What Are the Types of Space Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Space tourism is a rapidly growing industry that allows people to experience the thrill of space travel. With advancements in technology, space tourism is becoming more accessible, and there are now several types of space tourism available for those who want to explore the final frontier.

Suborbital Space Tourism

Suborbital space tourism involves traveling to the edge of space without actually entering orbit around the Earth. Suborbital flights typically reach an altitude of around 100 km, which is high enough to experience weightlessness and see the curvature of the Earth. Companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin offer suborbital spaceflights that last several minutes.

Orbital Space Tourism

Orbital space tourism involves traveling into orbit around the Earth. This type of space tourism requires much more advanced technology and training than suborbital flights. Currently, there are no companies offering orbital spaceflights to tourists, but several companies are working on developing this technology.

Lunar Space Tourism

Lunar space tourism involves traveling to the moon and possibly even landing on its surface. This type of space tourism is still in its infancy, but several companies have announced plans to offer lunar missions in the coming years. SpaceX has announced plans to send Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa on a trip around the moon in 2023.

Mars Space Tourism

Mars space tourism involves traveling to Mars, which is much farther away than any other destination currently available for tourists. This type of space tourism is still largely theoretical, as no company has yet developed the technology required for a manned mission to Mars.

Space Hotel Tourism

Space hotel tourism involves staying aboard a hotel that orbits around the Earth or another celestial body. This type of space tourism is still in development, but there are several companies working on building hotels in orbit around the Earth. The first space hotel, Aurora Station, is scheduled to open in 2022.

Conclusion

In conclusion, space tourism is a rapidly growing industry that offers a variety of experiences for those who want to explore the final frontier. Whether you want to experience weightlessness on a suborbital flight or stay aboard a hotel in orbit around the Earth, there are many options available for space tourists. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that even more types of space tourism will become available in the future.