Space tourism's slow ascent
The ability to rocket away from Earth may currently be accessible to only the very few, but that may change in the near future.
'Space tourism is currently in its infancy, but progress is steady,' Fu said. 'If technological advancements, regulatory harmonization and infrastructure development continue on pace, we can reasonably project that by the early to mid-2030s, space travel will become accessible to a broader group of participants — especially affluent adventure travelers, researchers, educators and/or artists.'
Fu likened the budding industry to the beginnings of aviation, which was initially only an option for the wealthiest.
'By the 2040s, we may begin to see more democratized access through government partnerships, educational sponsorships and reduced commercial costs, much like early aviation transitioned from luxury to mainstream,' she said.
Carroll echoed the sentiment, saying that increased frequency and advanced technology will likely drive the cost down in coming years. For example, the Blue Origin rocket's booster, capsule, engine, landing gear and parachutes are all reusable, which the company says not only reduces waste but decreases the cost of its flights.
And for those who can't quite afford six- and seven-figure tickets to the stars, there are space-inspired experiences here on Earth.
Pelorus developed an astronaut-training program designed to be conducted over four days in Iceland. The itinerary includes both physical and mental training, including underwater exercises. Carroll likened it to 'a lunar landing camp' and said it was developed with input from space agencies and former astronauts.
Curran chartered a zero gravity flight in Rochester, N.Y., where he is based. On a zero gravity flight, passengers float as if they were in space.
'You bounce around the cabin and you experience weightlessness,' he said. 'It's a blast.'
Some clients have placed deposits with Orbite, Curran said, which is developing virtual reality to experience simulated missions. There's also the National Aerospace Training and Research Center near Philadelphia, which offers spaceflight programs.
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