the provider. Blue Origin takes folks as young as 18, but some programs want you to be at least 21. There’s usually no upper age cap—some people in their 80s have already flown.
Physical fitness standards include:
Weight and height limits depend on the spacecraft’s seating. Most vehicles fit people between 5’0″ and 6’4″ and weighing 110-220 pounds.
Training requirements usually take 2-3 days at FAA-approved centers like NASTAR. Participants go through centrifuge training, emergency drills, and get familiar with the spacecraft.
Some commercial spaceflight companies offer exclusive memberships for early adopters and frequent flyers. Virgin Galactic’s Future Astronaut program gives members priority scheduling and enhanced training.
Blue Origin has similar customer community programs with early booking and mission planning support.
Founders club memberships at different operators come with perks like:
These premium pathways aren’t cheap. Founders club memberships can tack on $50,000-100,000 to the base ticket price, but you get more and don’t have to worry about missing out on limited flight slots.
Private citizens can also book training-only experiences if they’re not ready to commit to a full flight. These usually cost $5,000-15,000 and give you real astronaut training on the same equipment as actual space travelers.
Training programs use advanced simulators and real spacecraft systems to get astronauts ready for suborbital flights. These programs focus on vehicles like Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo, Blue Origin’s New Shepard, and specialized centrifuge systems.
Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo is the main vehicle for many training programs. This rocket-powered spaceplane launches from a carrier aircraft at 50,000 feet. It climbs above 50 miles, giving you several minutes of weightlessness.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard takes a capsule-based approach. This automated system launches straight up on a rocket booster, and passengers get about three minutes of weightlessness at the top.
The VSB-30 rocket system offers extra training opportunities through international partnerships. It supports different payloads for research missions.
Training centers really home in on these suborbital vehicles, not orbital ones. Suborbital vehicles need different emergency procedures and flight profiles. Each vehicle type needs its own specialized training.
Centrifuge training is at the heart of suborbital prep. The NASTAR Center uses the STS-400 high-performance centrifuge to simulate the G-forces of launch and reentry. This FAA-approved system matches the acceleration profiles of specific vehicles.
Altitude chambers let trainees experience hypoxia, simulating the low-pressure conditions of high-altitude flight.
Virtual reality systems help with spacecraft familiarization. Trainees practice emergency procedures and normal operations in a simulated cockpit.
Multi-axis trainers get astronauts used to the disorientation of spaceflight. These devices spin trainees in all directions, and the training usually lasts three to five days—a far cry from the years of prep needed for orbital missions.
Suborbital training lays the groundwork for orbital spaceflight by building essential skills and helping the body adapt. These programs introduce techniques that directly prepare astronauts for longer missions beyond Earth.
Moving from suborbital to orbital spaceflight means taking on specialized training that covers longer periods of weightlessness. Orbital training builds on suborbital basics and adds more complex spacecraft systems and multi-day mission routines.
Trainees learn to run life support systems for extended stays. They practice docking and navigation skills that are crucial for orbital missions.
Key Training Components:
Medical monitoring ramps up during orbital prep. Candidates go through cardiovascular stress tests and bone density checks to make sure they can handle long stretches in microgravity.
The NASTAR Center offers orbital flight training with high-G loading in different directions. This gets astronauts ready for the forces they’ll feel during orbital insertion and reentry.
Long-duration orbital missions need advanced life support knowledge and psychological preparation techniques. Astronauts have to maintain equipment and do science tasks while dealing with the mental strain of extended isolation.
Training includes robotics for satellite deployment and space station maintenance. Candidates practice with robotic arms and automated docking systems using virtual reality simulators.
Essential Long-Duration Skills:
Physical conditioning is all about preventing muscle atrophy and bone loss. Astronauts train on special exercise equipment made for zero-g.
Emergency medical training becomes super important for missions that last weeks or months. Crew members learn basic surgical skills and how to give medication when coming home isn’t an option.
They also go through isolation training and stress management. Those skills matter a lot when you’re stuck in a small spacecraft with the same people for a long time.
Private companies keep pushing innovation in training with streamlined programs and advanced technology. NASA and international agencies now focus more on supporting the commercial market and making sure safety standards don’t slip.
Private space companies have changed suborbital training from long government-run programs into fast, civilian-friendly experiences. Companies like Orbite now offer five-night training programs made just for suborbital spaceflight.
The commercial approach is way different from the old NASA way. NASA astronauts train for years, but suborbital participants usually get just two or three days of intense prep. That short window means training providers have to focus on the essentials.
Virtual reality tech is huge in commercial training now. VR creates realistic space scenarios so people can practice before they ever leave the ground. It cuts down training time and still keeps things safe.
SpaceX and other companies keep coming up with new training methods that focus on practical skills over book knowledge. Emergency procedures, G-force adaptation, and basic spacecraft operations take priority, not the nitty-gritty technical systems.
The market has sparked a bunch of new training facilities in the US. You can find everything from centrifuge rides to zero-g simulations, making space prep more accessible than ever.
