In 2026, space is no longer the “Final Frontier”; it is the newest asset class. With the maturation of the SpaceX Starship architecture and the regular cadence of Blue Origin’s New Shepard, access to space has bifurcated into two distinct markets: the “Experience Economy” (Suborbital) and the “Infrastructure Economy” (Orbital/Lunar).

However, the publicized “Ticket Price” is a deceptive metric. It fails to account for the massive logistical tail required to put a civilian into orbit safely. Specialized Lloyds of London insurance policies, hypoxia training, custom-fitted IVA suits, and medical evacuation contingencies add millions to the bottom line. At CostsAZ.com, we have built the definitive calculator for the private astronaut.

Section 1: Suborbital vs. Orbital (The Price Gap)

The market is defined by Delta-V (change in velocity).

Tier 1: Suborbital (The 11-Minute Experience)

Providers like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic offer a vertical or air-launched hop past the Kármán Line (100km).

Cost: $450,000 – $1.2 Million.

Training: 2-3 Days onsite. Minimal physical requirements.

Tier 2: Orbital (The 10-Day Expedition)

This is true spaceflight. You are traveling at 17,500 mph (28,000 km/h). Providers like SpaceX (Dragon) and Axiom Space arrange missions to the ISS or free-flying orbits.

Cost: $55 Million – $65 Million (Seat Price).

Training: 16 weeks at NASA/SpaceX facilities. rigorous medicals.

Section 2: The Hidden Costs of Orbit

Buying the seat is only step one. The supporting infrastructure is where budgets balloon.

• Insurance: High-Net-Worth Individual (HNWI) life insurance excludes spaceflight. Specialized policies charge premiums of 5-10% of the sum assured. For a $50M policy, that is a $5M premium.
• Training (NASTAR): Centrifuge training to withstand 6G forces is mandatory for orbital flight. The NASTAR Center in Pennsylvania charges premium rates for civilian astronaut certification.
• Supply Chain (ISS): NASA charges private astronauts for “Life Support & Supplies” on the ISS. In 2026, the rate is approx. $35,000 per person, per day for food, air, and data.

Section 3: The Spaceport Geography

Location dictates logistics. Launching from the equator (Kourou) offers physics advantages, but most private missions launch from the US.

Kennedy Space Center (Florida): The premium hub for SpaceX Dragon.

Starbase (Boca Chica, Texas): The home of Starship. Rugged, industrial, and strictly for the bold.

Corn Ranch (West Texas): Blue Origin’s private desert facility. Luxury glamping meets rocketry.

Section 4: Medical Clearance

The FAA requires Class 2 medicals for suborbital participants, but Orbital missions require stringent cardiovascular screening. Disqualifying conditions can be mitigated with waivers, but this involves a team of private flight surgeons, costing upwards of $100,000 in retainers.

Section 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)