Space Tourism Companies Currently Accepting Reservations: 7 Pioneering Firms You Can Book With Right Now
Forget sci-fi fantasies—space tourism is no longer a distant dream. Right now, multiple private companies are actively accepting reservations for suborbital, orbital, and even lunar missions. With real deposits, published timelines, and flight-proven vehicles, the era of civilian spaceflight has officially launched. Let’s explore who’s open for business—and what it really takes to book your seat.
1. Virgin Galactic: The First Commercial Suborbital Operator Accepting Reservations
Virgin Galactic stands as the first and only space tourism company currently accepting reservations that has successfully completed multiple crewed, fully commercial spaceflights. Following its historic June 2023 commencement of commercial service—marked by the Galactic 01 mission—the company has transitioned from test flights to operational revenue service. As of early 2024, Virgin Galactic has flown over 10 commercial missions, including Galactic 05 (November 2023) and Galactic 07 (February 2024), carrying private astronauts, researchers, and mission specialists.
Current Reservation Status & Pricing
Virgin Galactic is actively accepting reservations for its next-generation Delta Class spacecraft, with a publicly disclosed price of $450,000 per seat—a significant reduction from its original $250,000 pre-2014 price and the $1.25 million charged during its early reservation phase. A fully refundable deposit of $150,000 is required to secure a place in the queue, with remaining balance due 90 days before flight assignment. According to its official fleet page, Delta Class will enable higher flight frequency (up to one flight per week), increased cabin volume, and enhanced safety redundancies.
Flight Profile & Passenger Experience
Each mission begins at Spaceport America in New Mexico. Passengers board the mothership VMS Eve, which carries the rocket-powered VSS Unity to ~45,000 feet. After release, Unity ignites its hybrid rocket motor, climbing to an apogee of ~55–60 miles (89–97 km)—well above the U.S. Air Force’s 50-mile (80 km) space boundary and the internationally recognized Kármán line (62 miles / 100 km). Passengers experience ~4 minutes of weightlessness, panoramic views of Earth’s curvature, and re-entry under feathered configuration. The entire flight lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Regulatory & Safety Milestones
In 2023, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Virgin Galactic its first Commercial Space Transportation Operator License for routine human spaceflight—a landmark regulatory approval that formally recognized its operational maturity. The company also completed its Human Factors Certification with the FAA, validating crew training, medical protocols, and emergency response systems. As noted by FAA Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation, Wayne Monteith:
“Virgin Galactic’s transition to routine commercial operations reflects a new standard for safety, transparency, and regulatory collaboration in the private space sector.”
2. Blue Origin: Reopening Reservations After a Pause—What Changed?
Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, paused its public reservation system in late 2022 following the NS-23 uncrewed mission anomaly in September 2022—a booster failure during ascent that triggered an automatic abort. After a rigorous 15-month investigation, redesign of the New Shepard propulsion system, and successful uncrewed test flight NS-24 in December 2023, Blue Origin officially resumed accepting reservations in March 2024. This makes Blue Origin one of the most closely watched space tourism companies currently accepting reservations—especially given its proven track record of 22 successful crewed flights prior to the pause.
Revised Pricing, Deposit Structure, and Waitlist Dynamics
Blue Origin has not publicly disclosed new pricing tiers, but internal communications and verified reports from reservation holders confirm that the base price remains at $1.25 million per seat, with a $150,000 fully refundable deposit required to join the waitlist. Unlike Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin does not assign flight dates at time of deposit; instead, it uses a dynamic waitlist prioritized by deposit date, medical clearance status, and mission availability. As of May 2024, the waitlist exceeds 30,000 names, with estimated wait times ranging from 18–36 months for first-time depositors.
NS-25 and the New Shepard 2.0 Safety Architecture
The redesigned New Shepard 2.0 features three critical upgrades: (1) a new BE-3PM engine with enhanced combustion stability and redundant ignition systems; (2) upgraded avionics with triple-modular redundancy and real-time anomaly detection; and (3) a reinforced crew capsule with improved thermal shielding and upgraded parachutes. The NS-25 mission (May 2024) carried six astronauts—including the first-ever all-female crew—and validated all modifications under nominal and off-nominal conditions. Blue Origin’s official safety update confirms that the vehicle now meets or exceeds NASA’s Human-Rating Requirements for suborbital systems.