NASA has stepped back from direct training and now acts as a regulator and safety advisor for commercial programs. The agency sets minimum training standards but doesn’t handle all astronaut prep on its own anymore.
International agencies work together to create unified safety rules for suborbital flights. These standards help keep training quality consistent across different countries and providers.
Government agencies lend technical expertise to private companies developing new methods. NASA shares its long experience to help commercial operators build effective programs.
The Federal Aviation Administration oversees training requirements for commercial spaceflight. Their regulations balance safety with the reality of short civilian training programs.
Agencies keep researching advanced training tech that helps both government astronauts and commercial flyers. Working together like this speeds up innovation while keeping safety front and center.
If you’re thinking about space tourism, you probably have questions about training, medical standards, how long it all takes, and what safety steps are in place.
Participants need to pass a basic medical screening that’s similar to an FAA Class II exam. Most programs want your blood pressure under 140/90 and no history of serious heart problems or seizures.
Height limits usually run from 5’0″ to 6’4″, mostly due to seat sizes. Weight limits change depending on the vehicle, but generally fall between 110 and 250 pounds.
Age rules vary. Virgin Galactic lets people fly at 18 and up, while Blue Origin also requires you to be at least 18 with no upper limit.
Some disqualifying conditions include uncontrolled diabetes, recent surgeries, pregnancy, or certain medications that affect blood pressure or heart rhythm. Some operators may ask you to stop blood thinners before flight.
Most suborbital training programs last three to five days of pretty intense preparation. Blue Origin runs a two-day training, while Virgin Galactic asks for three days.
Training covers spaceflight physiology—how your body reacts to less oxygen and G-forces. Participants learn ways to prevent motion sickness and breathing tricks for stressful moments.
Vehicle-specific training teaches you how to get in and out, use the restraint systems, and get familiar with the cabin layout. Trainees use mockups that match the real spacecraft.
Emergency procedures take up a big chunk of training. Participants learn what to do in case of cabin fires, smoke, or pressure loss, and they practice these scenarios hands-on.
Absolutely, civilians can sign up for suborbital astronaut training. You don’t need any aviation or military background for these programs.
Commercial space operators actually design these courses with regular folks in mind—people who are just genuinely curious about space travel.
The biggest hurdle? It’s the cost. Suborbital flights usually run between $250,000 and $450,000. That’s a huge chunk of change, but the ticket does cover all your training.
Your educational background doesn’t matter here. People joining these programs come from all walks of life—business execs, retirees, you name it. There aren’t any academic hoops to jump through.
There are some legal hoops, though. You’ve got to be a citizen or permanent resident of a country that the operator (and US export laws) approves. Some companies will turn people away based on nationality because of government security rules. It’s not always fair, but it’s the reality.
Hypoxia training helps you spot your own symptoms of low oxygen. Trainers put you in altitude chambers with less oxygen and ask you to do simple tasks. That way, you’ll know your warning signs if you ever run into trouble.
Emergency egress training shows you how to get out of the spacecraft fast. You’ll practice opening hatches, unbuckling yourself, and getting out—all while the clock’s ticking.
For G-force adaptation, trainers use centrifuges to mimic the push you’ll feel during launch. You’ll pick up breathing tricks and muscle tensing exercises so you don’t black out when things get intense.
Fire and smoke drills happen in mockup cabins filled with real smoke. You’ll practice using emergency masks and working with your crew to get out safely. It’s a bit nerve-wracking but definitely important.
Suborbital training sticks to the basics and covers short flights—think 10 to 15 minutes, tops. You’ll just need to get familiar with the spacecraft, not learn how to run every system.
Orbital missions are a whole other story. Astronauts prepping for those spend months, sometimes years, learning everything from robotics to spacewalks and science experiments. Suborbital passengers won’t touch piloting or navigation.
The fitness expectations also change a lot. Orbital astronauts have to train hard and keep tabs on their bone health. Suborbital flyers just need a clean bill of health.
Weightlessness is a big difference, too. Suborbital flights give you maybe 3 to 5 minutes of floating. Orbital missions mean weeks or months in microgravity, so astronauts need serious adaptation training for that.
Cabin depressurization response training gets people to spot pressure loss symptoms fast. Instructors show everyone how to follow the crew’s lead and handle emergency descent steps.
Trainers encourage participants to stay calm. They remind you not to make sudden moves, since that could actually make things worse.
Fire suppression procedures focus on recognizing different types of cabin fires. Crew members walk you through what to do—whether that’s evacuating or trying to contain the fire.
You get to practice with emergency oxygen supplies. There are also drills on how to clear smoke from the cabin, which, honestly, is a little nerve-racking at first.
Medical emergency protocols help passengers support the crew with basic first aid if needed. You’ll learn to spot the signs of G-force-induced loss of consciousness in others, which is important at those altitudes.
Abort scenario training throws all sorts of flight termination situations at you. You practice talking with the crew and get used to emergency landing procedures.
Passengers learn how to get into protective positions. There’s also prep for landing somewhere unexpected—because, well, you never know.
