Space News thread

[David48atTD]

NASA opens International Space Station to visitors



You've heard about the International Space Station for years. Want to visit?

Key points:

• Accommodations will run for about $US35,000 per night for trips of up to 30 days long
• Travellers don't need to be a US citizen, people from other countries are be eligible as long as they fly on a US-operated rocket
• Depending on the market, the agency will allow up to two visitors per year, for now

NASA announced that the orbiting outpost is now open for business to private citizens, with the first visit expected to be as early as next year.

There is a catch, though: You'll need to raise your own cash, and it won't be cheap.

Travellers likely will pay an estimated $US58 million ($83 million) for a round-trip ticket.
And accommodations will run about $US35,000 per night, for trips of up to 30 days, NASA chief financial officer Jeff DeWit said.

"But it won't come with any Hilton or Marriott points," Mr DeWit said during a news conference at Nasdaq in New York City.

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