1. The launch of Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity: In May 2021, Virgin Galactic successfully launched its VSS Unity spacecraft, marking a major milestone for private suborbital tourism.
2. Blue Origin’s New Shepard passenger flights: In July 2021, Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, sent the first crewed flight to space aboard its New Shepard rocket, allowing tourists to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and see the Earth from space.
3. Inspiration4’s all-civilian space mission: In September 2021, the Inspiration4 mission by SpaceX made history as the first all-civilian crew to orbit Earth. Four private individuals undertook a three-day journey, symbolizing a significant advancement in space tourism.
4. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon space tourism: SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, developed under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, not only transports astronauts but also offers the potential for private space tourism in partnership with companies like Axiom Space.
5. NASA’s Artemis program: NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence there. This initiative opens up future opportunities for lunar tourism, with plans to establish a Lunar Gateway and potentially commercialize lunar activities.
6. Jeff Bezos’ commitment to space tourism with Blue Origin: Jeff Bezos, after stepping down as Amazon CEO, has announced his commitment to expanding space tourism through Blue Origin’s New Shepard and forthcoming New Glenn rockets, showcasing his dedication to the industry.
7. Advances in reusable rocket technology: Reusable rocket technology, pioneered by companies like SpaceX, has allowed for cost reduction in space travel. This advancement makes space tourism more accessible and economically viable in the long run.
8. Emergence of new space tourism companies: Besides Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, several new space tourism companies are emerging, such as Axiom Space, Space Adventures, and SpaceX’s Starship program. The growing competition and innovation in the sector are driving advancements.
9. Government support for space tourism: Various governments are showing increased interest in promoting space tourism, providing regulatory frameworks and financial support. This government involvement aids the growth of space tourism activities globally.
10. Technological developments in space habitats: With plans for lunar missions and potentially Mars exploration, advancements in space habitat technology are crucial. Companies like Bigelow Aerospace are developing expandable habitats suitable for long-duration space tourism and colonization efforts.
It’s important to note that these advancements are as of the time of writing (2021) and may evolve rapidly as space tourism continues to progress.