How To Go To Space Practical Steps And Options For Aspiring Space Travelers

For decades, space travel was reserved for a select few—highly trained astronauts chosen through rigorous government programs. Today, the dream of going to space is closer than ever. With the rise of private aerospace companies and evolving technologies, civilians now have realistic pathways to experience weightlessness, see Earth from orbit, or even prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars. While it’s still not as simple as booking a flight to Paris, there are tangible steps you can take today to move toward becoming a space traveler.

Understand Your Options: Who Can Go to Space?

The first step in pursuing space travel is understanding what “going to space” actually means in 2024 and beyond. There are three primary avenues:

1. Commercial Space Tourism – Short suborbital or orbital flights offered by companies like Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceX.
2. Professional Astronaut Careers – Joining national space agencies (e.g., NASA, ESA) or private spaceflight crews via technical or scientific qualifications.
3. Citizen Science & Research Missions – Participating in microgravity experiments or private orbital missions as a researcher or payload specialist.

Each path has different requirements, costs, and timelines. Commercial tourism offers the fastest access but at a high price. Government astronaut roles are highly competitive but fully funded. Emerging opportunities with private missions blend both models.

Tip: Start building relevant skills early—even if you're aiming for tourism, knowledge of aerospace or STEM fields improves your chances of selection for subsidized or research-based flights.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Space Traveler

Whether you’re planning a tourist flight or aiming for a long-term career, follow this structured approach:

1. Assess Physical and Mental Fitness
   All space travelers must meet basic health standards. Suborbital flights require cardiovascular fitness and the ability to withstand G-forces. Orbital missions demand higher endurance. Begin with a thorough medical checkup and consider consulting an aviation or aerospace medicine specialist.
2. Choose Your Path
   Decide whether you’re pursuing tourism, a professional career, or a hybrid opportunity. This determines your next steps in training, education, and funding.
3. Invest in Relevant Education or Experience
   For agency roles: degrees in engineering, physics, or life sciences are essential. For private missions: pilot certifications, scuba diving (for pressure training), or even filmmaking (as mission communicators) can be valuable.
5. Apply or Register
   Sign up for commercial waitlists (e.g., Virgin Galactic reserves), monitor NASA astronaut openings (typically every 2–3 years), or apply to private mission calls like those from Axiom Space or SpaceX’s Polaris Program.
6. Complete Required Training
   Training varies widely. Tourists undergo 2–3 weeks of prep; professional astronauts spend 2+ years in simulations, language training (especially Russian), and survival drills.
7. Fund Your Journey
   Costs range from $250,000 (suborbital) to millions (orbital). Explore sponsorships, crowdfunding, or institutional affiliations to offset expenses.

Cost Comparison of Current Space Travel Options

Provider	Type of Flight	Duration	Altitude	Estimated Cost
Virgin Galactic	Suborbital	~90 minutes	80–90 km	$450,000
Blue Origin	Suborbital	~10 minutes of weightlessness	100+ km	$250,000+ (auction-based)
SpaceX (via Axiom)	Orbital (ISS)	~10–14 days	400 km	$55 million
Space Adventures (planned lunar flyby)	Lunar trajectory	~5 days	Flyby Moon	$150+ million

Note: Prices are approximate and may include training, insurance, and support. Some private missions offer partial scholarships or research-based waivers.

Real Example: Hayley Arceneaux’s Journey to Orbit

In 2021, Dr. Hayley Arceneaux became the first civilian astronaut with a prosthesis when she flew on SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission. A physician assistant at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and childhood cancer survivor, she was selected not for piloting skills, but for her story and resilience.

Her journey highlights a shift in space accessibility. She underwent six months of intensive training—including centrifuge tests, zero-gravity flights, and emergency drills—but did not need a traditional aerospace background. Her mission proved that space is opening to diverse candidates, especially those representing science, advocacy, or public engagement.

Arceneaux’s story underscores an important truth: future space travelers may be chosen as much for their purpose as for their physical prowess.

“We’re not just sending people to space—we’re sending symbols of hope, curiosity, and human potential.” — Dr. Anja Kaspersen, former Director, Swiss Forum for International Affairs

Essential Checklist for Aspiring Space Travelers

• ✅ Evaluate your current health and consult a physician familiar with G-force tolerance
• ✅ Research and choose between tourism, career, or research pathways
• ✅ Begin relevant education or skill-building (STEM, aviation, survival training)
• ✅ Monitor application windows for NASA, ESA, or commercial providers
• ✅ Save or plan for funding—consider grants, sponsorships, or partnerships
• ✅ Register interest with Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, or SpaceX affiliate programs
• ✅ Participate in analog missions (e.g., HI-SEAS, NEK) to gain experience
• ✅ Stay informed through space news outlets like SpaceNews or NASA’s official channels

Tip: Even if you can't afford a flight today, volunteering for space-related research or joining citizen scientist networks can keep you connected and improve future eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone go to space?

Not yet—but access is expanding. Suborbital flights have minimal requirements (typically age 18+, moderate fitness). Medical disqualifiers include severe heart conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, or balance disorders. Full orbital missions remain selective, but inclusivity is improving.

How long does it take to become an astronaut?

For government programs: typically 5–10 years of education and professional experience before applying, plus 2 years of training after selection. For commercial tourism: as little as 3–6 months from deposit to flight, including training.

Are there age limits for space travel?

No official upper limit exists. John Glenn flew at age 77. Most commercial providers require passengers to be at least 18, though some allow minors with parental consent. Fitness matters more than age.

Preparing for the Future: What’s Next?

The space industry is evolving rapidly. Companies like SpaceX are developing Starship for deep-space missions, while Axiom plans to launch the first commercial space station by 2028. These advancements could reduce costs and increase flight frequency, making space more accessible within the next decade.

Emerging roles—space journalist, orbital artist-in-residence, or commercial repair technician—are already being tested. The key is to stay adaptable. Whether you aim to float above Earth or contribute to off-world research, positioning yourself as a capable, knowledgeable candidate increases your odds.

“The next generation of space explorers won’t all come from military test pilot schools. They’ll come from classrooms, hospitals, studios, and startups around the world.” — Dr. Sheila Widnall, Aerospace Professor, MIT

Take Action Today

Dreaming of space is no longer enough—you can start preparing now. Assess your goals, build your foundation, and engage with the growing ecosystem of civilian spaceflight. Whether you save for a ticket, pursue a STEM degree, or advocate for inclusive access, every step brings you closer to the stars. The era of space for everyone is beginning. Be ready to board.

🚀 Ready to begin your journey? Visit official sites like NASA's astronaut program, Virgin Galactic reservations, or Axiom Space mission updates to explore your next step into orbit.