China to Launch Space Tourism Vehicle in 2027

China has announced plans to debut its “space tourism vehicle” in 2027, with journeys to the edge of space commencing in 2028, according to state media reports on Friday. This revelation follows closely on the heels of Blue Origin’s announcement regarding the resumption of crewed operations for its New Shepard Rocket.

CAS Space’s vehicle is set to feature a tourist cabin boasting four panoramic windows, capable of accommodating up to seven passengers per flight. The company intends to facilitate launches every 100 hours from a newly-constructed aerospace theme park, deploying ten vehicles to transport tourists to the edge of space in successive shifts. State media reports estimate ticket prices ranging from 2 million to 3 million yuan ($415,127) per person per trip.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Guangzhou, CAS Space counts China’s largest state research institute, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as its second-largest shareholder. The company’s ambitious venture into space tourism reflects China’s burgeoning prowess in space exploration, as evidenced by recent milestones such as the launch of the Chang’e-6 mission, positioning the nation on the brink of potentially becoming the first to retrieve samples from the far side of the moon.

The burgeoning interest in space endeavors was palpable during the Chang’e-6 mission launch, drawing crowds of tourists to the launch site on China’s Hainan island province. Prior to liftoff, tens of thousands gathered at various viewing points near the launch site, leading to extensive traffic congestion.

Also read: Pakistan Mulls 5-Year Extension for $15.36 Billion Chinese Debt