Chinese startup Deep Blue Aerospace unveiled its ambitious commercial space tourism initiative on Thursday, announcing plans for its inaugural suborbital manned spacecraft, scheduled to launch in 2027.
Tickets Sold Out Within Minutes
During a live streaming event on China’s e-commerce platform Taobao, the first two tickets for the suborbital journey were snapped up almost instantly. Priced at 1.5 million yuan (approximately $210,500) for a round trip, tickets require a deposit of 50,000 yuan. The company also offered a promotional discount of 500,000 yuan during the event, with additional tickets expected to go on sale next month.
Spacecraft Capable of Reaching 150 Kilometers
The manned spacecraft, launched by Deep Blue’s reusable Nebula-1 rocket, is designed to carry six passengers to altitudes between 100 and 150 kilometers. The approximately 12-minute flight will cross the Karman line—an altitude of 100 kilometers that marks the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. Passengers can look forward to experiencing at least five minutes of weightlessness before landing safely via a parachute system.
Commitment to Safety and Technology
Huo Liang, CEO of Deep Blue Aerospace, emphasized the importance of reusable rockets in making space travel more affordable. He noted that advancements in this technology could eventually lower travel costs to “hundreds of thousands of yuan.”
The company’s pre-sale phase, which spans three years, is driven by a commitment to safety. Huo stated that this period will focus on technology development, testing, and performance optimization to meet stringent safety standards. “Human life is of utmost importance, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone returns safely,” he asserted, revealing that he would also be one of the passengers on the maiden suborbital flight.
Growing Industry Amid Competition
The commercial space tourism sector is still emerging, with notable players such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic at the forefront. Several Chinese companies are also making strides in this field. In May, Beijing-based CAS Space announced plans to launch its first space travel vehicle in 2027, aiming to begin manned flights to the edge of space by 2028.
As the industry develops, Deep Blue Aerospace’s efforts signal a significant step toward making space tourism a reality for those seeking an extraordinary adventure.
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