In recent years, space tourism has become a reality. Multiple private companies have started offering trips to space for individuals willing to pay a hefty price tag.
But who are the lucky few who have actually gone to space for tourism purposes? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Dennis Tito
Dennis Tito, an American businessman, was the first-ever space tourist.
He traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2001 aboard a Russian spacecraft called Soyuz TM-32. He paid $20 million for this once-in-a-lifetime trip and spent seven days on the ISS.
2. Mark Shuttleworth
Mark Shuttleworth is a South African entrepreneur who became the second-ever space tourist in 2002.
He also traveled aboard Soyuz to the ISS and spent eight days in space. Shuttleworth reportedly paid around $20 million for his trip.
3. Greg Olsen
In 2005, American entrepreneur Greg Olsen became the third private individual to travel to space as a tourist. He also flew on Soyuz and spent almost ten days on board the ISS, orbiting Earth more than 150 times during his trip.
4. Anousheh Ansari
Anousheh Ansari made history as the first-ever female space tourist in 2006.
She is also Iranian-American and an engineer by profession. Ansari paid around $20 million for her trip and spent eight days on the ISS.
5. Charles Simonyi
Hungarian-American computer software executive Charles Simonyi became the fifth-ever private individual to visit space in April 2007. He also flew on Soyuz and spent thirteen days aboard the ISS.
Conclusion
It’s fascinating to see how space tourism has evolved over the years. From Dennis Tito’s pioneering trip in 2001 to Charles Simonyi’s extended stay in 2007, private individuals have been able to experience what was once only accessible to trained astronauts. With companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin planning their own space tourism programs, it’s exciting to imagine who the next space tourists might be.