What to Expect on a Commercial Space Tour

So you’ve booked your flight—now what? Whether you’re flying with Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, or Axiom Space, here’s a breakdown of what to expect on a space tour.

Pre-Launch

• Medical screening and final checks
• Team bonding and final briefings
• Flight suit fitting and photo ops
• Countdown and boarding procedures

The Launch

• Virgin Galactic: Carried up by a mothership, then released to rocket skyward
• Blue Origin: Launched vertically atop the New Shepard rocket
• SpaceX / Axiom: Traditional vertical rocket launch with NASA-style prep

In Space

• Weightlessness: Float freely for several minutes (suborbital) or enjoy days in zero-G (orbital)
• Earth Views: Gaze at the curvature, stars, and black sky
• Cabin Activities: Take photos, perform flips, or even conduct microgravity experiments

Return and Recovery

• Controlled descent and landing (capsule or runway)
• Debriefing and celebration
• Media moments and memory keepsakes

Want to compare different types of flights? Check out our guides to Suborbital Flights.