A few minutes of weightlessness, or a few days.
A short hop above the Earth's atmosphere, or a journey to the Moon and back... the era of space tourism is upon us, and for those who can pay it comes with many options.
This year has been an important one for the up-and-coming sector, with a slew of new missions announced.
Here is the state of play.
- SpaceX -
1/ INSPIRATION4
Elon Musk's company is set this week to send four passengers to space, for a total of three days. They blast off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon mounted on a Falcon 9 rocket.
It'll be the first orbital mission involving four non-professional astronauts. The "Inspiration4" mission is chartered by American billionaire and pilot Jared Isaacman, and will fly beyond the altitude of the International Space Station.
2/ AX-1
In January 2022, three businessmen will visit the ISS, alongside an experienced former NASA astronaut.
The mission, which is to last 10 days in total and named Ax-1, is being organized by the company Axiom Space, which has signed up for three more future flights with SpaceX.
They will operate in the American segment of the ISS, where they will conduct scientific experiments.
3/ SPACE ADVENTURE
SpaceX also has plans for another orbital voyage for four paying clients, organized by Space Adventures.
It was this company that organized tips for seven tourists to the ISS between 2001 and 2009 aboard Russian rockets.
3/ DEARMOON
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is due to take a trip around the Moon, presumably in 2023, aboard a Starship rocket that is still under development by SpaceX. The mission is called dearMoon.
- Virgin Galactic -
Virgin Galactic's experience involves an enormous carrier plane that takes off from a runway, reaches a high altitude, then drops a rocket-powered spaceplane which accelerates towards space.
The passengers and crew experience a few minutes of weightlessness at altitudes exceeding 50 miles (80 kilometers) the US definition of space.
Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson participated in a test flight on July 11 out of New Mexico.
The company is currently grounded pending an investigation over a flight "mishap." It hopes to have routine flights by 2022.
- Blue Origin -
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin also offers a few minutes of weightlessness, but at altitudes exceeding 60 miles (100 kilometers). Its astronauts thus breach the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.
The reusable rocket blasts off vertically, and the capsule detaches in flight.
Its descent back to Earth is slowed by three huge parachutes and a thruster.
The Amazon founder was among the first four passengers to make the trip from the company's west Texas base on July 20.
- Russian endeavors -
Russia will send an actress and a director to the ISS in October, aboard a Soyuz rocket. The goal: to shoot the first fiction film in orbit and in zero gravity.
Japan's Yusaku Maezawa is also set to go to the ISS in December on a Soyuz rocket. The trip is to last 12 days and is being organized through Space Adventures.
The company has announced another mission to the ISS in 2023 in a Russian rocket, for two participants, one of whom will have the opportunity to perform a spacewalk.
- Spaceballoon -
Other companies are developing less ambitious projects, like Space Perspective. Its capsule, hoisted by a spaceballoon the size of a football stadium, offers a view of the Earth's curvature.
Tickets cost $125,000 but the balloon ascends only 30 kilometers, which means passengers won't experience weightlessness.
ETX Studio
Tue Sep 14 2021
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is due to take a trip around the Moon, presumably in 2023, aboard a Starship rocket that is still under development by SpaceX. The mission is called dearMoon. - ETX Studio
Immediate allocation of RM150 mln for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.
Fatwa gazetted declaring GISB deviates from true Islamic teachings - MAIS
The ban includes any teachings or practices similar to those associated with GISB.
Budget 2025 allocation at RM421 billion, up 3.3 per cent from last year
The government has allocated RM421 billion, or 20.2 per cent of the GDP, for Budget 2025.
Malaysian mothers cheer vote to fix 'sexist' constitution
The legislation still needs to be approved by the upper house, but campaigners are hopeful it should go through.
Sinwar's death came at the end of months of searching by Israel
The operation which finally killed Yahya Sinwar was not a planned and targeted strike, Israeli officials said.
Najib regrets over SRC International losses, High Court heard
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak admitted at the High Court that he has certain regrets over the losses facing SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Smashed hotel room, narcotics found as Liam Payne death probe unfolds
Liam Payne died of multiple traumas and internal bleeding after plunging from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, prosecutors said.
Billionaire Cuban stumps for Harris as Musk hits trail for Trump
Mark Cuban calls Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs on 60 pct of Chinese goods a "crazy notion" that will ultimately hurt consumers.
Malaysia’s trade records 10.2 per cent jump, exceeds RM2 trillion mark in first nine months of 2024
According to the World Trade Organisation's forecast, Asia's exports are expected to rise by 7.4 per cent in 2024.