Travel to space It is no longer just astronauts. On April 14, the singer Katy Perry He took off aboard a Blue rocket rocket on a historical mission: it was the first suborbital flight composed exclusively of women.
Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe and Kerianne Flynn traveled. But beyond the symbolic impact of this crew, a question is imposed: how much does it cost to live an experience like this?
A luxury from another world
Although Blue Originthe aerospace company of Jeff Bezosdoes not publicly reveal the exact cost of a seat in its ships, it is known that to initiate the application process, a reimbursable deposit of $ 150,000.
In its first flight manned in 2021, the highest offer for a seat reached 28 million dollars. Even then, the company had considered initial rates of at least $ 200,000 per passenger.
In that context, Katy Perry’s trip to space represents a luxury that, for now, can only afford a few. The mission lasted just 11 minutes, but included everything necessary to be considered a complete space trip: vertical take -off, temporary drinking and controlled decrease in capsule, all after exceeding the Karman line, 100 kilometers on Earth.
During the flight, the pop singer sang “What to Wonderful World” And he showed before the camera the list of songs he will play on his next tour, which starts this month in Mexico.
Upon returning to the ground, Perry held a Margarita, a flower who took with her, as a symbol for her daughter Daisy, ensuring that she made this journey to inspire her “Never put limits to your dreams.”
Space tourism rates
Blue Origin’s case is not unique. According to Business Insider information, Virgin Galacticthe company of Magnate Richard Branson, has offered space flights to 200,000 dollars per passenger, although prices have already risen to $ 400,000 for a 90 -minute flight. This company reached 80 kilometers of altitude in its most recent mission with customers on board.
For its part, Spacexthe company of Elon Muskpoints higher: bringing civilians more than 500 kilometers from Earth on flights up to 72 hours. Although the prices of its suborbital journeys have not made public, it is estimated that a trip to the Dragon International Space Station could cost up to 55 million dollars.
For those who seek less expensive options (although even beyond the reach of the majority), World View offers balloon experiences for the stratosphere from $ 50,000, in addition to flexible financing plans.
Space tourism: The future of luxury?
The rise of space tourism has been as fast as controversial. While some celebrate the technological advances and empowerment that Missions such as Perry’s, others criticize their elitist character and environmental impact of these flights.
Even so, the industry continues to grow. Blue Origin has already taken 52 people to the suborbital space in 11 manned missions. And although today traveling to space remains a privilege of millionaires and celebrities, technological advances suggest that in the future it could become a more accessible experience.
For now, yes, you have to be willing to pay hundreds of thousands, or even millions, dollars for floating for a few minutes in zero gravity. Science, show and exclusivity: This is the luxury space tourism that already lives its own boom.
