The industry of astronaut experiences operates at the cutting-edge of technology and human experience, offering one of the most thrilling possibilities of our time - space travel. These companies, such as SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, offer advanced spacecraft for a variety of missions and unique experiences like fully immersive astronaut training programs. Bespoke equipment, fascinating educational programs, and missions to colonize other planets illustrate the forward-thinking nature of this industry. Anticipating unprecedented growth, the industry is targeted at enthusiasts eager to experience the wonder of space firsthand and organizations venturing into astronomical research.


Top 21 Astronaut Experience Companies

1. SpaceX

  • Website: spacex.com
  • Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States
  • Founded: 2002
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Latest funding type: Private Equity
  • LinkedIn

SpaceX is a private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company. It offers advanced rockets and spacecrafts for various missions.


2. Virgin Galactic

  • Website: virgingalactic.com
  • Headquarters: Tustin, California, United States
  • Founded: 2004
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Latest funding type: Post Ipo Equity
  • LinkedIn

Virgin Galactic is the world's first commercial spaceline, connecting people to the love, wonder, and awe created by space travel. They offer fully immersive training programs and provide bespoke spacesuits and boots for astronauts. With their feather technology, the spacecraft combines capsule design and winged vehicles. Virgin Galactic believes that space belongs to everyone and aims to inspire others through their astronauts' journeys.


3. Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre

  • Website: mbrsc.ae
  • Headquarters: Al Khawaneej, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Founded: 2006
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

MBRSC (Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre) is a space technology company based in the UAE. They specialize in missions and projects related to space exploration and research. MBRSC offers services such as satellite programs, training programs for astronauts, and educational programs focused on space science. They are part of the UAE's National Space Programme and aim to establish human colonies on Mars by 2117. MBRSC operates Earth observation satellites and provides imaging and data analysis services to clients worldwide.


4. Adcole Space

  • Website: adcolespace.com
  • Headquarters: Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States
  • Founded: 1957
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Adcole Space is a company that offers products or services related to space technology or space exploration. They may provide innovative solutions for space missions, satellite technology, or astronaut training.


5. AdvancingX

  • Website: advancingx.com
  • Headquarters: Sacramento, California, United States
  • Founded: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

AdvancingX is a company that focuses on training and deploying certified Career Astronaut teams for the space industry. They provide the skills and expertise needed in this highly competitive field.


6. NASTAR Center

NASTAR Center is a recognized leader in orbital and suborbital spaceflight training, offering comprehensive research and aviation services. As the only center authorized by the FAA for this type of training, they provide programs for emergency egress, altitude awareness, hypoxia, and spatial disorientation. Their expertise extends to military aviation and water survival training as well. With FAA approval and cutting-edge facilities, NASTAR Center prepares individuals for space missions and supports the growing space economy.


7. Orbite Inc

Orbit Space is a space training company that offers signature astronaut training and transformative space experiences. They are currently building the world's first Space Gateway Campus to inspire and prepare future generations of space explorers.


8. Space Adventures

  • Website: spaceadventures.com
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Virginia, United States
  • Founded: 1997
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Angel
  • LinkedIn

Space Adventures, Inc. is the world’s premier private spaceflight company, offering opportunities for private citizens to fly to and live in space. Since 1998, they have arranged for private astronauts to experience space travel. They have also provided zero gravity flights and ground-based spaceflight experiences.


9. Astronauts Wanted: No Experience Necessary

Astronauts Wanted is a company that offers services related to space exploration and astronaut training. They provide opportunities for individuals to learn and experience life as an astronaut.


10. Mongolian Aerospace Research and Science Association (MARSA)

Mars-V Project is a think-tank that focuses on the exploration and future colonization of Mars. They also offer Mars-related tourism experiences.


11. ICEE.Space

  • Website: icee.space
  • Headquarters: Leiden, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded: 2022
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

ICEE Space is an international space test, research, and development start-up that offers consultancy services on Analogues Mission Design, MCC Support and Operations, Astronauts Selection and Trainings.


12. Space Affairs

Space-Affairs is a company that offers zero-gravity experiences, space expeditions, and other space-related services.


13. MarsPolar

MarsPolar is a crowd-sourced space initiative looking for angel investors and crowdfunding to fund the establishment of a human colony on Mars. They offer training programs for future astronauts.


14. yuri

  • Website: yurigravity.com
  • Headquarters: Meckenbeuren, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Seed
  • LinkedIn

Yuri Gravity is a space biotech company that leverages microgravity to develop innovative biotech products. They use in-house developed space labs and ground simulators to create tomorrow’s cures.


15. KSF Space

  • Website: ksf.space
  • Headquarters: Las Vegas, Nevada, United Kingdom
  • Founded: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

KSF Space is a non-profit organization that offers affordable satellite solutions, including Cubesat kits and Nanosatellites. They provide certification, training programs, and access to near space missions. Their mission is to enable institutions worldwide to explore and utilize space technology without breaking their budgets.


16. EXA - Ecuadorian Space Agency

  • Website: exa.ec
  • Headquarters: Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador
  • Founded: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

EXA is a civil space agency in Ecuador that offers services related to microgravity flights, satellite monitoring, atmospheric remote sensing and climatic reports.


17. Blue Abyss

  • Website: blueabyss.uk
  • Headquarters: Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom
  • Founded: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

Blue Abyss is a pioneer in extreme environment development, both human and robotic, ranging from the offshore energy industry through to the growing human spaceflight sector and adventure tourism. They offer services related to space exploration, submersibles, and human life science.


18. Sierra Space

  • Website: sierraspace.com
  • Headquarters: Louisville, Colorado (Co), France
  • Founded: 2021
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Latest funding type: Series A
  • LinkedIn

Sierra Space is a commercial space company that is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth. They develop high-performance space components and systems, including rocket engines and propulsion. Sierra Space offers a supportive and upbeat culture where personal contributions have an impact.


19. Saber Astronautics

  • Website: saberastro.com
  • Headquarters: Adelaide, New South Wales, United States
  • Founded: 2008
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

Saber Astronautics is a company specializing in cutting-edge space operations and mission design. They offer a range of services, products, and tutorials related to space operations.


20. Apollo MIS

  • Website: apollov2.com
  • Headquarters: White Plains, New York, United States
  • Founded: 2016
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

ApolloV2 is a company that provides an online platform for booking space missions and other related space services.


21. Valles Marineris International (Private Space Agency)

Valles Marineris International Private Limited is a spacecraft design, analysis, and manufacturing company. They offer launch services for commercial and academia payloads destined for various earth orbits and provide cost-effective solutions based on microsatellite and cubesat technology.


Want to find more astronaut experience companies?


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