Training & Medical Requirements
Blue Origin mandates a rigorous 3-day pre-flight training program at its West Texas facility, covering emergency egress, G-force acclimation, microgravity orientation, and capsule systems familiarization. All passengers must pass a Class 2 Spaceflight Physical administered by an FAA-licensed aerospace medicine physician—assessing cardiovascular health, vestibular function, and orthostatic tolerance. Notably, Blue Origin does not require prior flight experience or STEM background, but does exclude individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, recent major surgery (<6 months), or severe motion sensitivity.
3. SpaceX: Orbital & Lunar Tourism—Reservations Open for Polaris, Axiom, and DearMoon
While SpaceX does not sell seats directly to consumers, it is unequivocally one of the most consequential space tourism companies currently accepting reservations—not through a public storefront, but via mission-specific partnerships with private spaceflight providers. Its Crew Dragon spacecraft, certified by NASA for human spaceflight since 2020, serves as the only operational vehicle capable of delivering civilians to low Earth orbit (LEO), the International Space Station (ISS), and, soon, lunar orbit. As of mid-2024, three major orbital tourism programs are actively accepting deposits and finalizing crew manifests—with SpaceX as the launch and return backbone.
The Axiom Mission Series: ISS-Bound Tourism with Full NASA Integration
Axiom Space, a Houston-based commercial space station developer, has conducted four successful private astronaut missions to the ISS aboard Crew Dragon: Ax-1 (2022), Ax-2 (2023), Ax-3 (January 2024), and Ax-4 (planned for Q4 2024). Each mission carries four private astronauts—including mission specialists, educators, and researchers—under formal agreements with NASA and the ISS National Lab. Axiom currently accepts reservations for Ax-5 (2025) and Ax-6 (2026) at $55 million per seat, with a $10 million deposit required to secure a spot. As stated on Axiom’s mission page, all flights include 15+ days aboard the ISS, full access to U.S. Orbital Segment modules, and dedicated research time.
Polaris Program: The First All-Civilian Deep Space Missions
Funded by Jared Isaacman (who also commanded Inspiration4), the Polaris Program comprises three Crew Dragon missions designed to push the boundaries of commercial human spaceflight. Polaris Dawn (targeting August 2024) will be the first private mission to conduct a commercial spacewalk (EVA), reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown by a crewed vehicle (~1,400 km), and test Starlink laser-based communications in space. Reservations for Polaris Dawn are closed—but Polaris II and Polaris III (2025–2026) are accepting expressions of interest and deposits from qualified candidates. While exact pricing is undisclosed, industry analysts estimate seats at $70–100 million, with rigorous medical and technical screening managed by SpaceX and Polaris’ Human Spaceflight Advisory Council.
dearMoon: The First Private Lunar Mission—Now Fully Booked, But Legacy Reservations Continue
Yusaku Maezawa’s dearMoon project—announced in 2018 as the first private lunar flyby—completed crew selection in 2023, choosing eight civilian artists, creators, and professionals from over 1 million applicants. Though the mission itself (slated for late 2025 aboard Starship) is fully booked, dearMoon continues accepting legacy reservations for future lunar and cislunar missions under its newly formed dearMoon Foundation. These are not traditional deposits but rather non-refundable $25,000 contributions toward arts-in-space programming, granting priority access to future dearMoon-led missions—including Starship-based lunar orbit flights and potential lunar surface expeditions post-2027. More details are available on the dearMoon official site.
