Ever since I was a small kid astronomy and the stars were always very interesting to me.  In fact, astronomy was my second choice as an occupation if I didn’t get into computers.  Well, I’ve been keeping up to date on space tourism since the first commercial space launch brought the first space tourist into space.  When this happened I thought it was a world changing event.

This coming Monday, Virgin Galactic will be announcing the individual who will be Australia’s first space tourist.  The lucky tourist paid $200,000 for the ticket to travel into space – something I would love to experience once in my lifetime.  I’m hopeful the prices for these space travel tickets will decrease dramatically in the next few decades so I can get my chance of traveling into space.  Without a doubt, the market for space tourism is in demand as one article states the company reported last year that well in excess of 200 people have already paid to be a passenger on these space flights.  We are entering into some exciting times as the beginning of commercial space travel for regular people like you and me is becoming more widespread.  Here we come Star Trek!!!

Here’s some info on Virgin Galactic:

Virgin Galactic is the world’s first spaceline. Giving you the groundbreaking opportunity to become one of the first ever non-professional astronauts. Virgin Galactic will own and operate its privately built spaceships, modelled on the remarkable, history-making SpaceShipOne.