Russia to Offer 10-Day Space Vacations, but Ticket Isn’t Cheap

A Russian spaceflight company wants to take tourists to space and give them accommodation in a luxury hotel aboard of the International Space Station. But the trip’s price tag is impressive: $100 million per traveler.

Energia, the Russian company behind the ambitious project, was the one to design the capsule that brought the first man into space, Yuri Gagarin, on Apr. 12, 1961. Even though Gagarin’s spacecraft was only seven-and-a-half-feet wide, the spacecraft that will ferry space travelers to the ISS will be a lot more comfortable.

According to Energia, tourists will travel in a module with a capacity of six persons. It has two toilets and Wi-Fi connectivity. Every meal will consist in delicacies prepared by select chefs.

It will be comfortable, as much as that is possible in space,

a spokesperson for the company said.

On the ISS, tourists will be able to film the Earth from space, and go on spacewalks. However, the world’s most exotic trip will cost each traveler $100 million.

Lots of Wealthy People Willing to Pay the Price

The company says it knows a lot of rich people willing to shell out the money. The first customer could benefit from a nice discount, as well.

• Analysts agree that space tourism is the next big thing.
• Many companies are fine-tuning their spaceflight equipment, like Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, and Blue Origin.
• According the Russians, Boeing is willing to join their space tourism project.

The spacecraft is reportedly almost ready, and the first liftoff is slated for next year.

In December 2017, Russia’s space agency announced that it plans to add a hotel module to the ISS that will host space travelers up to one month at a time. Roscosmos revealed that the commercial module will mimic the conditions of a luxury hotel. Each trip will cost from $40 million to $60 million.

Roscosmos confirmed that visitors will be able to go for spacewalks under the supervision of professional astronauts. They’ll also have access to fitness equipment, internet connection, and personal washing services.
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