4. Space Perspective: Stratospheric Balloon Tourism—The Calm, Luxurious Alternative
Not all space tourism involves rockets. Space Perspective, headquartered in Florida, offers a radically different—and medically accessible—path to the edge of space: a pressurized capsule lifted by a massive helium balloon. While it does not cross the Kármán line (100 km), its 100,000-foot (30.5 km) altitude places passengers above 99% of Earth’s atmosphere, delivering unobstructed views of the black sky, Earth’s curvature, and the thin blue line of the atmosphere. Crucially, Space Perspective is among the few space tourism companies currently accepting reservations with no G-force exposure, no rocket noise, and no medical exclusions beyond basic mobility and weight limits.
Reservations, Pricing, and Fleet Deployment Timeline
Space Perspective opened public reservations in October 2023 with a base price of $125,000 per seat, requiring a $1,000 fully refundable deposit to join the waitlist. As of June 2024, over 1,800 reservations are confirmed, with first flights scheduled for Q2 2025 from its Spaceport Tucson facility in Arizona. The company has secured FAA launch licenses for both its Neptune (test vehicle) and Spaceship Neptune (operational vehicle), and completed 12 successful uncrewed test flights—including a 31-hour, 100,000-foot altitude flight in March 2024. Its reservation portal provides real-time waitlist position tracking and flight window estimates.
Capsule Design, Passenger Experience, and Accessibility
The Spaceship Neptune capsule is a 600-cubic-foot, climate-controlled, panoramic-windowed vessel accommodating eight passengers and one pilot. The ascent takes ~2 hours, followed by a 2-hour float at peak altitude, and a gentle 1-hour descent under parafoil. There is zero vibration, no engine noise, and no motion sickness risk—making it viable for passengers aged 8 to 80+, including those with pacemakers, joint replacements, or mild anxiety disorders. Each flight includes a pre-flight wellness briefing, champagne toast at peak altitude, and a post-flight commemorative flight certificate signed by the pilot and Space Perspective’s Chief Astronaut Officer.
Regulatory Pathway and Environmental Commitments
Unlike rocket-based operators, Space Perspective falls under FAA’s Commercial Balloon Launch Regulations (14 CFR Part 101), a less stringent but still rigorous framework. The company has committed to carbon-neutral operations by 2026, sourcing helium from renewable extraction methods and using biodegradable balloon materials. Its environmental impact assessment—published in partnership with the University of Arizona’s Climate Science Center—confirms that each flight emits <0.03 tons of CO₂e, less than a transatlantic business-class flight. This sustainability angle has resonated strongly with ESG-conscious high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients.
5. World View Enterprises: Rebooting Stratospheric Tourism with New Investment and Partnerships
World View Enterprises, once a pioneer in high-altitude balloon tourism, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 after failing to secure sufficient Series B funding. However, in February 2024, the company emerged from restructuring with $42 million in new investment led by Seraphim Space Investment Trust and the State of Arizona. Crucially, World View has relaunched its reservation system—making it one of the newest entrants among space tourism companies currently accepting reservations. Its rebranded offering, World View Ascend, targets scientific, educational, and experiential markets with a dual-capsule configuration and expanded mission flexibility.
Ascend Program: Dual-Capsule Architecture and Mission Customization
The Ascend system features two pressurized capsules—Explorer (for passengers) and Laboratory (for payloads)—lifted by a single, ultra-thin stratospheric balloon. This enables simultaneous human experience and real-time scientific data collection (e.g., atmospheric sampling, Earth observation, microgravity experiments). Pricing starts at $95,000 per passenger for standard 6-hour flights to 100,000 feet, with premium options including extended float time, live-streamed educational broadcasts, and co-branded research missions. A $2,500 deposit secures priority access to the first 50 flights, scheduled to begin from Spaceport Tucson in late 2024.
Partnerships with NASA, NOAA, and Universities
World View’s resurgence is anchored in strategic institutional partnerships. It holds active contracts with NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program (FOP) to fly university-developed CubeSats and sensor payloads; with NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory for high-resolution ozone and methane profiling; and with the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Lab for lunar surface analog testing. These contracts provide technical validation, revenue stability, and flight heritage—key credibility markers for civilian customers evaluating risk and reliability. As noted in its Ascend program announcement, “Every Ascend flight is both a passenger experience and a funded scientific mission.”
