From Space Travel in the 1960s to Space Tourism in the 2030s

The festive season, all twinkling lights and Christmas songs, is the time to dream and make wishes. Christmas isn't just about the gifts under the tree – it's when we feel anything we can imagine is possible.

And what could be a bolder dream for all of mankind than to reach for the stars?

So in this Christmas post, let's think beyond the boundaries of our world. As we hang our stockings and decorate our trees, let's talk about space travel. We’ll trace its evolution from the first human spaceflight – and envision how the future might look if the ultimate Christmas wish comes true.

The dream is alive. John Young, the NASA astronaut

Human space exploration started in the early 1960s. As the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union simmered, these arch enemies became embroiled in the Space Race. They kicked things off by launching a couple of artificial satellites into orbit. Then animals were hurled into space to pave the way for humans.  

Finally, it was time for people to give it a whirl. In 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to orbit Earth. That same year, the US followed suit by sending Alan Shepard into space. The culmination of the intense Space Race decade was the US Apollo program, landing Neil Armstrong on the moon for the historic first steps on the lunar surface in 1969.

Who could travel to space?

The 1960s was the era of ultimate space pioneers. Not unexpectedly, space travel was the exclusive domain of a carefully vetted, elite cadre of astronauts and cosmonauts. Typically drawn from military backgrounds, they had the physical and mental fortitude required for the rigors of space missions.

Since the cabin area was so limited in those first tiny capsules, the astronaut’s body measurements were crucial. They had to be under 5ft 7in (1.70 m) and weigh less than 159 lbs (72 kg). For example, Gagarin was 5ft 2in (1.57 m), which gave him an advantage over other candidates for that first spaceflight.

What was the training for space travel?

Since no one knew what to expect, the training program included a wide variety of survival skills and severe physical conditioning. Astronauts were supposed to endure extreme overloads and oxygen-deficient atmospheres. For example, one type of training was in the Multi-Axis Spin Test Inertia Facility (MASTIF). The candidate was put in a capsule that could rotate along three axes simultaneously. That’s what we call falling head over heels for space, isn’t it?

Unlike that first launch, later programs developed some training curricula. For different missions, it took 12-18 months and included

• simulated spaceflight operations,
• academic training (astronomy, meteorology, geology, orbital mechanics, etc.),
• mission-specific preparation,
• extreme physical training,
• psychological testing, and so on.

And as we said, space travel was mainly for military pilots. Both Gagarin and Armstrong had years of such experience—and years of specialized training before their historic flights. The mere idea of civilian space travel was the stuff of science fiction.

What could you expect from space travel?

If you think space travel is all about earthgazing and enjoying tubes of gourmet food, you’re not even close. Actually, it’s pretty rough and was especially so in those first years.

There was no comfort in the spacecraft whatsoever as functional design, costs, and safety were prioritized. Gagarin had to squeeze into the 1.6 cubic meters of the Vostok capsule. That’s about the space an average bathtub takes.

The crew compartment of the lunar Apollo Command Module had around 6.17 cubic meters of space for 3 people (or a bit over 2 cubic meters per person).  Doesn’t sound too roomy, huh?

The early days carried unimaginable risks, underscored by accidents and fatalities of the first, unsuccessful attempts. The main task of space pioneers was, basically, to survive. The first flight took less than 2 hours. As there were fears spaceflight might cause madness, Yuri Gagarin had to enter a secret code to control his craft.

As technology developed, ambitions grew. By the end of the decade, if you were an Apollo 11 astronaut, you’d be more than a mere observer. You’d take part in performing maneuvers to reach the moon and land on its surface.

More importantly, you’d have a number of research tasks like taking pictures and recording videos of the moon's surface, as well as collecting lunar soil and rock samples. You’d also leave a bunch of scientific equipment on the moon – and the flag, of course.

The entire mission would take over 8 days. Plus three weeks of quarantine (doesn’t seem that much after Covid lockdowns, right?) and tons of after action paperwork.

Who organized space travel?

In its early stages, space exploration was completely under national government control, with NASA in the United States and the Soviet Space Program taking the lead in the race that extended beyond Earth's atmosphere. One reason was the related expenses.

Space travel costs

The costs associated with space exploration during the 1960s were truly astronomical, funded by vast portions of national budgets to cover everything from extensive research to spacecraft construction.

