Book a Trip to Outerspace

We can’t help but wonder how your passport gets stamped when you travel to outer space. At any rate, USA Today is reporting that some people’s dreams of space travel are closer than ever. So close, in fact, that Congress has even begun debating the specifics. There are several organizations already in place that are willing to start booking trips. As expected, they won’t come at a bargain, Expedia.com level price.

The ShareSpace Foundation, was designed by former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, in the hopes of  fostering affordable space travel opportunities. While the non-profit Space Tourism Society has even touted a total “orbital lifestyle,” covering everything from space hotels to space cruise ships. Can you say Spacely Sprockets? Of course, the most recognizable name in commercial space travel is Richard Branson. The world-famous entrepreneur and airline executive has invested heavily in Virgin Galactic, what he hopes will become the world’s first private ‘spaceline’ by 2011. You can book your place onboard the Virgin Galactic for $200,000, with deposits starting from $20,000.

We don’t know about you, but at these prices, we’re willing to wait for the whole world to turn into space, à la the Jetsons. For more on the current congressional debate over space travel and the full story, visit USA Today.