Safety Record and Operational Readiness
World View has completed 47 successful uncrewed test flights since 2014, including 12 flights above 95,000 feet with full capsule recovery. Its new Ascend Control System features AI-powered weather prediction, real-time balloon trajectory modeling, and autonomous emergency descent protocols. The company has also achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system—a rare distinction among private spaceflight firms—and is pursuing FAA certification for human-rated operations under Part 101 Subpart F.
6. Starlab Space & Voyager Space: The Next Wave—Orbital Habitats Accepting Pre-Launch Reservations
While not yet launching passengers, Starlab Space (a joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus) and Voyager Space itself are pioneering a new category: pre-launch reservations for future orbital space stations. These are not speculative “future seat” sales—but legally binding, refundable reservation agreements tied to specific hardware milestones, regulatory approvals, and launch contracts. As such, they represent the most forward-looking tier of space tourism companies currently accepting reservations, targeting long-duration stays, research residencies, and commercial manufacturing in LEO.
Starlab Station: $1.5B Private Orbital Platform with 2027 Launch Target
Starlab is a 34-metric-ton, free-flying commercial space station designed to host four astronauts full-time and accommodate up to eight during visiting missions. Its design includes a large inflatable habitat (by Lockheed Martin), a robotic arm (by Airbus), and a dedicated science lab (by ESA). Voyager Space has secured $130 million in NASA funding via the Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program and signed launch contracts with SpaceX (Starship) and United Launch Alliance (Vulcan Centaur). As of May 2024, Starlab is accepting refundable $50,000 reservations for its first crewed mission (Starlab-1), with priority boarding granted to those who reserve before December 2024. Full pricing for 30-day stays is projected at $12–15 million, but early reservation holders receive tiered discounts and guaranteed access to inaugural research slots.
Voyager’s Orbital Access Program: Corporate & Institutional Reservations
Voyager Space’s Orbital Access Program is tailored for corporations, universities, and government agencies seeking guaranteed access to Starlab, the International Space Station (via Axiom), or future lunar Gateway modules. Reservations require a $250,000 deposit and include mission architecture support, payload integration, crew training coordination, and dedicated ground operations. Clients include Siemens Healthineers (for microgravity medical device testing), the University of Tokyo (for space-based AI validation), and the UAE Space Agency (for astronaut mission development). Voyager’s Orbital Access portal publishes quarterly milestone reports—covering structural testing, life support validation, and FAA licensing progress—ensuring transparency for reservation holders.
Regulatory & Insurance Framework for Orbital Tourism
Unlike suborbital flights, orbital tourism requires full FAA Human Space Flight Certification, international liability insurance (minimum $500 million), and compliance with the Outer Space Treaty’s Article VI obligations. Voyager and Starlab have engaged the law firm Hogan Lovells to develop a comprehensive Commercial Spaceflight Liability Framework, including passenger waivers aligned with FAA guidelines, third-party liability pooling, and sovereign risk mitigation for international crew. This legal infrastructure—still under review by the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation—is a prerequisite for accepting reservations and signals serious regulatory intent.
7. Emerging Contenders: Who’s Closest to Opening Reservations in 2024–2025?
Beyond the established players, several well-funded startups are on the cusp of launching reservation systems. While not yet accepting deposits, their technical progress, regulatory filings, and public statements indicate imminent commercial readiness. These firms represent the next wave of space tourism companies currently accepting reservations—and warrant close monitoring by serious buyers.
ARCASPACE (Romania): Suborbital Rocket with EU Regulatory Momentum
ARCASPACE, based in Bucharest, is developing the ARCA ExoMars suborbital vehicle—a reusable, vertical-takeoff rocket designed for 100 km apogee flights. In April 2024, it received preliminary launch authorization from Romania’s National Space Agency (ROSA) and filed for full operational licensing with the European Space Agency (ESA). Its reservation portal is scheduled to open in Q3 2024, with a target price of €195,000 (~$210,000). Key differentiators include dual-launch capability (from Romania and the Canary Islands), a 360° glass dome cabin, and partnerships with European aerospace universities for passenger-led microgravity experiments.
