For years, I’ve reminisced about humans taking private trips to Saturn or the moon, as it appears climate change is doing things to planet. A few friends thought I was hallucinating but the guys at SpaceX have been hard at work trying to send civilians to the space by 2021. The company’s ultimate goal is to “revolutionize space technology” and “enable people to live on other planets“. This explains its latest partnership with Space Adventures, an American space tourism company. Both companies plan to send up to four individuals into space using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and its Crew Dragon vehicle.
If things go as planned, this would be the first orbital space tourism experience provided entirely with American technology. “This historic mission will forge a path to making spaceflight possible for all people who dream of it, and we are pleased to work with the Space Adventures’ team on the mission,” Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, said in a statement.
Those chosen for the trip will have to train for a few weeks in the U.S. before launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida. From there, they’ll only spend five days in orbit. It’s not confirmed yet but it seems that the companies are reaching to go beyond the International Space Station which sits at about 250 miles above Earth. Whatever the case may be, the worry here is Crew Dragon hasn’t actually transported any people or non-astronauts yet. So wish them Goodluck.