Top Space Tourism Companies

The global space tourism market is expected to be boosted by growing investments in space technology R&D and increasing privatization of the space industry. Rising consumer interest in space travel and increasing affordability of space travel are also creating new business scope for space tourism companies in the long run. Rapid commercialization of space travel and spacecraft backed by innovative new startups and private companies is also slated to boost market development. North America is slated to be the most rewarding region due to presence of multiple space tourism startups and strong government backing for space innovation.

Industry Overview

According to SkyQuest Technology “Space Tourism Market By End User (Commercial, Government), By Tourism Type (Stratospheric, Suborbital), By Tour Type (Individual Travel, Professional Groups), By Region - Industry Forecast 2025-2032,” Global space tourism market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 40.6% by 2032, as more people take interest in space travel through private companies and startups. The innovation of reusable rockets for space travel by SpaceX is a key factor helping create new business scope for space tourism companies. Increasing partnerships between new companies and government agencies are also slated to play a crucial role in boosting revenue for market players over the coming years.

Top 10 Global Space Tourism Companies

1. Voyager Space

The company’s strong emphasis on space infrastructure and in-orbit operations is allowing it to emerge as a trailblazer.  The company operates through several subsidiaries, such as Nanoracks, which played a critical role in developing modules for the International Space Station (ISS). With plans to co-develop “Starlab,” a private space station in collaboration with Airbus, Voyager Space aims to revolutionize commercial human spaceflight. The company is focused on building sustainable space environments for tourism, research, and long-term habitation that make space tourism more viable for everyone.

2. Airbus

Airbus is popularly known as one of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers and it has expanded its expertise in the commercial space industry as well. The company is expanding its expertise in space tourism through projects such as the European Service Module for NASA’s Orion spacecraft and its partnership with Voyager Space for “Starlab” underscores its commitment to advancing commercial space infrastructure. Airbus leverages its expertise in engineering, safety systems, and life-support technologies to help enable future space tourism. Sustainable spacecraft design and modular systems are at the heart of innovation at Airbus in the future.

3. Astra Space

Astra Space is making a name for itself through small-scale orbital launches and propulsion systems. The prime focus of this new organization to make space travel more accessibel and affordable. Astra Space’s Rocket 3 and upcoming Rocket 4 platforms are designed to offer flexible and rapid launch capabilities for small payloads. The company’s long-term vision entails enabling orbital tourism by supporting low-Earth orbit (LEO) infrastructure and transportation. Innovative engineering and cost-efficient manufacturing are slated to play a highly essential role in how Astra Space emerges as a key company in space tourism.

4. SpaceX

Founded by the billionaire visionary Elon Musk the company has become a pioneer in reusable rocket technology. SpaceX is also developing its next-generation Starship vehicle designed for deep space travel and future Mars colonization. SpaceX’s relentless pursuit of innovation has positioned it as one of the most essential companies in driving the evolution of orbital tourism and long-duration private missions. The company has redefined the economics of commercial space launches through its innovative reusable rockets that are being used by the government as well as private space companies.

5. Blue Origin

Blue Origin is one of the top companies operating in the suborbital space tourism industry. The company’s flagship rocket, New Shepard, is designed for crewed suborbital flights, offering passengers a few minutes of weightlessness and a stunning view of Earth from space. Blue Origin is also working with NASA to develop the New Glenn rocket for orbital missions and a lunar lander under NASA’s Artemis program. The company has been flying multiple commercial astronauts and celebrities, which makes it one of the most known companies in the industry for civilian spaceflights.

6. Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic is one of the first companies to envision commercial suborbital space tourism in the early 2000s. Virgin’s emphasis on safety, accessibility, and luxury experiences is helping make space tourism a popular adventure for the masses. Virgin Galactic is actively investing in the R&D of next-generation spaceplanes that will enhance performance, reduce turnaround times, and expand flight frequency for its commercial space operations. The company has been offering short-duration spaceflights to paying passengers, allowing them to experience microgravity and observe Earth’s curvature from the edge of space.

7. Axiom Space

AxiomSpace is making a name for itself in the industry through commercial space station development. The company conducts private astronaut missions to the International Space Station in partnership with NASA and SpaceX, offering training, logistics, and mission management. The company aims to be the first to build the world’s commercial space station, with plans of it being attached to the ISS before becoming independent. The scale at which Axiom is planning to innovate makes it a key enabler of space tourism in the long run on a global level.

8. Boeing

Boeing’s reputation as one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world, makes it a key contender in the space tourism business. The company’s extensive expertise in spacecraft systems, crew safety, and propulsion enables it to play a pivotal role in shaping the infrastructure required for commercial space tourism. Boeing’s partnership with NASA and other space firms underscore its importance in the future of space tourism.  The company’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is designed to transport astronauts and potentially private citizens to the International Space Station and beyond.

9. Space Perspective

Space Perspective takes a unique approach to space tourism by using high-altitude balloon technology rather than rockets. With growing emphasis on sustainability, the company is expected to stand out as a outright innovator in a very competitive space tourism industry. Most of the company’s offerings utilize renewable hydrogen and promote carbon-neutral operations, which also help Space Perspective stay competitive in the market for a long term. Its “Spaceship Neptune” capsule provides passengers with a luxurious six-hour journey to the edge of space, reaching altitudes of about 100,000 feet.

10. Orbital Assembly Corporation

Orbital Assembly Corporation (OAC) is slated to emerge as a top name in the development of space-based infrastructure for tourism and habitation.  The company differentiates itself through large-scale orbital construction, robotics, and sustainable life-support systems. By merging advanced aerospace engineering with hospitality design, Orbital Assembly Corporation envisions making extended stays in orbit both practical and comfortable. OAC’s flagship project, “Pioneer Station,” aims to become the first rotating space hotel featuring artificial gravity, modular living areas, and recreational facilities for long-term visitors.

Other Leading Global Space Tourism Companies

• Sierra Space
• Roscosmos
• Nanoracks
• Zero 2 Infinity
• Bigelow Aerospace

Conclusion

The global space tourism market is anticipated to expand at a robust CAGR, but is still constrained by certain factors such as high costs of spaceflights and safety challenges. Space tourism companies are focusing on developing sustainable and reusable technologies to help maximize their business scope on a global level. North America and Europe are slated to be the top hubs for innovation, owing to the presence of already established aerospace innovation centers. Commercialization of the space industry is also a key enabler for space tourism businesses looking to expand their revenue generation potential across the study period and beyond.