Traveling to space is an exciting prospect that is becoming more accessible for regular people. While government agencies like NASA have historically dominated human spaceflight, private space companies are now offering opportunities for private citizens to experience space firsthand.
Buying a ticket to go to space is still extremely expensive and limited to the very wealthy. But as technology improves and demand rises, the hope is that the cost will eventually come down and space tourism will be within reach of more people.
Overview of Current Options for Purchasing Spaceflight
There are currently just a handful of companies that are offering or developing the capability to take paying customers to space.
The current options include:
- Suborbital spaceflights with companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic – These involve rocket-powered vehicles that take passengers to the edge of space for a few minutes of weightlessness before returning to Earth. Tickets cost around $200,000 to $250,000.
- Orbital spaceflights with companies like SpaceX and Axiom Space – These involve launching passengers on a rocket to orbit Earth for a number of days before returning on the same or different spacecraft. Trips cost tens of millions of dollars.
- Future space station stays from companies like Axiom Space – Axiom is developing commercial modules to attach to the International Space Station (ISS) starting in 2024 that will allow longer duration stays for space tourists.
Additional companies like Boeing are also developing vehicles for space tourism. And new providers continue to emerge seeking to provide new options. But as of now, the opportunities remain extremely limited.
Understanding the Ticket Buying Process
Purchasing a ticket for a spaceflight as a private citizen involves more than just having enough money. Here is an overview of some key aspects of the process:
Pre-Screening and Training
To ensure passenger safety and mission success, spaceflight providers require customers to go through rigorous screening and training before launch. This includes:
- Medical and psychological examinations to confirm physical and mental health for space travel.
- Centrifuge training and simulations to prepare for G-forces during launch and re-entry.
- Rehearsals of safety procedures like using a pressurized flight suit and emergency egress.
- Mission training on tasks like operating communications systems and conducting experiments.
This pre-flight process can take months to over a year to complete. Customers must set aside ample time to complete training before their mission date.
Mission Integrations
Beyond the basic flight, customers often want additional experiences during their spaceflight. Options can include:
- Conducting scientific research projects or educational outreach.
- Brand integrations or media productions to document the flight.
- Naming privileges for the spacecraft or sponsoring elements of the mission.
Integrating these experiences takes coordination between the customer and spaceflight provider. Extra costs may also be involved.
Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Spaceflight customers have to sign legal waivers acknowledging the risks involved. They must also comply with government regulations around spaceflight participation. Key regulations include:
- U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations that require crew training and set safety standards.
- International treaties that govern commercial activity in space.
- Any national regulations that apply based on launch location or customer citizenship.
Navigating these legal and policy issues is part of the process when buying a spaceflight ticket.
When and How to Apply for a Spaceflight
Here are some key tips for those seriously considering purchasing a spaceflight ticket:
Act Soon If Interested
Spaceflight demand is high while availability remains extremely limited. Just a few hundred tickets have been sold so far worldwide. If interested, it’s best to inquire sooner rather than later.
Contact Companies Directly
There are no third party space tourism agencies. Interested customers must contact spaceflight providers directly. Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic and SpaceX have forms on their websites for flight inquiries.
Be Prepared for a Lengthy Process
From initial inquiry to launch, the process may take 1-2 years. Factor in the time requirements for training, mission integration, and more.
Have Finances in Order
Beyond the ticket price, additional funds are needed for pre-flight preparations like travel and training. Customers also often opt to purchase upgraded experiences. Ensure finances are readily available.
Understand the Risks
While safety precautions are taken, spaceflight always carries serious risks. Customers must understand this and be willing to accept potential hazards.
Choosing a Spaceflight Provider
With multiple companies offering spaceflights, selecting a provider is an important choice. Here are some factors to consider:
Flight Profile
Suborbital vs orbital flights offer different experiences. Orbital flights allow more time in space while suborbital provide more intense launch and re-entry forces. Consider which option fits your goals.
Launch Location
Launches may occur from different spaceports around the world. Location can influence logistics, regulations, and options for mission customization.
Vehicle Safety Record
Review safety testing and any flight histories of vehicles. More flight experience can instill confidence, but new systems offer advanced capabilities.
