SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has been making headlines for its pioneering work in space exploration and rocket technology. One of the most exciting prospects that SpaceX offers is space tourism.
But is SpaceX really doing space tourism? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Space Tourism?
Space tourism refers to the concept of paying money to go on a trip beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Space tourism is not a new concept, as it has been around for decades. However, it was previously only available to a select few who had the resources and connections to make it happen.
SpaceX’s Role in Space Tourism
SpaceX aims to make space travel more accessible to the general public by offering commercial space flights. The company has already achieved several milestones in this area, including launching the first privately funded spacecraft to reach orbit and the first privately funded spacecraft to dock with the International Space Station (ISS).
The Inspiration Behind SpaceX’s Space Tourism
Elon Musk’s vision for SpaceX is not just limited to sending astronauts and cargo into space but also making it accessible for ordinary people. In 2018, SpaceX unveiled its plans for a lunar mission that would send two paying passengers on a trip around the moon. Unfortunately, this mission was later canceled due to various reasons.
Current State of SpaceX’s Space Tourism
As of now, SpaceX does not offer any commercial flights for space tourists. However, there are several upcoming missions that will take private citizens into space.
Crew Dragon Mission
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft has been designed with the capability of carrying up to seven passengers into orbit. The Crew Dragon capsule will be used by NASA astronauts in their missions to the ISS but could also be used for commercial purposes.
Dear Moon Mission
In 2018, Elon Musk announced that SpaceX would launch a mission around the moon with Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa and several artists on board. The mission, called “Dear Moon,” is planned for 2023 and will take the passengers on a week-long journey around the moon before returning to Earth.
Conclusion
While SpaceX is not currently offering space tourism in the traditional sense, it is making significant strides towards making space travel more accessible to everyone. With upcoming missions like the Crew Dragon and Dear Moon, it’s only a matter of time before SpaceX becomes a key player in the space tourism industry.