Space Tourism Market Size - By Altitude (Orbital, Sub-orbital), By End User (Government, Commercial) & Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Space Tourism Market Size

Space Tourism Market size was valued at USD 827.2 million in 2023 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 36.5% between 2024 and 2032. Continued technological innovations in aerospace, particularly in reusable rocket systems and spacecraft development, are a significant growth booster for the market. Advancements in technology enable cost reduction, increased safety, and improved reliability of space travel, making it more feasible & accessible for commercial purposes.
 

For instance, in April 2023, ISRO reported that the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program developed a fully reusable rocket system, which holds promise for the space tourism industry by reducing costs associated with space travel. As reusable rockets become more economical and efficient, they enhance the feasibility of commercial space activities, making space tourism more accessible and affordable for potential travelers.
 

The growing interest among high-net-worth individuals and celebrities seeking unique & exclusive experiences fuels the demand for space tourism. As space travel becomes more attainable and commercialized, affluent individuals are increasingly willing to invest substantial amounts for the opportunity to venture beyond Earth's atmosphere. This factor not only drives revenue for space tourism companies but also creates a perception of exclusivity and prestige associated with space travel, further stimulating market demand & growth.
 

High costs inhibit widespread accessibility, limiting the space tourism market's potential for mass adoption. While affluent individuals may afford the hefty price tags associated with space travel, most of the population remains excluded due to financial constraints. This restricts market growth and hampers the industry's ability to reach its full commercial potential. Moreover, without addressing affordability issues, space tourism risks being perceived as an elitist pursuit, hindering broader societal engagement and support for the sector.
 

Space Tourism Market Trends

The space tourism industry is witnessing a notable shift toward collaboration and partnerships between private companies & government space agencies. Such collaborations leverage the expertise and resources of both sectors to accelerate the development of space tourism infrastructure, spacecraft technology, and regulatory frameworks. By working together, these entities aim to overcome challenges more efficiently, expand market reach, and ensure the long-term sustainability & safety of commercial space travel endeavors.
 

For instance, in October 2023, the collaboration between Axiom Space and Prada to develop advanced lunar spacesuits for NASA's Artemis III mission secondarily supports the space tourism market by fostering innovation and enhancing the overall experience of space exploration. By improving comfort and incorporating advanced technologies, the partnership contributes to creating safer & more appealing conditions for future space tourists, thereby stimulating interest and investment in space tourism.
 

Space tourism is increasingly gaining traction as a burgeoning industry, driven by technological advancements, growing investor interest, and rising consumer demand. Companies are expanding their offerings to include diverse space travel experiences, from suborbital flights to lunar missions, catering to the various segments of the market. This evolution reflects a shift toward commercializing space exploration and making it accessible to a wider audience.
 

Space Tourism Market Analysis

Based on altitude, the market is divided into orbital, sub-orbital, and others. The sub-orbital segment accounted for a market share of around 49% in 2023. Sub-orbital space tourism is experiencing a surge in popularity as companies such as Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin offer short-duration flights to the edge of space. This trend reflects a growing demand for immersive space experiences among adventure-seekers and enthusiasts. With advancements in technology and increasing competition driving down costs, sub-orbital space tourism is becoming more accessible, paving the way for a broader market expansion.
 

For instance, in December 2023, the collaboration between NASA's Flight Opportunities program and Blue Origin to test research payloads aboard the New Shepard rocket significantly supports the sub-orbital space tourism market. By demonstrating the safety and reliability of sub-orbital flight conditions, this partnership will enhance public confidence in sub-orbital space travel, potentially increasing demand, and investment in sub-orbital space tourism.
 

Based on end user, the space tourism market is categorized into government, commercial and others. The commercial segment accounted for a market share of around 70% in 2023. Commercial space tourism is rapidly evolving with the emergence of new players and innovative offerings. This trend is characterized by the diversification of space tourism experiences including orbital flights, lunar missions, and potentially interplanetary travel.
 

As competition intensifies, companies are exploring partnerships & collaborations to expand their market presence and cater to the growing demand for unique & adventurous space travel experiences. For instance, in July 2022, Virgin Galactic collaborated with Aurora Flight Sciences to develop next-generation motherships for its rockets. By enhancing the infrastructure necessary for space tourism operations, this partnership aimed to increase the efficiency, reliability & capacity of Virgin Galactic's flights, ultimately contributing to the growth and accessibility of tourism experiences.
 

North America dominated the global space tourism market with a major share of over 39% in 2023. In North America, the market is witnessing a surge in investment and innovation. Companies and startups are developing new spacecraft & technologies as well as engaging in collaborations to cater to the growing demand for space travel experiences. With increasing public interest and support, North America is becoming a hub for space tourism development, driving competition and market expansion in the region.
 

For instance, in June 2023, NASA partnered with seven American companies to improve space capabilities through the Collaborations for Commercial Space Capabilities-2 initiative. These firms including Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, Sierra Space, SpaceX, Special Aerospace Services, ThinkOrbital, and Vast Space aimed to develop commercial space assessments, technology, and data. The objective of this initiative is to propel human spaceflight forward and strengthen the U.S. commercial low-Earth orbit economy.
 

Space Tourism Market Share

SpaceX and Blue Origin Enterprises, L.P. hold a significant market share of over 40% in the anti-submarine warfare systems market. SpaceX dominates the space tourism industry with its Crew Dragon spacecraft, capable of carrying private astronauts to destinations such as the International Space Station (ISS) and beyond. The company's successful launches for NASA's Commercial Crew Program, along with private missions such as Inspiration4, position SpaceX as a leader in providing reliable and accessible space tourism experiences, setting a high standard for competitors.
 

In the space tourism market, Blue Origin offers New Shepard suborbital spacecraft, specializing in high-altitude journeys for travelers seeking weightlessness and stunning Earth vistas. Despite competition from SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin's commitment to safety, affordability & inclusivity establishes it as a formidable player in suborbital space tourism, attracting thrill-seekers and space enthusiasts alike.
 

Space Tourism Market Companies

Major players operating in the space tourism industry are:

• Airbus
• Axiom Space, Inc.
• Blue Origin Enterprises, L.P.
• Rocket Lab USA, Inc.
• Space Adventures, Inc.
• SpaceX
• The Boeing Company
• Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.
• Zero 2 Infinity
• Zero Gravity Corporation
   

Space Tourism Industry News

• In July 2023, SpaceX launched private astronaut missions including those to the International Space Station (ISS) and beyond, via Crew Dragon, bolstering the space tourism industry. By demonstrating the reliability and versatility of its spacecraft for carrying private individuals into space, SpaceX aims to expand the possibilities for commercial space travel, fostering interest, confidence & investment in the space tourism industry.
   
• In October 2023, Axiom Space and the European Space Agency (ESA) entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to investigate potential collaborations in human spaceflight, scientific endeavors, technological advancements & commercial ventures. The MOU seeks to promote the development of science and technology with the possibility of joint initiatives involving Axiom Space's missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and future activities in low-Earth orbit.
   

The space tourism market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue ($Mn) and Number of Visitors from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Space Tourism Market, By Altitude

• Orbital
• Sub-orbital
• Others

Space Tourism Market, By End User

• Government
  • Orbital
  • Sub-orbital
  • Others
• Commercial
  • Orbital
  • Sub-orbital
  • Others
• Others
  • Orbital
  • Sub-orbital
  • Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Singapore
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Rest of MEA