Russia, China and the United States are the only countries capable of manned flights, but a slew of newcomers are entering the scene and forcing Russia to step up its game, SpaceX among them
Russia flaunted its comeback this month dispatching two cosmic adventurers -- Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa and his assistant -- to the International Space Station in its first launch of tourists in 12 years.
Then, last year, billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX barged onto the scene with its first successful ISS mission and NASA dropped Roscosmos.The price tag for one seat -- estimated at $50-60 million -- covers the cost of building the three-person Soyuz spacecraft to shuttle the crew, he said, while a second traveller turns a profit.
Also eager for a cut are Blue Origin of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Virgin Galactic of billionaire Richard Branson. Russia has taken note. It wants to expand offerings, including a spacewalk during an upcoming tourist mission, Loskutov said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia demands NATO leave eastern Europe and stay out of UkraineRussia says it wants a legally binding guarantee that NATO would give up any military activity in Eastern Europe and Ukraine, part of a wish list of security guarantees it wants to negotiate with the West.
Read more »
Widespread cancellations in the United Kingdom ahead of Christmas
Read more »
Russia issues a list of demands to defuse Ukraine tensions
Read more »
Ship to use ‘giant kite’ as part of ‘decarbonisation initiative’
Read more »