Recreational Space Travel Market Report 2026

The recreational space travel market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.43 billion in 2025 to $1.69 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early private sector involvement in spaceflight, advancements in reusable rocket technologies, rising interest in experiential luxury travel, initial regulatory approvals for commercial space missions, participation of high-net-worth individuals.

The recreational space travel market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.26 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing commercialization of space travel, rising investments in private space companies, expanding infrastructure for spaceports, growing demand for orbital tourism, advancements in spacecraft cost efficiency. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of reusable spacecraft systems, rising demand for suborbital tourism flights, growing investment in passenger safety and training programs, expansion of private spaceflight infrastructure, enhanced focus on luxury space travel experiences.

The growing interest in space exploration is expected to drive the expansion of the recreational space travel market in the coming years. Space exploration involves the scientific investigation and discovery of outer space through human and robotic missions. This rising interest is largely fueled by the potential for scientific discoveries to enhance our understanding of the origins of the universe, the formation of planets, and the possibilities for life beyond Earth. As curiosity about space increases, more individuals are motivated to participate in space travel experiences, inspired by a sense of adventure and the opportunity to personally engage with the wonders of outer space, thereby boosting demand for recreational space trips. For example, in July 2025, the Space Foundation, a US-based nonprofit advocacy organization, reported that the global space economy reached a record value of $613 billion in 2024, driven by strong growth across the commercial space sector. Consequently, the increasing interest in space exploration is propelling growth in the recreational space travel market.

Major companies in the recreational space travel market are focusing on innovative approaches such as suborbital flights for private astronauts to expand access to space and inspire future generations. These suborbital flights briefly cross the boundary of space, offering participants the experience of weightlessness and extraordinary views of Earth. They not only make space travel more accessible but also foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while providing unique educational and recreational opportunities. For example, in November 2024, Blue Origin, LLC, a U.S.-based aerospace and spaceflight company, conducted its 28th mission of the New Shepard program (NS-28), marking its ninth human spaceflight. The mission, launched from West Texas, carried six crew members, including two astronauts who had previously flown with the New Shepard program. This mission highlighted the importance of STEAM education and inspiring future generations, with participants involved in diverse initiatives such as outreach programs, STEM advocacy, and educational media. During the flight, crew members experienced several minutes of weightlessness, stunning views of Earth from space, and the excitement of a fully automated suborbital launch and landing, showcasing Blue Origin’s continued advancements in reusable rocket technology and commercial spaceflight.

In July 2025, Eos X Space S.L., a Spain-based manufacturing company, acquired Space Perspective Inc. for an undisclosed sum. Through this acquisition, Eos X Space S.L. seeks to revive and expand balloon-based stratospheric tourism by merging European ambition with U.S. expertise. The company plans to develop high-altitude travel infrastructure in Florida and California while offering travel professionals distinctive, luxury experiences for clients seeking exclusive journeys to the edge of space. Space Perspective Inc., based in the U.S., is a space tourism company specializing in advanced balloon capsules designed for stratospheric sightseeing, providing calm, extended flights to altitudes of nearly 100,000 feet, where passengers can witness Earth’s curvature and the darkness of space.

Major companies operating in the recreational space travel market are Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc., Blue Origin L.P., Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Axiom Space Inc., Space Adventures Inc., HALO Space S.L., Zephalto SAS, World View Enterprises Inc., Zero 2 Infinity S.L., PD Aerospace Ltd., Orion Span Inc., Orbital Assembly Corporation, RocketBreaks Ltd., Space Perspective Inc., EOS-X Space, Inspiration4 Foundation, Bigelow Aerospace, Celestis Inc., SpaceVIP, AstroForge Travel.

North America was the largest region in the recreational space travel market in 2025. The regions covered in the recreational space travel market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the recreational space travel market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The recreational space travel market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as space station visits or stays, zero-gravity experiences, astronaut training and pre-flight experiences, media and entertainment services from space, and associated luxury services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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