Many of us have dreamed about going to space since our childhood years. It’s no wonder why cosmic theme has always been dominant in different aspects of popular culture. It prevails in movies, TV Shows, and even online gambling games, which you can play with advantage via attractive bonuses like the Verde Casino promo code. Everywhere you look, you’ll always encounter elements of exploring the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Thankfully, as technology advances, humans now have a unique opportunity to venture beyond Mother Earth and explore various cosmic marvels firsthand. Unlike during the Cold War, the new space race is now more than just about moon landing. Today, private ventures are paving the way for potential human settlements on extraterrestrial planets, and the prospect of traveling in the universe is inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and adventurers. Some of the private companies leading the transformative and awe-inspiring journey of discovery to make cosmic tourism a reality include:
- Blue Origin;
- General Dynamics Corporation;
- Space Perspective;
- SpaceX;
- Boeing.
Let’s take a closer look at the contributions that these five companies have made towards the exploration of our vast universe.
Blue Origin
Blue Origin has been a significant player in the realm of sub-orbital travel tourism thus far. The company’s approach centers on a conventional rocket, the New Shepard. This craft can take off and land vertically; its objectives are garnered towards orbital spaceflight.
The company has conducted multiple test flights for this and intends to launch paying customers into the cosmos pretty soon. Their strategy entails accommodating up to six passengers per flight, with the opportunity for weightless somersaults during the journey. This enterprise piques the interest of so many people with the most different backgrounds that in case you decide to join the next flight, you can be easily accompanied by a teenager and a fellow traveler over eighty.
General Dynamics Corporation
This enterprise was founded in 1899 by John Philip Holland, making it one of the oldest cosmos-centered exploration companies. The company started with designing the first submarines used by the US Navy. Since then, it has evolved into a leading defense contractor with substantial total equity, almost reaching $19 billion and a workforce exceeding 100,000 employees.
Space Perspective
Space Perspective, a private tourism startup, is another major player in the race. The company aims to redefine the concept of luxury cosmic travel through extravagant balloon expeditions to the farthest reaches of the universe. At the moment, the team plans to deploy a substantial helium-filled balloon named the Spaceship Neptune. The company designed the balloon to carry the Spaceship Neptune Capsule – a pressurized spacecraft with eight passengers and a specifically trained crew member.
The company estimates the journey will take around six hours, including approximately two hours at the highest altitude. Thus, travelers get breathtaking views of Earth’s curved surface and the vastness of the universe from about 100,000 feet or 30,480 meters above the ground. While the company has yet to disclose the specific pricing details, its commitment to making cosmic travel accessible to a broader audience underscores its mission.
SpaceX
SpaceX achieved a historic milestone on December 8, 2010. The company launched the first privately owned spacecraft to return from Earth’s orbit safely. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the groundbreaking Dragon Capsule. But Elon Musk, the company’s founder, didn’t rest on his laurels. A while later, he made a surprising promise that his company would send astronauts into the cosmos at $20 million each within three years.
Boeing
The Boeing Company solidified its position in the sector of cosmic tourism through a significant collaboration with NASA under the Commercial Crew Development program. This initiative aimed to enhance private sector participation in creating crew vehicles for orbital launches. It has embarked on developing the CST-100 Starliner crew capsule, and the NASA contract allows the company to sell seats to those wishing to see the universe with their own eyes. This concept envisions including at least one space tourist in each forthcoming space mission facilitated by Boeing.
The Future of Space Exploration Is Promising
Today, enterprises and nations are gearing towards entering the suborbital. This is excellent news since private space stations and rockets will open up orbital access not only to business establishments and countries but also to people who can afford such a luxurious yet immersive adventure. What a time to be alive!
