Move over The Northern Lights, Vegas and New York because the latest buzzword in the travel circuit is ‘space tourism’. Yes, you read that right. The world’s premier space agency NASA in its latest press release confirms that it is opening up the International Space Station for commercial activities from 2020.
There will be two 30-day missions per year for tourists aka private astronauts who can visit the ISS.
Today starts a new day in low-Earth orbit as we unlock the @Space_Station’s potential as a platform for companies to engage in commercial profit-making activities and we welcome private astronauts to visit on U.S. vehicles. Get more details: https://t.co/lJnIlxaii7 pic.twitter.com/8sbi1lEzIn
— NASA (@NASA) June 7, 2019
Tell me more. How will this work?
Essentially, NASA is moving towards privatisation and commercialising certain activities will help fund its 2024 Moon mission. It has tied up with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Boeing to transport tourists. Private firms will ensure that tourists meet the agency’s medical and training requirements and then fly them to ISS on their spacecraft.
Wait, what’s the catch?
All of this comes at a steep price most of us can’t afford. BBC News reports that Dragon capsule operated by SpaceX and Boeing’s Starliner will charge $60 million (Rs. 416 crores) per flight. In addition, NASA will charge $35,000 (Rs. 24 lakh) per night at the ISS. That’s $22,500 (Rs. 15.5 lakh) for supplies, $11,250 (Rs. 7.8 lakh) for necessities like oxygen and water plus $50 (Rs. 3500) per gigabyte for internet use!
So, basically, if you’re rich and physically fit, you can fulfil all your astronaut dreams and spend a month in space!