by Patrick Stakem (Author)
There have been spacefarers from over 40 countries, taken along on shared missions by the craft of the major spacefaring nations, China, Russia, and the U. S. The International Space Station is truly an International effort. But these were all professional Astronauts or Cosmonnauts. That was their job.At this time, there have been seven "space toruists," who paid their own way, and five "spaceflgiht participants," who flew on the Shuttle, or to the ISS. Can you fly to space now? The U.S. currently doesn't have a crewed transportation system.The Russians will charge you $76 million for a flight up on the Soyuz-M, if they have a seat available. You also receive training, and a couple of rides on the Vomit-Comet airplane, so you'll know what to expect in zero G. The Space Tourism Industry is ready to begin. Like all new markets, it will evolve, become better and cheaper. It's expensive now, but a few have done it.NASA is not going to do this. They are in the science and technology business, and are a government agency, A cadre of entrepreneurs, space geeks, and crafty businessmen have better, less expensive options in the works. Stay tuned. Keep in touch. This is going to get exciting. The book discusses options ranging from a quick trip above 100 km to earn the title "astronaut." to month long vacations at a lunar resort, where you can fly, with wings, every day. This is the new hospitality frontier.