You can now book a trip into space - here's how much it costs

Thursday, 6th February 2020, 4:51 pm
Updated Thursday, 6th February 2020, 4:51 pm

Space X had launched its online booking platform for keen stargazers to get close up to the action.

The private space exploration company launched its Smallsat Rideshare programme last year and has now finally opened bookings online.

For the price of $1 million you can surge into the stratosphere on one of the SpaceX's newly built Falcon 9 reusable rockets.

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SpaceX writes on its website, "Falcon 9, the world’s first orbital class reusable rocket, is manufactured and operated by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond."

Prices for the rideshare services start at $1 million for payloads ranging up to 200 kg (440 lbs), with additional weight adding $5 per kg to the cost.

Planet earth from space - a view more people may be able to see soon (Photo: Shutterstock)

But this is where it gets complicated

The booking system gets complicated, fast.

It seems SpaceX is mainly looking to meet commercial demand. Say, if you have a small satellite company but can't afford the near $60 million for a rocket of your own, Space X will blast up into your desired location and drop it off for you.

So no holidays in space then?

Well, not quite. This is a huge undertaking for a company to provide a vessel capable of repeat ventures into the space. Ocean shipping routes were used for trade before travel and exploration, and this is no different.

It shows that we have the technology to launch stuff into space, and bring the rocket back home safely - and ideally the people too.

There are already several space exploration companies willing to send people into space such as Virgin Galactic, Space Adventure, and Blue Origin.

Whether that is a small satellite, or a family of five, the technology to explore space is here and it won't be long until space travel becomes a sought after holiday treat.