Jiangsu-based Deep Blue Aerospace has launched ticket sales for China’s inaugural space tourism venture, offering a thrilling 12-minute suborbital flight priced at $210,000. The tickets were made available on the popular e-commerce platform Taobao and sold out in a mere 20 minutes during a live-stream event. With more tickets expected to be released next month, interest in space tourism is clearly on the rise in China.
Deep Blue Aerospace’s mission marks a significant milestone in the expanding commercial space sector in China. The company aims to provide an exhilarating experience for its passengers, including at least five minutes of weightlessness during the flight. Scheduled for 2027, the flight will take travelers to the edge of space without entering Earth’s orbit, showcasing the breathtaking view of our planet from above.
During the live-stream event, Deep Blue Aerospace chairman Huo Liang emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and reliability. He stated, “Given the complexity and risks of rocket technology, we will conduct dozens of tests over the next two years to ensure a safe journey for our passengers.” This rigorous testing phase is crucial as the company prepares for its first commercial flight.
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While the ticket price of $210,000 may seem steep, it is notably lower than the rates offered by international competitors. For context, Virgin Galactic, founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, charges approximately $600,000 per seat for its spaceflights. Many Chinese social media users have pointed out that Deep Blue Aerospace’s pricing makes space tourism more accessible to a wider audience.
Huo Liang remarked on the potential for prices to decrease further as technology advances. “Ticket prices at several hundred thousand yuan may soon become a reality,” he said, hinting at future opportunities for more people to experience the wonders of space travel.
Deep Blue Aerospace is focused on creating rockets that can be reused multiple times, significantly reducing the overall costs associated with space travel. While China has extensive experience with manned spacecraft, the high expenses of launching missions remain a substantial challenge for the space tourism industry.
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The global space tourism market has seen notable advancements recently, with companies like Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos, and SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, joining the fray. Virgin Galactic has already made strides, successfully completing its first commercial spaceflight in August 2023, which has further fueled interest in this burgeoning sector.
Passengers aboard Deep Blue Aerospace’s suborbital flight can anticipate an unforgettable journey. According to company statements, they will “experience the vastness and mystery of the universe and witness the magnificent landscape beyond the Earth.” The experience is designed to be a multi-sensory journey that leaves a lasting impression on all who participate.
The spacecraft’s design is reminiscent of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, showcasing a sleek and modern appearance. The flight profile will be similar to that of Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin, which also takes passengers on short suborbital trips featuring several minutes of weightlessness.
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Despite the excitement surrounding this venture, Deep Blue Aerospace has faced challenges in its recent test flights. A recent attempt to land their rocket resulted in an explosion, highlighting the risks associated with developing new technology. However, the company remains optimistic and has pledged to conduct numerous tests in 2026 to ensure the safety and reliability of their spacecraft-rocket combination.
Other Chinese firms like CAS Space, a spin-off from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, are preparing to enter the space tourism market, with plans for their own missions later this decade. Meanwhile, in the U.S., companies such as Space Perspective are also vying for a share of this lucrative market, further driving innovation in the field.