Provider Business Stability
Ensure the company has solid financing and plans to sustain operations long term. Spaceflight requires tremendous resources.
Training and Support Program
Compare the customer support programs across providers. Given the complexity, strong guidance and resources are key.
Mission Customization
Some providers offer greater flexibility for customers to tailor payload, branding, media involvement, etc. Weigh customization options against your goals.
Financing Your Spaceflight Ticket
The tickets for a short suborbital space hop currently start around $200,000. Orbital flights are estimated to cost upwards of $50 million. And prices are expected to remain high for some time.
Very few people can afford these amounts outright. Here are some options for financing a spaceflight ticket purchase:
Use Personal Funds
Those with very high net worth may be able to self-fund their ticket purchase through savings, investments or the sale of assets. This avoids financing costs but requires substantial existing capital.
Take Out a Personal Loan
Banks or other lenders may provide personal loans for spaceflight purchases. However, the uncollateralized nature and unique purpose make approval challenging.
Use a Mortgage or Other Assets
Borrowing against a home or other valuable assets through home equity loans or similar products is another possibility. But not advisable given the risks.
Find Outside Investors
Wealthy individuals, investment groups, or corporations may have interest in sponsoring a spaceflight financially. But offering return on investment could be complex.
Use Crowdfunding Platforms
Crowdfunding through avenues like Kickstarter has been utilized for space-related projects. But unlikely to work at the scale needed for entire flight cost.
There are challenges with all these options. Financing an expensive spaceflight ticket requires deep pockets or creative solutions. But the natural human desire to explore makes people find ways to somehow make it work.
Legal and Insurance Considerations
Before embarking on a space trip, it’s imperative to ensure proper legal and insurance matters are addressed. Key considerations include:
Waivers of Liability
All spaceflight providers require customers to sign waivers absolving the company from any liability in the event of an accident. Make sure to read carefully before signing.
Reviewing Insurance Policies
Spaceflight companies carry liability insurance policies on passengers. Review to understand coverage limitations and exclusions.
Purchasing Life Insurance
Given the inherent risks, purchasing an additional life insurance policy to financially protect loved ones is highly recommended.
Establishing a Will
Ensure you have an up-to-date will and estate plan to distribute your assets in the unlikely event of death.
Setting Business Affairs in Order
For business owners or sole proprietors, important to have succession plan and documentation of business holdings organized.
Reviewing Tax Implications
Consult a tax expert on any potential tax obligations related to an expensive spaceflight purchase.
Addressing legal and insurance considerations provides peace of mind before any risky endeavor like space travel.
Types of Activities Possible During a Private Spaceflight
Onboard activities during a commercial spaceflight for paying customers can include:
Viewing Earth from Space
On both suborbital and orbital flights, passengers can enjoy incredible views of Earth through large windows.
Experiencing Zero Gravity
During periods of free fall, passengers float freely and experience full weightlessness just like astronauts.
Conducting Scientific Research
Passengers can arrange to perform experiments in microgravity to benefit research programs on Earth.
Controlling the Spacecraft
Depending on the provider, customers may have opportunities to manually control aircraft systems under supervision.
Communicating from Space
Many flights allow passengers to converse with ground control and also make calls or livestream from space.
Eating in Space
Enjoying meals and opening beverage containers is novel in weightless or low gravity conditions.
Interacting with Crew
Experienced spaceflight crews share stories and offer advice on living and working in space.
Besides the above, future spaceflights will offer more extended durations and flexible itineraries. The possibilities in space are vast.
Risks and Physical Effects Associated with Spaceflight
Private space travel comes with substantial risks and unique physical effects that customers must be prepared for, including:
Risk of Deadly Accidents
Despite safety precautions, hardware failures, software errors, and other problems can lead to catastrophic accidents and loss of life.
Intense G-Forces
During launch and re-entry, passengers experience up to 3-4Gs. This is intense and disorienting without training.
Motion Sickness
The conflicting sensory inputs from floating in microgravity lead many to nausea and vomiting, especially initially.
Exposure to Radiation
Outside the protection of Earth’s atmosphere, passengers are exposed to heightened levels of cancer-causing cosmic radiation.
