Ctrip Lists Virgin Galactic Space Tickets at 5.1 Million Yuan Per Person for 2027
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chinese travel platform Ctrip has launched sales of Virgin Galactic space travel tickets priced at 5.1 million yuan per person for voyages scheduled in 2027, representing the most expensive space tourism product currently available through public channels in mainland China . The six-day journey departs from Las Cruces, New Mexico, with the first four days dedicated to spaceflight training before the actual launch on day five . The Ctrip page initially displayed 681 bookings, which the platform later clarified represented Virgin Galactic's global cumulative orders, while only 2 reservations were actually received through Ctrip Honghu . Customers placing orders now must pay a non-refundable deposit of 150,000 US dollars and will not travel alongside the earlier batch of travelers . Virgin Galactic's previous VSS Unity spacecraft retired after its final commercial flight in June 2024, with the company now advancing its next-generation Delta-class spaceships and rescheduling commercial operations to February 2027 .
Key Points
- Each ticket costs 5.1 million yuan (RMB), making it the priciest space tourism product on mainland China's public market
- The six-day itinerary requires travelers to cover airfare, visa, and insurance costs separately beyond the 5.1 million yuan
- Training takes place over the first four days at the New Mexico spaceport in Las Cruces, with the space launch on day five
- A deposit of 150,000 US dollars is required, with no refunds provided if the booking is cancelled
- Virgin Galactic's legacy VSS Unity retired in June 2024, and the Delta-class spacecraft timeline has slipped to February 2027
Why It Matters
This listing signals that high-net-worth Chinese consumers now have direct access to commercial space travel through mainstream travel platforms, potentially reshaping luxury tourism expectations . The significant deposit requirement and extended timeline highlight both the exclusivity and financial commitment involved in space tourism, while delays in Virgin Galactic's program underscore the technical challenges still facing the industry .
This listing signals that high-net-worth Chinese consumers now have direct access to commercial space travel through mainstream travel platforms, potentially reshaping luxury tourism expectations . The significant deposit requirement and extended timeline highlight both the exclusivity and financial commitment involved in space tourism, while delays in Virgin Galactic's program underscore the technical challenges still facing the industry .