Chinese space startup Deep Blue Aerospace has announced ambitious plans to launch its space tourism program by 2027, aiming to take passengers on suborbital flights. The company is set to release its first two tickets for sale on Thursday, with additional tickets expected to become available next month. Each ticket is priced at 1.5 million yuan, approximately £162,500.
The suborbital flights will allow passengers to experience the thrill of reaching outer space without entering orbit, marking a significant milestone in the burgeoning field of space tourism. As technological advancements continue to make space travel more accessible, companies are eager to capitalize on this new frontier.
Deep Blue Aerospace’s venture into space tourism aligns with similar efforts by other industry players, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX and the U.S.-based Blue Origin. SpaceX made headlines in September when it successfully launched billionaire Jared Isaacman and three other private astronauts into orbit. During this mission, Isaacman made history by becoming the first person to conduct a private spacewalk, describing the breathtaking view as “gorgeous” as he exited the spacecraft.
For Deep Blue Aerospace, the viability of its space tourism initiative hinges on the development of reusable rocket technology. The company plans to recover a carrier rocket from orbit in the first quarter of 2025, aiming to reduce costs and environmental impact associated with space travel. Last week, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone by successfully catching a rocket booster after launch using giant robotic arms, a maneuver previously thought impossible. This breakthrough marks a shift in the space launch industry, where larger rocket vehicles were typically considered expendable, crashing back to Earth after use.
As the space tourism sector gains momentum, Deep Blue Aerospace’s initiative is part of a broader trend among companies seeking to offer commercial space travel experiences to paying customers. The potential for space tourism extends beyond mere thrill-seeking; it opens avenues for scientific research, satellite deployment, and technological innovations.
While the launch of commercial space tourism is still in its early stages, the enthusiasm among consumers for such experiences suggests a bright future for the industry. With Deep Blue Aerospace’s commitment to advancing reusable rocket technology and its planned launch of suborbital flights, the company is positioning itself as a competitive player in the growing market of space travel. As the countdown to 2027 begins, the eyes of the world will be on this Chinese startup as it embarks on its journey to make space accessible to the adventurous public.