Let’s look at US spending as an example. Between 1960 and 1973, the US spent $28 billion on Project Apollo and its moon landing ventures. That’s roughly $300 billion in 2024 money – just about Chile’s GDP. Or a fleet of 10,000 Rolls-Royces. Whatever is easier for you to imagine.

NASA’s budget peaked during that Space Race decade at $5.25 billion, taking up 4.4 percent of the US federal budget and almost 0.8 percent of its GDP.

The Apollo 11 mission cost $355 million ($3.2 billion in today’s dollars). Here are some of the “travel expenses” of that time (all adjusted for today’s valuations):

• the lunar lander – $2.4 billion ($21.7 billion),
• the spacesuit – $100,000 ($900,000),
• commander astronaut salary – $30,000 ($270,000) per year,
• flag to be put on the moon's surface – $5.50 ($47),
• flag’s specialized packaging – several hundred (thousand) dollars.

At that time, the cost of taking 1 kilogram of payload to space varied from $5,400 to $100,000 ($51,000 to $940,000)  depending on the vehicle and total cargo weight. As for the lunar mission, the cost was a staggering $1.2 million ($10.3 million) per kilogram.

As you can guess, all these costs made space travel an endeavor only governments could realistically sponsor. However, many companies had their share of space budgets too.

Business opportunities: equipment and communication services

At that time, commercial opportunities primarily spanned spacecraft equipment and satellite technology for communication. Some of the names are still in business today:

• Northrop Grumman designed and built the lunar module;
• Motorola supplied radio equipment to broadcast signals from the lunar mission almost 250,000 miles (400,000 km) away;
• Boeing built the lunar orbiters, etc.

The most prominent retail brand involved in space history is Omega with its legendary Speedmaster – the only watch NASA considered mission worthy. It proved its reliability by surviving all the heat, humidity, magnetism, and shock tests NASA put it through.

Of course, any form of space tourism or private space travel was still decades away. However, these early missions laid the groundwork for future commercial space ventures.

Make your dream of space travel a reality. Blue Origin

Fast forward through six decades of extensive research and dozens of missions, space travel is so different from its early stages. Advanced technologies make flights cheaper, safer, more efficient – and more accessible too.

Who can travel to space?

Today, space travel is no longer solely the province of professional astronauts, though they certainly comprise the majority of spacefarers. As of writing this post, 10 people from different countries are living and working on the International Space Station (ISS).

But thanks to advancements in technology and the rise of private space companies, civilians (scientists and even tourists) can now experience the wonders of space. Since 1961, 714 people have been to space.

It all started back in 2001 with Dennis Tito being the first commercial space traveler – for the modest ticket price of $20 million.

In 2021, the first all-civilian space mission, Inspiration4, carried 4 pioneers over low-earth orbit for 3 days and helped raise $240 million in charity. It was closely followed by Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos joining the space travel game – each aboard their own spacecraft.

In 2022, 3 customers paid $55 million each for a 10-day tour to the ISS.

In 2024, 27 tourists traveled to space, including the four passengers of the Polaris Dawn mission who did the first commercial spacewalk some 870 miles (1,400 km) from Earth.

But don’t let the word ‘tourists’ give you the idea that it was a comfortable, leisure experience. Space is a harsh environment, requiring extensive preparation to get there.

What’s the training for space travel?

The training program would depend on mission duration and complexity: Short suborbital trips obviously don’t require much preparation. The training program takes 1-3 days and includes

• understanding spacecraft operations, emergency protocols, and cabin systems;
• microgravity preparation activities;
• simulations to prepare for the increased G-forces during launch and reentry;
• suit and seat familiarization; and
• mental readiness.

However, if you want to visit the ISS, you’ll have to train for 3-6 months. The program includes

• learning to operate and live aboard the spacecraft and the ISS;
• basic simulations for life in weightlessness, including eating, sleeping, and hygiene;
• emergency protocols;
• mission-specific research;
• physical conditioning to be able to handle adaptation and stresses; and
• teamwork and communication.

While it’s a lot, it’s still not much compared to the full-blown, 2-year NASA astronaut training. That program includes a lot of challenging stuff such as working underwater in the world's largest indoor pool at the Johnson Space Center in Texas and mastering desert survival skills in the moon-like Arizona wilderness.

What can you expect from space travel?

Your space experience would largely depend on how far you travel. As we mentioned, there are two main types of ‘tour packages’ available today.

