Space tourism has been a topic of discussion for many years, with people dreaming of traveling beyond the earth’s atmosphere and exploring the mysteries of space. In recent years, space tourism has become a reality, and there are now multiple ways for people to experience space travel. In this article, we’ll explore how many types of space tourism are available.
Suborbital Space Tourism
Suborbital space tourism is the most accessible form of space travel available to the public. It involves traveling to an altitude of around 100 kilometers above the earth’s surface and experiencing weightlessness for a few minutes before returning to earth. Companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are currently offering suborbital flights to customers who can afford it.
Cost
Suborbital flights are expensive, with tickets ranging from $200,000 to $250,000 per person. However, compared to other forms of space travel, suborbital flights are relatively affordable.
Orbital Space Tourism
Orbital space tourism involves traveling into orbit around the earth and spending several days or weeks in space. Currently, no company offers orbital space tourism to the public. However, companies like SpaceX and Boeing are working on developing spacecraft that can transport tourists into orbit.
Orbital space tourism is much more expensive than suborbital flights. Estimates suggest that a trip into orbit could cost around $50 million per person.
Lunar Space Tourism
Lunar space tourism involves traveling to the moon and spending time exploring its surface. Currently, no company offers lunar space tourism to the public. However, several companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have announced plans to send tourists to the moon in the near future.
Lunar space tourism will be significantly more expensive than orbital or suborbital space tourism. Estimates suggest that a trip to the moon could cost around $100 million per person.
Space Station Tourism
Space station tourism involves traveling to the International Space Station (ISS) and spending time living and working onboard. Currently, no company offers space station tourism to the public. However, several companies like Axiom Space and Virgin Galactic have announced plans to build their own space stations and offer space tourism in the future.
Space station tourism will be the most expensive form of space travel available to the public. Estimates suggest that a trip to the ISS could cost around $500 million per person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are four types of space tourism available or planned for the future: suborbital, orbital, lunar, and space station tourism. While suborbital flights are currently available and relatively affordable, other forms of space travel are much more expensive and may not be available to the public for several years. As technology advances and more companies enter the space industry, it’s possible that space travel may become more accessible and affordable for everyone in the future.