There is so much that has been released recently regarding what’s next in Space Travel. This website below talks about 15 big missions that are coming in the future, but I am only going to mention a few that are directly relevant to Space travel in the next decade.
1. Mars Rover Launch by NASA 2020
The first one is set to launch in July next year (2020). NASA will launch a Rover towards Mars. The destination is Mars’ Jezero Crater with the rover expecting the land early 2021. The mission is planned to last a Mars year, approximately 687 Earth days but if there is any indication from previous missions, this could be extended. Unlike past Rovers, this one has a better wheel design and has drilling capabilities so that samples of soil and rocks can be collected and examined.
This mission could lead to a better understanding of Mars which could lead to the possible inhabitancy of this planet by people.
2. Roscosmos Begins Offering Space Tours (2021)
This next one has got me very excited. This Russian agency has partnered with Space Adventures to create a new tourist destination in Space and also plans to turn an old International Space Station into a luxury hotel. This hotel will have private cabins with huge windows, exercise equipment and even WIFi capabilities. Sounds amazing right? The only downside is that a stay at this hotel will cost you around $40 million per person for a 2 week stay! So as fun as a trip to space sounds for your next holiday, unless you have a spare $40 million lying around, you might have to wait until space holidays become more mainstream… and cheaper!
3. SpaceX Launches a Mission to Mars (2022)
SpaceX has been a big part of popular media for a while now as it works towards new and innovative Space Missions in the future. One specific mission is the Unmanned SpaceX mission to Mars set to launch in 2022. The aim of this mission is to confirm water sources, identify hazards, and put in place initial power, mining and life support infrastructure. All this sounds like SpaceX is preparing for the future of living in Space. There are also future plans for manned Space Missions but these are currently goals for the company and not in the works.
4. SpaceX's First Moon Tourism Trip (2023)
SpaceX is at it again with a tourism trip to the moon in 2023. Japanese Yusaku Maezawa will be the first passenger on this mission. It will be SpaceX’s first private passenger shuttle to fly around the moon. However, currently the future of this mission is unknown for a few reasons. The rocket for this mission hasn’t even been built yet so it’s not 100% certain that this trip will happen by 2023. The other reason is that Yusaku Maezawa is broke and doesn’t know if he can afford to be the first passenger for this mission. Hopefully this mission goes ahead because it will most likely pave the way for future tourism missions.
Let me know what you’re most excited for in the comments below, or on Twitter!