Space tourism has been gaining popularity in recent years as more people dream of going beyond our planet’s atmosphere to explore the great beyond. While space travel was once reserved for elite astronauts and scientists, advancements in technology have made it possible for civilians to experience space travel as well. In this article, we will discuss the different types of space tourism that exist today.
Suborbital Tourism
Suborbital tourism is a type of space tourism that involves traveling just beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Passengers aboard suborbital flights experience weightlessness and get a chance to see the curvature of the Earth. The flight lasts for a few minutes, and passengers are required to undergo some training before boarding.
Suborbital flights are offered by companies such as Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin. Virgin Galactic’s SpaceshipTwo is designed to carry six passengers and two pilots, while Blue Origin’s New Shepard can hold up to six passengers.
Orbital Tourism
Orbital tourism is a type of space tourism that involves traveling around the Earth in a spacecraft for an extended period. Passengers aboard orbital flights get to experience life in zero gravity and witness breathtaking views of Earth from above.
Orbital flights are currently offered by SpaceX, which has plans to launch its Crew Dragon spacecraft into orbit with up to four passengers on board. The flight will last for a few days, during which passengers will be able to conduct experiments and enjoy life in space.
Lunar Tourism
Lunar tourism is a type of space tourism that involves traveling to the moon. While lunar tourism is not yet available, several companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin have announced plans to offer lunar flights in the future.
Lunar flights will be much longer than suborbital or orbital flights, lasting several days or weeks. Passengers will get a chance to walk on the moon’s surface and explore its unique terrain.
Space Station Tourism
Space station tourism is a type of space tourism that involves traveling to the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS is a habitable artificial satellite that orbits Earth, and it is currently the only destination for space station tourism.
Passengers aboard space station flights will spend several days or weeks aboard the ISS, where they will conduct experiments and experience life in zero gravity. Several companies such as Space Adventures and Axiom Space have announced plans to offer space station flights in the future.
Conclusion
Space tourism offers a unique opportunity to explore the great beyond and experience life in space. From suborbital flights to lunar missions, there are several types of space tourism available today or planned for the future. While space travel remains expensive and requires extensive training, it is becoming more accessible with advancements in technology and could become as common as air travel in the future.