Suborbital flights take you to the edge of space—as high as 50-62 miles (80-100 km)—offering a few minutes in space, a feeling of weightlessness, and some breathtaking views. From there, the sky looks black, and the Earth is blue and curved. Oh, so fabulous…

For the record, an average plane flies at an altitude of 5.9 to 7.2 mi (9.4 to 11.6 km).

The passenger cabin can accommodate up to 6 people in 14-15 cubic meters of space, which is a bit more comfy than that old Vostok capsule. There are custom-fitted reclining seats and 12 large windows for Earth views.  

The entire flight takes up to 3 hours. And you don’t even have to wear a spacesuit.  

Orbital missions carry you all the way up to the ISS at an altitude of over 250 miles (400 km), allowing you to enjoy real space life for around a week. That’s where the fun stuff begins. You sleep in a bag strapped to the wall, use wet naps instead of taking a shower, and a toilet that uses airflow to get odor as well as solid and liquid waste going in the right direction—away from the cabin.

You’ll likely experience space sickness with symptoms ranging from some dizziness to vomiting (common for 60 to 80 percent of space travelers).

Also, a zero-gravity environment inevitably causes loss of muscle and bone density. So astronauts who work on the ISS have to do special exercises and use gravity-simulating devices to compensate for it. However, you as a short-term tourist won’t suffer anything too severe. Probably.

Still want to go? Then let’s talk about where you can grab your ticket.

Who organizes space travel?

While the United States, Russia, and China have extensive space programs and regularly do space missions, they don’t really want to mess with commercial tourists. Too much of a hassle, you know…

So the private sector comes to the rescue. We’re sure you’re well familiar with the key players.

SpaceX is the largest commercial space company and the only one offering orbital flights. Besides launching Starlinks, it works closely with NASA to transport astronauts and goodies to the ISS. Since 2020, it has carried more people to space than any other, including 4 successful commercial missions (reportedly charging passengers $60 million per seat).

Virgin Galactic has done 8 suborbital flights in the 2020s. With hundreds of people on its waiting list, the company started selling tickets in 2018 for $200k. After its renowned 2021 successful commercial flight, the price soared to $450k. In 2024, seats are sold for $600k.

Did anyone give those prices a rocket booster?

Blue Origin also offers a suborbital experience. It’s been the most active of all three, doing 9 private spaceflights with its New Shepard rocket during the 2020s. The company doesn’t disclose its prices, but you can expect anything up to $1.25 million.

Space travel costs

SpaceX has revolutionized space travel with fuel and engine modifications and reusable rockets. So in the last two decades, the launch costs have fallen dramatically.

The difference is breathtaking: NASA catapults its Space Launch System rockets for $2 billion per launch, while SpaceX only spends around $62 million to get Falcon 9 flying! FYI, private yachts or, say, Picasso paintings can cost at least twice as much.

In terms of transporting people and cargo, the cost of launching 1 kg into space was around $18,500 before the 2000s. With the new technologies, it’s “just” $2,720. So sending an average earthling to space should cost around $170,000.

As with any vacation, transportation and accommodation are the biggest expense categories. So what about the lodging? Any space motels available?

In 2019, NASA published a new price policy for private astronauts. In short, it charges $35,000 per person per night. So if you’re a family of 4 wanting to go on a week-long vacation on the ISS, get $1 million ready (no Marriott or Hilton points accepted).

Business opportunities: retail, travel agencies, hospitality experts

In the 2020s, innumerable companies want to become a part of the space travel hype. Now, it’s not only about equipment and communication services, though Boeing, General Dynamics (who bought the Motorola defense division), and Northrop Grumman are still heavily involved.

Lately, some well-known retail brands are following suit. Prada, Under Armour, and Adidas design spacesuits and footwear. And by the way, astronauts still wear Omega watches – 6 decades later.

The niches are many. If you’re a private investor interested in funding a space mission, Space Bridge Partners is an advisory firm that can connect you to the right people. Or if you just want to try out how zero gravity feels, you can join one of Zero-G aircraft flights and enjoy the ride for just $9,900, champaign and merch included.

And, of course, the travel sector is getting into the game. Space travel agencies started popping up like mushrooms after radioactive rain. Space Adventures and RocketBreaks are just some of the companies that sell space flights from the top providers to private tourists.