Destiny Space (USA): Reusable Rocketplane Targeting 2025 Launch
Destiny Space, founded by former SpaceX and Boeing engineers, is building the Destiny One—a winged, horizontal-takeoff rocketplane inspired by the X-15 and Space Shuttle. Designed for 80–100 km flights with 3–5 minutes of weightlessness, it aims for FAA certification by Q1 2025. The company has completed wind tunnel testing, propulsion integration, and crew capsule egress trials. Its reservation system is expected to launch in August 2024, with a $200,000 deposit and $650,000 total price. Destiny emphasizes rapid reusability (2-hour turnaround) and point-to-point suborbital travel potential—positioning itself at the intersection of tourism and future transportation.
Zero 2 Infinity (Spain): Bloostar Balloon-Launched Rocket—Reservations Expected Late 2024
Zero 2 Infinity’s Bloostar system uses a high-altitude balloon to lift a small rocket to 30 km, then ignite for orbital insertion. While primarily targeting small satellite launches, its Bloon passenger balloon variant (a direct competitor to Space Perspective and World View) completed its final certification flight in May 2024. The company confirmed in a May 2024 investor briefing that public reservations for Bloon will open in October 2024, with pricing set at €110,000 and a €2,000 deposit. Its unique value proposition: a hybrid experience—balloon ascent followed by optional rocket-powered microgravity boost (add-on module).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which space tourism companies currently accepting reservations offer the lowest entry price?
As of June 2024, Space Perspective offers the most accessible entry point at $125,000 per seat (with a $1,000 deposit), followed by Virgin Galactic at $450,000 ($150,000 deposit). Blue Origin remains at $1.25 million, while orbital options start at $55 million.
Are deposits for space tourism reservations refundable?
Yes—virtually all major operators (Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, Space Perspective, World View, Axiom, and Starlab) offer fully refundable deposits, typically with written notice windows ranging from 30–90 days. However, cancellation fees may apply after formal flight assignment or medical clearance.
Do I need astronaut training or medical clearance to fly?
Yes—every operator requires medical screening, though rigor varies. Suborbital balloon flights (Space Perspective, World View) require only basic mobility and cardiovascular health checks. Rocket-based operators (Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, SpaceX partners) mandate FAA-aligned aerospace physicals, G-force tolerance training, and multi-day classroom/flight-simulator preparation.
What happens if my flight is delayed beyond the estimated date?
All operators publish estimated timelines but explicitly state that schedules are subject to regulatory approval, vehicle readiness, weather, and range availability. Most include “force majeure” clauses, but also offer priority reassignment to the next available flight or full deposit refund upon request. Virgin Galactic, for example, guarantees flight within 24 months of deposit or full refund.
Are space tourism flights insured? What happens in case of accident?
Yes—every licensed operator carries third-party liability insurance meeting FAA minimums ($500 million for orbital, $100 million for suborbital). Passenger waivers are legally binding and limit operator liability for inherent risks, but do not waive negligence. The Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act (CSLAA) of 2004 establishes the “informed consent” framework, requiring operators to disclose all known risks and obtain signed acknowledgments prior to deposit.
Conclusion: The Reservation Era Is Here—and It’s More Diverse Than Ever
The landscape of space tourism has irrevocably shifted: we are no longer discussing theoretical concepts or distant timelines. Today, at least seven credible, funded, and regulated companies are actively accepting reservations—spanning suborbital rockets, stratospheric balloons, orbital missions, and even future lunar expeditions. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin have proven flight operations; SpaceX enables orbital and deep-space access through trusted partners; Space Perspective and World View offer serene, accessible alternatives; and Starlab and Voyager are building the infrastructure for sustained human presence beyond Earth. Whether you seek weightlessness, Earth-gazing serenity, scientific contribution, or legacy-making exploration, the door is open—not in 2030, but right now. The only prerequisite is curiosity, commitment, and the willingness to join humanity’s next great migration: upward.
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