Space tourism is no longer a futuristic fantasy — it’s here, and for those with deep enough pockets, the journey is far more than just a joyride. Axiom Space, the Houston-based company aiming to build the first commercial space station, is offering tickets to space for about $70 million per seat. But what exactly do you get for a price tag that could buy a private jet or a Manhattan penthouse?
According to Axiom CEO Michael Suffredini, it’s not just about the thrill of leaving Earth — it’s an entire astronaut experience, from rigorous training to world-class accommodations in orbit.
1. The Price Includes a Full Astronaut Training Program
Your $70 million doesn’t just buy a seat; it buys months of preparation. Axiom provides a comprehensive training regimen designed to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness in space.
Participants undergo:
- Flight readiness training in simulators replicating the spacecraft and space station environments.
- Physical conditioning to prepare the body for microgravity.
- Space operations education, including navigation, communications, and emergency procedures.
- Science and payload handling, so passengers can participate in experiments.
The goal isn’t just to keep you alive — it’s to make you feel like a contributing crew member rather than a passive passenger.
2. The Journey to the International Space Station
Currently, Axiom’s private missions are conducted aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
The ticket covers:
- Launch services from SpaceX.
- Mission planning and logistics, coordinated with NASA and international partners.
- All safety and medical support during the mission.
The ride to the International Space Station (ISS) takes less than 24 hours, but the experience of launch — with forces up to 3 Gs — is a memory that passengers describe as indescribably powerful.
3. Eight to Ten Days in Orbit
Axiom’s standard mission length is between eight and ten days aboard the ISS, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes at roughly 17,500 miles per hour.
During this time, passengers can:
- Enjoy the spectacular view of Earth from 250 miles above.
- Conduct personal or sponsored scientific experiments.
- Participate in educational outreach, connecting with classrooms and media back on Earth.
- Experience the unique lifestyle of space — from sleeping in microgravity to dining on specially prepared meals.
Axiom designs each mission around the passengers’ goals, whether scientific, philanthropic, or purely experiential.
4. A Private Crew and Support Team
Your $70 million ticket also pays for a dedicated mission commander and professional astronauts to guide the trip. These are not “space chauffeurs” but highly trained veterans — often former NASA astronauts — who ensure the mission’s success and safety.
Behind the scenes, a large support team handles mission control operations, monitoring everything from life support systems to orbital maneuvers. The price also covers insurance and contingency planning, which are crucial for an endeavor this complex.
5. Custom Space Suits and Gear
Axiom provides each passenger with custom-fitted space suits for launch and reentry, as well as gear designed for comfort and function in microgravity. These suits are tailored for mobility and safety while offering a personalized fit — because in space, even a small discomfort can become a big problem.
Passengers also receive mission patches, flight suits, and personal kits for use aboard the ISS.
6. The Most Expensive Room With a View
While aboard the ISS, passengers stay in existing crew modules, but Axiom is developing its own luxury-grade commercial modules. These future accommodations will include:
- Private sleeping quarters with Earth-facing windows.
- Upgraded hygiene facilities for more comfortable long stays.
- Enhanced communications systems for real-time contact with family and media.
Even without these upgrades, the view from the ISS is arguably the most spectacular on — or off — Earth. Astronauts often describe seeing Earth from space as a life-changing moment that redefines their perspective on humanity and the planet.
7. Scientific and Philanthropic Opportunities
Many Axiom customers choose to use their time in orbit for more than personal enjoyment. The ticket price can include facilitation of scientific projects in partnership with universities, nonprofits, and private companies.
Some passengers have:
- Tested biomedical devices in microgravity.
- Filmed educational content for students worldwide.
- Gathered environmental data to support climate research.
By combining tourism with research, Axiom hopes to make space missions more valuable for society as a whole.
8. Post-Mission Benefits and Legacy
After returning to Earth, passengers are not simply dropped at the landing site and sent home. The ticket also covers:
- Medical checks and rehabilitation to readjust to gravity.
- Post-mission media and outreach events.
- A comprehensive archive of mission photos and videos.
Passengers often become ambassadors for space exploration, sharing their stories at conferences, in classrooms, and through media appearances — adding a public legacy to their personal journey.
9. Why $70 Million Makes Sense in Space Economics
While the cost may seem astronomical, it reflects the current realities of spaceflight economics. Launching humans safely requires:
- Advanced spacecraft technology.
- Coordination with multiple space agencies.
- Extensive safety systems and redundancies.
- Years of research, engineering, and operational expertise.
Axiom’s ticket price includes not just transportation but an all-inclusive space experience with training, support, accommodations, and the prestige of becoming one of a very small group of private citizens who have orbited Earth.
As technology advances and Axiom’s commercial space station comes online, prices are expected to drop — but for now, this is the cost of entry into one of the most exclusive experiences in human history.
For $70 million, Axiom offers more than a seat to space — it offers a transformation. From astronaut training to time aboard the International Space Station, the journey combines adventure, science, and the once-in-a-lifetime view of Earth from orbit.
While space tourism remains in its infancy, companies like Axiom are setting the gold standard for what a premium ticket to space should include. For those who can afford it, it’s not just a trip — it’s a new chapter in personal history.
