China is preparing to enter the global space-tourism market with an ambitious initiative offering suborbital flights at a far lower price than American companies such as SpaceX or Blue Origin. Details of the new program will be presented at the upcoming China High-Tech Fair in Shenzhen by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
Tourists will be taken to the Kármán line
The planned missions will use reusable rockets and spacecraft to carry passengers to an altitude of around 100 km — the internationally recognized boundary of outer space. Travellers will experience several minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth.
The cost of a space ticket
According to Securities Times, prices will start at 1 million yuan (≈ 130,000 €).
By comparison, U.S. orbital tourism can cost tens of millions, with some estimates reaching 55 million dollars per trip.
Other Chinese players entering the market
Several private firms are also developing their own programs:
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Deep Blue Aerospace has already sold two tickets for a 2027 suborbital flight priced at 1.5 million yuan, promising around 12 minutes of microgravity.
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In May, an 80-year-old Chinese engineer became the oldest future space tourist registered for a private mission scheduled for 2028.
China boosts commercial space development
Authorities in Guangdong Province announced support for companies working on satellite constellations, space mining technologies, and tourism-related projects.
Ma Xiaoqi of Space Circling believes China can challenge American dominance: increased launch frequency and cheaper reusable engines will make space tourism more accessible.