Chinese aerospace startup Deep Blue Aerospace revealed its ambitious plans for commercial space tourism, announcing the launch of its first suborbital spacecraft for passengers by 2027. The company’s vision for this space travel venture drew instant interest, with the initial tickets selling out during a live streaming event on China’s popular e-commerce site, Taobao.
First Tickets Sold Out, Demand High
During the live stream, the first two tickets sold out immediately, underscoring the high demand for space travel in China. Priced at 1.5 million yuan (about $210,500) per round trip, each ticket includes a 50,000-yuan deposit. Early buyers enjoyed a discount of 500,000 yuan, with additional tickets set to become available next month.
The Spacecraft and Unique Flight Experience
The company’s spacecraft, which will launch on the reusable Nebula-1 rocket, is designed to carry six passengers up to an altitude of 100-150 kilometers. The journey will take passengers past the Karman line—the official boundary of outer space, 100 kilometers above sea level. During the 12-minute experience, travelers will have the extraordinary chance to experience at least five minutes of weightlessness before a safe return, guided by an advanced parachute system.
Deep Blue Aerospace’s CEO on Space Access and Cost Efficiency
Deep Blue Aerospace CEO Huo Liang underscored the significance of reusable rockets in making space travel more accessible. He noted that with further advancements, the cost of space tourism could drop to hundreds of thousands of yuan, bringing suborbital travel within reach for more enthusiasts. This pre-sale phase, he explained, reflects the company’s commitment to safety, allowing time to refine technology and conduct extensive testing. “Human life is paramount,” Huo emphasized, adding that each spacecraft will undergo hundreds of safety tests, with Huo himself planning to join an early flight.
China’s Growing Role in the Global Space Tourism Industry
Though in its infancy, the commercial space travel industry is rapidly growing, with American companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic currently at the forefront. Several Chinese firms are also entering the race; in May, CAS Space, a Beijing-based rocket company, announced plans for its own space tourism launch in 2027 and the start of manned space journeys by 2028.
With these developments, China’s aerospace sector is poised to make space tourism a reality for the region, adding significant momentum to the global space travel race.