Decompression Sickness
Nitrogen bubbles can form in the bloodstream similar to scuba diving if the cabin loses pressure.
Disorientation
It’s easy to become spatially disoriented in weightlessness with no obvious up or down. This can cause accidents.
Bone and Muscle Loss
Long duration exposure to microgravity causes decreased bone density and muscle wastage requiring extensive recovery post-flight.
These types of risks and effects are managed through training, safety measures, and medical support. But interested customers absolutely must be aware and accepting of the hazards involved.
Requirements for Training as a Private Astronaut
To help customers safely endure spaceflight and weightlessness, private space companies mandate training that includes:
Centrifuge Training
Riding in a large centrifuge simulates intense g-forces at launch to prepare both body and mind.
Life Support System Training
Hands-on instruction in use of spacesuit, oxygen masks, and other critical life support gear.
Emergency Procedure Training
Rehearsing emergency protocols like evacuation from the spacecraft both on the ground and in special underwater simulations.
Zero-Gravity Training
Experiencing short periods of weightlessness on special modified aircraft flights.
Classroom STEM Training
Gaining foundational science, technology, engineering, and math knowledge related to spaceflight operations.
Spaceflight Simulations
Practicing normal and abnormal flight procedures in a simulated environment.
Space Station Orientation
For missions docking with the ISS, an orientation to life aboard the orbiting laboratory.
This training spans approximately 12-36 months, with the goal of maximizing customer safety and preparedness.
Biggest Considerations in Deciding to Purchase a Ticket
For anyone considering purchasing a ticket for a spaceflight, some of the biggest factors in making the monumental decision include:
Personal Safety
The inherent risks to life and limb must be thoroughly considered and accepted. Are you comfortable assuming that risk?
Financial Resources
The funds required are substantial. Will it adversely impact your finances or retirement?
Family Considerations
Leaving loved ones for extended training and accepting the chance of not returning needs family buy-in.
Time Commitment
Training requires a huge time investment over 1-2+ years. Is your schedule flexible enough?
Physical Effects
Are you willing to subject your body to intense stresses and weakened bone/muscle density?
Desire to Explore
Ultimately, does your innate human desire for adventure and exploration make the rewards outweigh the risks and costs?
Carefully weighing these very personal factors will shape the life-changing choice of whether to purchase a ticket to space.
Preparing Family and Friends for Your Decision
Here are some tips on preparing loved ones if you do decide to become a private astronaut:
Have Early candid Conversations
Give family plenty of time to discuss concerns openly and process emotions around your decision.
Explain Your Motivations
Helping loved ones understand your motivations and excitement can build support for your choice.
Involve them in Training
If possible, let family and friends observe or participate in some training events like centrifuge rides.
Create Memorable Pre-Launch Traditions
Special “last supper” meals, group outings, and gift exchanges can feel meaningful before leaving home.
Produce Recordings for After Your Flight
Videos, letters, etc. that share your experience back with family can give comforting closure if tragedy struck.
Settle Your Affairs
Ensure wills, finances, and insurance policies are intelligently arranged in case of any accident.
Taking steps like these can reassure and involve your support network throughout the demanding but inspirational process.
Conclusion
Although still extremely rare, the dream of venturing to space as an ordinary citizen is starting to inch closer to reality. For wealthy thrill-seekers who prioritize exploration over personal risk and cost, purchasing a ticket for a private spaceflight is becoming an attainable goal.
But undergoing the arduous training, preparing family, and accepting the inherent dangers involved requires strong motivations. As more providers launch more rockets, space tourism will gradually become more commonplace. But for now, it remains a momentous life decision requiring careful thought. With some self-examination, prudent planning, and a tolerant spirit, an unforgettable off-world experience can be within your reach.
Spaceflight participants describe gazing at Earth from space as a transformative event that shifts one’s perspective profoundly. Floating freely in zero gravity likewise often elicits feelings of bliss and awe. Private astronauts return with incredible stories and images to inspire humanity. While most can only dream, for a select few pioneers today, purchasing a spaceflight ticket provides the chance to profoundly touch the stars.