Space Tourism Update: Spaceport Planned for Singapore

Space Adventures Ltd, the company that took the world’s first three space tourists to the International Space Station, is working with a consortium in Singapore on a $115 million base to launch rockets for suborbital flights.

“The commercial possibilities of space tourism are enormous,” Nick Marrett, founder of Octtane and member of the consortium said. “We are tremendously excited about working with Singapore on this innovative project that will bring space tourism to the public.”

Unlike the base in the UAE, Spaceport Singapore will not only offer suborbital spaceflights, but run astronaut training facilities and a public education and interactive visitor center. “This world-class center will provide a mix of commercial, educational and tourist attractions, giving everyone a reason to visit,” Michael Lyon, managing director of the Spaceport Singapore project said.

Experiences available will include various aspects of astronaut training such as parabolic flights that allow passengers to experience weightlessness, G-force training in a centrifuge, and simulated space walks in a neutral buoyancy tank. Visitors will be able to fly in a variety of jet aircraft, ride flight simulators, enjoy interactive exhibit experiences, or simply learn about the history and technology of space travel.

“We identified Singapore as an ideal location for a spaceport as it has the right combination of foresight, entrepreneurialism and technological sophistication to support a project such as this,” Lyon said.

“Singapore is one of the best-connected countries in the world,” Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures said. “With its superior geographical and economic infrastructure, {Singapore} is primed to be the hub of a new, revolutionary form of travel — in space.”

Marrett added, “Singapore will continue its tradition of leading the world as a global transport hub for the 21st century with shipping, aviation and now, space travel.”

The Singapore Tourism Board has been involved with this project for the past three years, facilitating technical discussions with other agencies required for this project and bridging negotiations over possible land sites.

“Space Adventures and the consortium have given Singapore a big vote of confidence as a choice tourism investment location,” Lim Neo Chian, deputy chairman and chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, said. “With the proposed Spaceport Singapore, we now stand at the threshold of an unprecedented opportunity to launch into space practically from our own backyard. In addition, the Spaceport’s integrated training, educational and entertainment facilities will open up many exciting experiences for both locals and tourists.”

According to Anderson, “Countries around the world are only just realizing the enormous commercial possibilities of space tourism. The market potential for suborbital spaceflights alone is estimated at $1 billion (USD) annually.”

The consortium supporting Spaceport Singapore is a combination of commercial, research, entertainment and tourist interests. Joining with Space Adventures in this venture, are Octtane Pte, Batey Pte Ltd., Lyon Capital Inc., DP Architects, ST Medical, KPMG Corporate Finance, and Space Adventures’ global spaceport development partner, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.

For more information on Spaceport Singapore, visit www.spaceportsingapore.com.

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As The Genre Traveler, Carma Spence loves to view the world through Genre-Coloured glasses. In other words, she sees the world through a lens of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, where trash cans can be Daleks in disguise and neighborhood forests can harbor faeries and sprites. Magic realism is real! Or at least you can choose to see the world that way to add to the fun and awe of life.