Space Travel Is Here: Your Guide to Private Spaceflight Experiences
Cindi Sanden
The Final Frontier Is No Longer Just for Astronauts
For decades, space travel was reserved for government-trained astronauts and a handful of billionaire pioneers. That chapter is closing. Today, private spaceflight is a real, bookable experience — and through our Expedition Department at Awaken Travels, we can guide you to the stars.
Whether you are drawn to the peaceful contemplation of watching Earth from the stratosphere or the full-throttle exhilaration of orbiting the planet, there is now a pathway that fits your sense of adventure, your comfort level, and your goals.
Here is what is available right now.
Three Pathways to Space
1. Stratospheric Balloon Flight
Altitude: 25–35 km above Earth Duration: Several hours aloft Training: None required
This is the most gentle and contemplative way to experience near-space. You ascend to the stratosphere in a pressurized capsule suspended beneath a massive balloon. While you do not technically cross the Kármán line (the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 km), the visual experience is stunning.
Imagine hours of uninterrupted, panoramic views of Earth against the infinite blackness of space — with no G-forces, no roaring engines, and no physical fitness requirements. It is a deeply personal, almost meditative experience that is accessible to nearly anyone.
2. Suborbital Spaceflight
Altitude: 80–100 km above Earth Duration: Several minutes of weightlessness Training: Minimal preparation
This is the most accessible form of true human spaceflight available today. Your vehicle reaches the edge of space — crossing the Kármán line — and for a few extraordinary minutes, you experience real weightlessness while gazing at the curve of Earth below.
Suborbital flights have minimal physical requirements and require little to no formal training, making them ideal for travelers who want a genuine space experience without the commitment of an orbital mission.
3. Orbital Spaceflight
Altitude: 300–400 km above Earth Duration: Several days in orbit Training: Extensive astronaut-level preparation
This is the real deal — the most advanced and immersive space experience available to private individuals. You enter low Earth orbit, circling the planet at roughly 17,500 mph, and remain in space for several days. You will experience 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.
The preparation is significant, involving weeks or months of training similar to what professional astronauts undergo. But for those who pursue it, orbital spaceflight is truly transformational — the pinnacle of private human adventure.
What Does It Cost?
Space travel is a significant investment. As a broad guide, experiences typically start from around USD ,000 for near-space balloon flights and can range into the tens of millions of dollars for orbital missions. Pricing depends on the type of flight, mission profile, level of training, and degree of private customization required.
All options are available for booking now, with quotes provided by suppliers on a case-by-case basis.
Beyond Space: The Expedition Collection
Space travel is just one facet of our growing Expedition Department. We are also proud to offer an extraordinary range of land, sea, and air-based bespoke expeditions, including:
- Private yacht expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic
- Expert-led wildlife journeys across Africa, the Galápagos, and beyond
- Cultural and conservation experiences in remote communities worldwide
- Extreme adventure expeditions to deserts, polar regions, and uncharted territories
Our first edition of The Expedition Collection showcases the variety and scope of the bespoke journeys we can design — from serene ocean crossings to adrenaline-fueled frontier adventures.
How We Help
Our role is simple but essential: we guide you through the options, assess your readiness and interest, and curate the right pathway based on your personal goals, comfort level, and appetite for adventure.
This is not a catalog purchase. It begins with a confidential conversation about what excites you, what questions you have, and what kind of experience you are envisioning. From there, we work with our expedition partners to design and price a journey that is uniquely yours.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you are seriously considering a spaceflight or simply curious about what is now possible, we would love to talk. Start planning your journey with a complimentary, no-obligation consultation — and let us help you reach for the extraordinary.
