If you’re anxious to travel into space – and have the tens of millions of dollars to shoulder your passion – then the news today from Space Adventures you’ll like.
Working with the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation (FSA) and Rocket Space Corporation Energia (RSC Energia), Space Adventures has worked an agreement to commercially offer three seats on the Soyuz spacecraft bound for the International Space Station, starting in 2013.
Due to an increase in Russia’s Soyuz production – from 4 to 5 spacecraft per year – seats to the International Space Station (ISS) for space tourists will be available.
Each “pay per view” flight of a space tourist would last roughly 10 days.
In a statement, Eric Anderson, Chairman of Space Adventures, noted: “Since Guy Laliberté’s mission, there has been an increase of interest by private individuals, organizations and commercial entities seeking ways to access the space station. We have been speaking with these parties about science, education and multi-media programs and hope to make some major announcements in the coming year.”
Laliberté created Cirque du Soleil and became Space Adventures’ seventh private spaceflight client when he launched to space on September 30th, 2009. Guy landed safely back on earth on October 11th, completing an 11 day stay in space.
The Vienna, Virginia-based Space Adventures became world-renowned a decade ago with the launch of Dennis Tito, the world’s first privately-funded space explorer.
Over the last 10 years, the company has arranged seven additional tourist-class missions to the ISS. “Cumulatively, our clients have spent almost three months in space, traveling over 36 million miles, and have been true ambassadors in sharing their experience and explaining to millions of people around the world why it’s important to explore space,” Anderson said.
By Leonard David/CSE