My Take on Where We Stand and What’s Coming Next

Why Space Travel Isn’t Just for Astronauts Anymore

A few years ago, the idea of going to space felt like something out of a sci-fi movie—cool to think about but far from possible. Now, I’ve been seeing real people, not astronauts, actually go on suborbital flights. That shift got me thinking: how close are we really to making space tourism a part of everyday travel?

I’ve followed the growth of private space companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic for a while now. It’s been interesting to watch how they’re turning rocket launches into scheduled, bookable experiences. And while it’s not quite at the level of booking a weekend getaway yet, it’s definitely not out of reach anymore either.

For someone like me who appreciates convenience, technology, and experiences that break the norm, space tourism feels like the ultimate trip. But I also know the reality is more complex than the headlines.

What’s Actually Happening Right Now

I’ve seen a few important milestones in recent years that show space tourism isn’t just hype. People have already gone into space—some of them paying customers. These were short, suborbital flights, mostly reaching the edge of space and returning safely back to Earth.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s real today:

  • Virgin Galactic has flown commercial passengers: These trips go about 80 km above the Earth and give a few minutes of weightlessness.

  • Blue Origin’s New Shepard flights have taken civilians up: These are fully automated and take less than 15 minutes round-trip.

  • SpaceX is planning longer-duration orbital flights: Their plans include trips around the Earth, to the Moon, and eventually Mars.

Even though tickets are expensive right now, the fact that flights are happening at all means we’re past the point of wondering if space tourism is real. It’s already begun.

During one of these launches, I was following along while enjoying one of my mr fog vapes, and the irony hit me—something as advanced as spaceflight was becoming just another part of the modern world, right next to the kind of portable tech we use every day. That’s when I started to take the future of this seriously.

What’s Still Holding It Back

Even with all this progress, we’re not quite at the point where I can casually book a ticket to space like I would for a flight to another city. There are a few practical reasons for that, which I’ve been keeping my eye on.

The main factors I’ve noticed are:

  • High ticket prices: Right now, flights cost anywhere from $250,000 to several million dollars, depending on the experience.

  • Limited seats and schedules: These trips aren’t running daily, and space on each flight is still very limited.

  • Safety and regulations: Even though the flights are well-tested, governments are still figuring out how to regulate commercial space travel.

  • Training requirements: Some companies still require light training or pre-flight prep to get passengers ready.

That said, these are all normal growing pains for any new form of travel. I remember reading about how commercial aviation went through similar challenges in its early days. Prices dropped, safety improved, and accessibility expanded over time. I see the same thing happening here—just with rockets instead of planes.

What’s Coming in the Next Few Years

I think the most exciting part of all this is how quickly the pace is picking up. Over the next five to ten years, I expect more companies to enter the market, prices to drop, and different types of space trips to become available.

Here’s what I’m watching for next:

  • Suborbital flights becoming more routine: These 10–15 minute trips will likely be the first option for most people.

  • Orbital hotels and space stations: Companies are already planning floating hotels and research hubs.

  • Lunar flybys and Moon landings: SpaceX is working on crewed missions around the Moon for private passengers.

  • Training centers for space tourists: We’ll likely see new facilities pop up to help everyday travelers prepare for space.

I don’t think everyone will go to space right away, but I do believe it’s going to become a real option for those who want something different—something out of this world, literally.

And just like I budget and plan ahead for lifestyle upgrades, I can see myself setting aside savings for a suborbital flight someday. It’s not an impulse trip, but it’s becoming a realistic one to work toward.

Recently, during a late-night scroll through updates on orbital plans, I was enjoying my go-to mr fog max air device, and it made me realize how connected these innovations are. Whether it's vaping tech or private rockets, both are rooted in giving people more personal control over their experiences—just in very different ways.

How I’m Thinking About My First Trip to Space

I’m not rushing to buy a ticket just yet, but I’ve started thinking more seriously about what it would take to actually go. For me, it’s less about bragging rights and more about experiencing something truly different. Floating in space, looking down at Earth—that’s a view I can’t get anywhere else.

Here’s how I’m preparing mentally and financially for that idea:

  • Staying updated on space travel news

  • Tracking costs and price trends

  • Exploring companies offering early deposits and pre-sales

  • Following people who’ve already taken trips for firsthand insight

I treat it like planning a big international trip—something I need to plan ahead for but that’s worth the effort. And the best part? I already know it’s possible.

Space tourism is no longer about waiting for the future. It’s about watching it unfold in real time. Just like we saw smartphones, streaming, and e-commerce evolve in our everyday lives, I believe commercial space travel will eventually be part of the travel world too.