Have you ever dreamed of traveling among the stars in the sky? Do you wish to see the Earth floating in the depths of space from a distance? Earlier this was possible only for scientists and trained astronauts, but now common people can also fulfill their dream of going to space. Private space companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have made space tourism a reality.

Now anyone can take an exciting journey to space by fulfilling certain conditions. However, for this many requirements like application process, health criteria, training, and huge expenses have to be fulfilled. So if you also dream of going to space, then know how to apply, what is the selection process and how much will it cost!

The way to space for the common man

Earlier, only government agencies like NASA or ISRO used to send their astronauts to space. But now private companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have opened this opportunity for the common people as well. These companies are promoting space tourism, under which any person can travel to space by fulfilling certain conditions.

Know how to apply

To go to space, you have to visit the official website of these companies. The method of each company is slightly different. Read the complete information here:

SpaceX: Elon Musk's company SpaceX gives opportunities to the common people through special missions like "Inspiration4" (2021) and "Polaris Dawn" (2024). There is no option to apply directly on their website (spacex.com). You can be selected through their partner programs, charity campaigns, or sponsorships. For this, keep checking the updates on their site.

Virgin Galactic: This company sells tickets directly. Register on their website (virgingalactic.com). The ticket costs around Rs 3.7 crore ($450,000).

Blue Origin: Jeff Bezos' company offers seats under the "New Shepard" program. By registering on their site (blueorigin.com), you can participate in the auction or make a direct booking. The price can range from Rs 1.6 to Rs 4 crore ($200,000-$500,000). During registration, you will have to provide your name, age, health information, and some basic details.

Know what is the selection process.

To go to space, one has to go through a strict selection process such as:

Health check-up: There is a medical test to ensure that your body can withstand the environment of space. Bones, heart, fitness, height, weight, and mental health are checked.

Training: After selection, training is given for a few days. In this, zero-gravity simulation, wearing a spacesuit and dealing with an emergency are taught. In Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, it is of 2-5 days, while for SpaceX's long mission, there can be weeks of training.

Arrangement of money: Space trips are very expensive. Virgin Galactic's ticket costs Rs 3.7 crore, Blue Origin's Rs 1.6-4 crore and SpaceX's orbital mission can cost more than Rs 10 crore.

Lottery or auction: Seats in some missions are available through lottery or auction. Blue Origin conducts auction, SpaceX has used lottery before, and Virgin Galactic has direct booking.

Know if it is possible from India too

Space tourism has not started in India yet. ISRO is working on the "Gaganyaan" mission, but it is not for common people. At present, Indians will have to apply through foreign companies only. Indian-origin Sunita Williams inspires, although she is a professional astronaut of NASA, not a tourist.

Know how much time it takes

After selection, training and preparation can take from a few weeks to months. The duration of the journey depends on the mission:

Suborbital trip (Virgin Galactic/Blue Origin): 10-15 minutes.
Orbital mission (SpaceX): 3-5 days.