Back in the fifties it was almost general knowledge that in the early 21st century people “could take a holiday on the moon.” Then we went to the moon and realized it was a big lifeless rock, and the idea of manned space fights took a back seat to more scientific missions.
As of 2007, space tourism opportunities are limited and expensive. The Russian Space Agency is the only one currently providing transport. You will board a Soyuz spacecraft and fly to the International Space Station and stay for six days before returning. The price is $30 million. You will see Earth from space, stay in the International Space Station and feel weightlessness (in your wallet). Flights are booked until 2009.
Only the richest of the rich have been lucky enough to go into space, and roughly 450 people have ever seen our planet from above. But there are companies out there that are developing more commercialized flights.
Virgin, Inc. the business giant behind Virgin mobile and Virgin records, has developed Virgin Galactic (www.virgingalactic.com). Founded in 2004, the company plans to have regular space flights to the upper atmosphere of Earth for paying customers. You will reach mach3 speeds and get to experience weightlessness for five to six minutes. When it’s time to return, you’ll float down to Earth like a feather. The cost is $200,000 per person, and the trip takes about two-and-a-half hours or so.
Among the first people to show interest in flying are stars such as William Shatner, Paris Hilton and Dave Navarro.
Barcelona-based architects are developing a space-hotel (www.galacticsuite.com). It will cost $4 million for a three-day stay. During that time you will see the sun rise 15 times a day and use Velcro suits to crawl around your pods and stick to things like Spiderman. The “Galactic-Suite” will open in 2012.
If all of this is happening in the next five years, with a little luck I just might see space in my lifetime. Who knows, maybe it would be so affordable in 20 years we can just move there.
Jonathan Masker is a wireless solutions expert and a self-proclaimed gadget guru.