World

China To Launch Its First Space Tourism Vehicle

On Friday, CAS Space, a Chinese commercial space company announced that its space tourism vehicle will first fly in 2027 and travel to the edge of space in 2028.

The announcement comes just days after Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin revealed that its New Shepard Rocket, which launches freight and humans on brief voyages to the edge of space, would resume flights on Sunday, ending a nearly two-year hiatus of crewed operations.

According to CAS Space, its vehicle will contain a tourist cabin with four panoramic windows and a capacity of seven passengers per flight.

The company intends to launch every 100 hours from a newly-built aerospace theme park, with ten space tourism vehicles available to transport tourists to the edge of space in shifts.

Tickets will cost between 2 million to 3 million yuan ($415,127) per person per trip.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences, China’s largest governmental research institute, is the second-largest shareholder in Guangzhou-based CAS Space, which was founded in 2018.

China’s space exploration program has recently closed the gap with the United States and it may become the first country to return samples from the far side of the moon after launching the Chang’e-6 mission earlier this month.

That launch brought throngs of tourists to the launch location on China’s island province of Hainan. Before the launch, tens of thousands of people gathered at several viewing spots near the launch site, causing lengthy traffic bottlenecks.

Also read: Russia Intercepts Over 100 Ukrainian Drones Overnight

Spriha Rai

Recent Posts

In The Era Of AI, Reforming Global Institutions Is Critical: PM Modi

PM Modi, at BRICS, called for global reforms, a multipolar order, and India’s AI leadership…

6 hours ago

PM Modi Criticises Outdated Global Institutions; Urges Reform At BRICS Summit In Brazil

PM Modi strongly criticised outdated global institutions like the UN Security Council and WTO during…

6 hours ago

A View Like No Other: Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Photos Highlight ‘India Among The Stars’

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla makes history as the first Indian aboard the ISS, marking a…

7 hours ago

Ramdas Athawale Slams Raj Thackeray Over Language Row; Urges Strict Action Against Violence

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale condemned MNS chief Raj Thackeray for inciting violence over language issues…

7 hours ago

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 & Watch 8 Classic Specs Leak: What To Expect

Detailed specs and pricing for Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 and Classic have leaked, highlighting improved…

9 hours ago

Kareena Kapoor Calls Out Prada Over Kolhapuri Chappal Design Controversy

Kareena Kapoor shared a subtle yet pointed message on Instagram, showcasing her original Kolhapuri chappals…

10 hours ago