Chinese commercial space company CAS Space has announced plans to launch its “space tourism vehicle” in 2027. According to state media reports on Friday, journeys to the edge of space will begin in 2028.
CAS Space’s Ambitious Plans
This announcement follows Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin’s statement about resuming flights of its New Shepard Rocket. Blue Origin’s rocket carries cargo and humans on short trips to the edge of space. They will restart these flights on Sunday after nearly two years of halted crewed operations.
CAS Space’s vehicle is designed with a tourist cabin featuring four panoramic windows. The cabin can accommodate seven passengers per flight. The company plans to schedule a launch every 100 hours from a newly-built aerospace theme park. With ten vehicles in rotation, they aim to provide regular trips to the edge of space.
Tickets for these extraordinary journeys will range from 2 million to 3 million yuan (approximately $415,127) per person. State media reported this price range, highlighting the exclusivity of the experience.
About CAS Space
Founded in 2018 and based in Guangzhou, CAS Space’s second-largest shareholder is the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This institution is China’s largest state research institute. The company’s space tourism initiative is part of China’s broader ambitions in space exploration.
China’s space programme has made significant strides recently. The country is closing the gap with the United States. Notably, China could become the first country to return samples from the far side of the moon. This follows the launch of the Chang’e-6 mission earlier this month. This event drew large crowds to the launch site on Hainan Island. Tens of thousands of spectators gathered at various viewing spots, causing substantial traffic jams.
China’s space achievements reflect its determination to become a major player in the global space race. CAS Space’s ambitious plans for space tourism underscore this commitment. With regular trips to the edge of space, China is set to offer a unique experience for space enthusiasts. The upcoming launches will likely attract significant attention from both domestic and international audiences. As China continues to advance its space programme, the world will be watching closely.