This Round Table discussion delves into the rapidly growing commercial space tourism sector, spotlighting the Chinese company Deep Blue Aerospace, which is now offering suborbital flights at a much lower price than Western rivals like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin. Although the cost is still around $140,000, this marks a significant drop, generating substantial public interest, as seen in a recent Taobao livestream that sold tickets. The conversation distinguishes between suborbital flights—shorter and more affordable trips to the edge of space—and orbital flights, which are longer and pricier, potentially reaching the International Space Station. The panelists discuss the safety measures and training necessary for passengers while debating whether space travel can become accessible to the average person. They recognize the current high costs but remain optimistic about future affordability and broader access.
