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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.