Can you recall a time when space flight was something you considered doing? It’s conceivable in theory.
In spite of the exorbitant price tag, space travel is becoming increasingly feasible for those who aren’t professional astronauts in recent years. Ask yourself this: have you ever fantasized about traveling to space? Do you long to escape Earth and see the stars?
Sixty years ago, the thought of human space travel was little more than a pipe dream. Over 550 individuals have accomplished this feat, leaving Earth’s atmosphere and entering low Earth orbit.
While governments have covered the costs of astronaut training and flights for decades, this may change in the coming years as space tourism becomes more of a reality.
Also Read: Earth Gravity vs. Moon Gravity
Soon, private spaceflight will be able to frequently transport private travelers into space, making interstellar travel possible for anybody with enough disposable income to afford it.
Who Are The Space Tourism Companies?
Even though Boeing and SpaceX, two of their main competitors, have been mum on pricing details, NASA estimated in 2015 that a round-trip ticket to the ISS aboard either the Crew Dragon or Starliner module would cost about $58 million.
The spaceships were initially designed to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Still, both companies now plan to offer rides to anyone with enough cash to spare. It could include universities interested in conducting research in space or wealthy thrill-seekers.
Opportunities for Space Travel
Space tourist Dennis Tito (left) visited the ISS on April 30, 2001. He was the first person to pay for their trip into space.
NASA said in March that American space company Axiom would construct an ISS module to accommodate the expected influx of commercial guests.
Regarding flights to the station, Axiom is also lending a hand. Their inaugural mission, which delivered three private astronauts to the ISS, was scheduled for the middle of 2021. There is still available seating, but the price tag of $55 million will put you off for quite some time.
However, if you’re willing to spend billions rather than millions, you can contact private space exploration companies directly and arrange for a customized trip.
Navigate the Moon’s orbit.
To that end, Space X is collaborating with Japanese tycoon Yusaku Maezawa on a project dubbed “#dearmoon,” which will involve the transportation of six to eight passengers on a circumlunar flight.
Even though Maezawa is offering accessible seats, applicants must be among the best artists in the world to have a shot at winning one; his goal is for each passenger to produce an original work of art that attempts to communicate what it’s like to travel through space to the rest of the world.
Using Virgin Galactic, You Can Travel To “Outer Space.”
The firm assures customers that they will be 100 kilometers above Earth’s surface, that they will be able to observe Earth’s curvature, and that they will experience weightlessness for at least five minutes.
Richard Branson, the company’s founder, has said he plans to take his first flight in early 2021 after years of delays. He will then begin taking the names of the 600 people who paid $250,000 for early bird tickets.
Training To Be an Astronaut
Though fantasizing about a six-figure sum is enjoyable, the reality is that most of us will never be in such a position. However, there is still a chance: entering the space industry.
A master’s degree in physical science, engineering, or medicine; several years of relevant job experience; a decorated military background; or more than a thousand hours of flight time are all required, in addition to excellent physical health. It’s simple, huh?
Applying to NASA requires US citizenship because they only hire a handful of people every few years. You can learn more about this topic by reading the NASA astronaut application manual.
Those of European descent may have a more challenging time, as the last time the European Space Agency (ESA) recruited new astronauts was in 2008 when 8,414 people applied for just six spots.
The agency is rumored to be looking for new astronauts in 2021, so now would be an excellent time to get your resume in order. Check out the ESA’s How to Become an Astronaut Handbook for more information.
Who Among The General Public Has Visited Outer Space?
Charles D. Walker, an American, made history in 1984 as the first private citizen to travel to space. He was able to participate in three Shuttle missions thanks to the support of his employer, the aerospace corporation McDonnell Douglas.
Although NASA spent over $20 million of its own money educating him, the agency only charged $40,000.
However, the Russian Soyuz was more commonly used than NASA’s Space Shuttle for private spaceflights.
Due to the Soviet Union’s overall financial difficulties in the 1990s, the space agency was more than happy to take on paying customers.
Pictured here with astronauts Greg Chamitoff (left) and Michael Fincke (right), October 22, 2008, is video game designer Richard Garriott (right). To the credit of NASA
Toyohiro Akiyama, a Japanese broadcaster, flew to the Mir space station in 1990 on the company’s dime, and Helen Sharman, the United Kingdom’s first astronaut, flew there on the backs of several sponsors a few years later.
With the Russian space agency’s help, Space Adventures arranged for the first private trip to the ISS in 1998. (ISS).
Seven people have been trained and flown by the company since then, including Richard Garriott, the video game entrepreneur. He became the second person to fly under the British flag in space.
On each flight, the passengers did more than look out the window. On the contrary, they participated in scientific investigations and experiments or organized outreach activities to enlighten people on Earth.