Axiom Space also organizes missions to the ISS, though its ambitions stretch as far as developing a commercial space station as an alternative to the ISS.

Voyager Space’s Starlab project is just one of Axiom’s competitors in this area. It collaborates with businesses from diverse industries, including Palantir, Airbus, and even Hilton. The hotel titan is the project’s key hospitality expert responsible for Starlab design, with a focus on communal areas, sleeping arrangements, and overall comfort.

Of course, these projects are only being developed and it will take years before we see those comfy space hotel suites.

But let’s imagine everything goes as planned and all the space visionaries’ boldest ideas come to fruition. What will space travel look like ten years from now?

Turning the impossible into the inevitable. Virgin Galactic

The next decade promises space enthusiasts the accessibility they only dared dream of. By that time, it is estimated that some 60,000 people will have traveled to space and experienced the awe-inspiring "overview effect" – seeing Earth from the side.

So let’s envision ourselves in that reality of flying taxis, hologram buddies, and space vacations.

Please note that the information below is just a possible scenario based on current projections and claims.

Who will travel to space?

The 2030s have swung the door wide open to anyone with the financial means to journey beyond Earth's atmosphere. Age, fitness, and profession are no longer major restrictions.

What will the training be for space travel?

With the enhanced safety and comfort of next-generation spacecraft, the training isn’t as rigorous as before.

To prepare for a suborbital flight, you will undergo an automated safety briefing using VR headsets or a holographic guide. A short mindfulness and relaxation session may be part of preflight preparation to ensure you remain calm during launch and reentry.

But of course, longer-duration flights still require thorough preparation, especially for deep space exploration missions. In addition to the astronaut training we described above, those programs might include training simulated missions lasting 6–12 months in Earth-based analog habitats to prepare for extreme isolation and autonomy.

What can you expect from space travel?

While there are still suborbital flights and space station missions, the 2030s offer way more comfort – and more options. Convenience and luxury have replaced bare functionality.

The 6-hour tours in comfy capsules carried by gigantic balloons allow you to see the planet's curvature while sipping on champagne and uploading live streams on social media.

Orbital yachts promise luxury in the vacuum of space, complete with gourmet catering, panoramic observation decks, and minimal overloads.

Though ISS has been deorbited, there are now 9 space stations that host researchers and welcome visitors at their state-of-the-art facilities. How about a staycation in a boutique hotel up in space? Having a cinema, a spa, a gym, and a basketball court, it can accommodate 400 guests and ensure a really enjoyable stay.

Lunar tourism is also gaining traction. You can fly around the moon’s orbit, visit the Gateway Space Station, or even join the lunar surface expedition.

Who will organize space travel?

Zephalto, Space Perspective, and World View arrange space balloon rides. Family packages are available, frequent customers get a discount.

Virgin Galactic has almost become a space ferry, launching flights three times a week.

Blue Origin, apart from its regular suborbital flights, takes expeditions to the moon. As Jeff Bezos promised, “This time, to stay.”

And NASA, after thorough preparations and years of tests, has sent people to Mars. Now, who’s in charge of updating Google Maps?

Space travel costs

SpaceX’s BRF (Big Falcon Rocket – with some options for the F), now called Starship, promises to cut costs to the bone. With its fully reusable components, the launch can be less than $10 million – compared to the current Falcon’s $62 million. And some calculate that the payload costs can drop to a ridiculous $10 per kilo.

That would make space travel really, like, really cheap (if we disregard the multibillion R&D budgets that took us there).

Business opportunities: tour operators, media, infrastructure

With space open to anyone, many industries have joined the party.

Obviously, the travel sector prospers. Tour operators offer all sorts of vacation packages, destination management companies craft tailored itineraries, travel management companies organize business trips, and event planners arrange leisure and MICE gatherings.

Media empires broadcast live streams from space, allowing audiences on Earth to share the awe. Space logistics, infrastructure development, satellite maintenance, debris management – there’s room for everyone.

As we stand on the edge of a new era, space travel is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality reshaping our world. This Christmas, as we marvel at the stars above, let’s remember that with every launch, every discovery, and every step taken beyond our planet, we are proving that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

So, whether you’re dreaming of gazing back at Earth from orbit, mining asteroids, or walking on Mars, one thing is clear: The future of space travel holds boundless possibilities and this season of wonder reminds us to keep reaching for them.