For families seeking the ultimate getaway, the possibilities are expanding—literally. Space tourism, once a futuristic dream, is now becoming a tangible reality. CNN reported that in late October 2024, Chinese startup Deep Blue Aerospace announced the sale of its first space tourism tickets to the public, marking a significant milestone in accessible space travel. Priced at 1.5 million yuan (approximately $210,000), these tickets offer a roughly 12-minute suborbital journey to the edge of space, scheduled for 2027.
The inaugural participants will embark on a transformative adventure, experiencing weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth from the brink of space. This suborbital flight provides a brief yet profound taste of space travel, making the dream of leaving Earth’s atmosphere more attainable for private citizens.
For those desiring a more extended and immersive experience, the future holds even grander possibilities. Vast, a U.S.-based space habitation technology company, is developing Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station. Scheduled to launch as early as the end of 2025, Haven-1 aims to serve both as a microgravity research platform and an exclusive destination for space tourists.
Vast is selling up to four crewed seats on the inaugural mission to Haven-1. The station features a warm, welcoming interior with fine-grained maple wood accents and a large central window offering expansive views of Earth. Innovations include specialized sleep systems to ensure comfort in microgravity and a common area equipped with a deployable table for communal activities.
On the other hand, Voyager Station takes luxury to an entirely new level. Slated to open in 2027, this groundbreaking space hotel can host up to 280 guests and 112 crew members at a time. Voyager Station will feature a wide array of amenities: gourmet restaurants, bars with zero-gravity mixology experiences, a concert hall offering performances in microgravity, a gym designed for low-gravity workouts, and even a cinema where guests can watch space-themed films while floating. This floating resort transforms the idea of space travel into an extravagant adventure.
The food onboard Voyager Station is expected to rival the finest Michelin-starred establishments. Chefs will craft gourmet meals using specially designed ingredients suitable for space, ensuring both safety and flavor. Imagine savoring delicacies like truffle-infused pasta or wagyu beef while gazing down at Earth’s continents lit up at night.
However, embarking on such an extraordinary vacation comes with preparation. Guests will undergo intensive training, learning to navigate zero-gravity environments and handle basic space protocols. This pre-travel preparation ensures that every visitor can safely and comfortably enjoy the unique aspects of life in orbit.
Tickets for these space vacations do not come cheap. A stay at Haven-1 is expected to start at $10 million per person for a multi-day experience, while Voyager Station’s costs will vary depending on the length of the stay and amenities selected, likely ranging from $5 million to $50 million. Reservations are already being accepted by select companies, signaling high demand for these once-in-a-lifetime journeys.
As the boundaries of luxury and exploration merge, space hotels like Haven-1 and Voyager Station promise not just vacations, but transformative experiences. For families seeking to redefine what it means to escape, the ultimate getaway might just be waiting among the stars.