India’s Journey to the Stars: The Rise of Space Tourism

India’s space tourism journey is gaining momentum, starting with Gopi Thotakura's historic 2022 flight as the nation’s first space tourist. With ISRO's ambitious Gaganyaan mission targeting human spaceflight by 2025-26 and plans for reusable suborbital modules by 2030, India is aligning with rapid global growth in space tourism. Challenges like high costs and safety remain, but advancements in technology and collaboration between public and private sectors are paving the way. By 2040, India aims to land astronauts on the Moon, solidifying its space legacy.

Imagine stepping into a futuristic craft, ascending high above Earth’s surface until you reach the boundary of space itself. The vastness of the cosmos unfolds before your eyes, and for the first time, you see our planet in its entirety—a glowing blue orb suspended in a dark, infinite expanse. You float weightlessly, free from the pull of gravity, as you take in the breathtaking view of continents, swirling clouds, and the shimmering lights of cities at night. This once-unimaginable experience is no longer the domain of astronauts alone. The era of space tourism has arrived, and India is ready to take part in this cosmic adventure.

India’s First Space Tourist: A Trailblazer

On May 19, 2022, an Indian aviator named Gopi Thotakura etched his name into history as India’s first space tourist. Boarding a Blue Origin spacecraft, Thotakura’s journey to space lasted only about 10 minutes, but its impact was profound. “Movies do a fantastic job,” he said of the experience, “but what the naked eye can see, you have to experience yourself.”

Thotakura became the second Indian to cross Earth’s atmosphere, following astronaut Rakesh Sharma’s historic mission in 1984. His achievement not only highlighted India’s growing presence in the global space community but also underscored the potential of private space travel. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, is one of several private companies transforming space tourism into a reality.

The Global Race for Space Tourism

The space tourism industry is heating up, with major players like Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic pushing the limits of technology and imagination. Virgin Galactic has already conducted seven commercial flights, with plans to introduce next-generation spacecraft by 2026. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has gone even further, sending private astronauts into orbit at altitudes three times higher than the International Space Station (ISS).

Even China is joining the race. Deep Blue Aerospace, a Chinese launch startup, is aiming to offer suborbital tourism flights by 2027 using reusable rockets. The global competition is fierce, but it’s also driving innovation and accessibility in the space tourism market.

Space Tourism in Numbers

The market for space tourism is growing at an astronomical pace. It was valued at $1.17 billion in 2024, increased to $1.36 billion in 2025, and is projected to soar to $5.27 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.2%. Companies are not only competing on price but also offering increasingly customizable experiences for space travelers, such as choosing flight paths or onboard activities.

India’s Vision for Space Tourism

India is not just observing this global trend—it’s preparing to lead. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is laying the groundwork for a space tourism program that could launch suborbital flights by the 2030s. Central to this vision is the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight program, which aims to send astronauts into low Earth orbit by 2025 or 2026.

According to ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, India’s space tourism module will be both safe and reusable, with ticket prices estimated to be around ₹6 crore per person. These short suborbital trips will allow participants to experience weightlessness and view Earth from space. “People who take these trips,” Somanath noted, “will even be able to call themselves astronauts.”

India’s ambitions don’t stop there. The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), approved in 2023, is designed to support not only human spaceflight but also commercial missions and interplanetary exploration. These advancements will enable India to reduce launch costs significantly, making space travel more accessible in the future.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite the excitement, space tourism faces significant challenges. The cost of tickets remains prohibitively high, limiting access to an elite few. For example, Virgin Galactic charges around $450,000 per person, while SpaceX’s orbital flights can cost tens of millions of dollars. Safety is another critical concern. In 2014, a Virgin Galactic test flight ended in tragedy when a spacecraft broke apart mid-air, highlighting the risks of human space travel.

Pawan Kumar Chandana, CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, emphasizes that reducing costs and ensuring safety are key to making space tourism viable for the masses. Skyroot is developing the Vikram-1 rocket, which could play a pivotal role in India’s space tourism efforts. “Mass production, frequent launches, and reusable technology are essential,” Chandana explains.

India’s Road to the Stars

India’s commitment to space tourism is part of a broader vision for space exploration. By 2040, ISRO aims to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon. This ambitious goal reflects the rapid advancements in India’s space capabilities, driven by both public and private sector efforts.

Awais Ahmed, CEO of Pixxel, believes that India is well-positioned to become a global leader in space travel. “Programs like Gaganyaan are laying the foundation for human spaceflight,” he says. “India’s private space sector is also driving innovation, complementing government initiatives and accelerating progress.”

A New Frontier for India

As the space tourism industry continues to evolve, India is carving out its place in this exciting new frontier. The journey from Thotakura’s 10-minute flight to a future where ordinary citizens can explore space may still be long, but the foundations are being laid. With advancements in technology, collaboration between public and private sectors, and a bold vision for the future, India is poised to make its mark among the stars.

Space tourism is not just about the thrill of adventure; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and our eternal curiosity about the universe. For India, the journey has only just begun.