Space Tourism Market

The market for sub-orbital tourism is currently becoming more prominent. A May 2002 public opinion poll conducted by Zogby International indicates a large number of people would pay to experience sub-orbital flight. This has been demonstrated as businesspeople and celebrities, such as Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth, have taken extreme steps to experience space flight.

According to Futron's Space Tourism Market Study conducted in 2002, 45 percent of their 200 respondents were interested in taking a sub-orbital trip. Of those interested, the foremost reason given was to do something only a few people had done before or be a "pioneer." Of those surveyed by Futron, the majority were willing to pay between $100,000 and $200,000 for the experience. Demand as forecasted by Futron escalates from 503 passengers in the year 2006 to 1,330 passengers in 2010 up to 15,712 by the year 2021. Recent polls by CNN and the Department of Commerce have shown a significant percentage of those polled - upward of 75 percent - would take a ride into space if given the chance.

In order to secure a significant portion of the space tourism market, Rocketplane has negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with Incredible Adventures and is in negotiations with Space Adventures to offer sub-orbital tourist seats on the XP. Rocketplane has also initiated its own reservation and marketing programs. With the combined efforts of Rocketplane and leading adventure tourism marketing firms, the XP will be a top option among space tourists.