World's first space travel agent launches, offering zero-gravity holidays in orbit from $350,000

The world's first 'space travel agent' has launched after increased demand from budding astronauts wanting to travel to outer space. Photo / 123RF

The world's first "space travel agent" has launched after increased demand from budding astronauts.

The service will arrange flights, accommodation and even entertainment packages for the public with prices ranging from US$250,000 ($358,000) to $791,666 ($1.1 million).

However, bookings for trips will only be confirmed once space holidays become available to holidaymakers. At the moment they aren't, though a hotel is due in earth's orbit that will open in 2021.

The space travel agent has been launched though online marketplace bark.com, which spotted an increase in space travel inquiries.

It has launched the service now so potential passengers can register their interest before holidays become available.

When they are available to book, bark.com will contact all of those who have registered interest to confirm their place on one of the trips, with all packages having a minimum 14-day stay.

Kai Feller, co-founder of bark.com, said: "We were initially surprised to see so many enquiries through the site for space travel agents, but news of the first space hotel made us realise there is a gap in the market for this service.

"Being an astronaut is a childhood dream for so many people and while it's not always attainable for everyone because it's quite a difficult profession to get in to, this gives people the chance to experience it for a few weeks at leisure."

California-based firm Orion Span announced that the first-ever luxury "space hotel" will be in orbit within four years. Photo / Orion Span

News of the travel agency comes just weeks after California-based firm Orion Span announced that the first-ever luxury "space hotel" will be in orbit within four years, and able to welcome passengers within five years.

But a stay won't come cheap. The firm is charging space tourists $9.5 million ($13.5 million) for a 12-day visit.

The experience will allow guests to test out zero gravity and gaze upon stunning views of Earth, as well as witness an average of 16 sunrises and sunsets a day.

The space hotel, dubbed Aurora Station, will house six people at any one time - four paying passengers and two crew.

Orion Span was founded by Frank Bunger, now the CEO, and the company claims its mission is to 'build and sustain human communities in space accessible to all'.