Space tourism operator reports 100 annual UAE enquiries at Dh257m per seat

Space tourism operator SpaceVIP reports the UAE generates approximately 100 enquiries per year for orbital flights, with 15 to 18 per cent coming from financially qualified buyers. Roman Chiporukha, founder of the New York-headquartered company, disclosed the figures during a visit to the UAE. A seat on a private trip to low Earth orbit is priced at approximately $70 million, equivalent to Dh257 million.

Enquiry profile and conversion#

Chiporukha said enquiries come from ultra-wealthy individuals, celebrities seeking space firsts such as concerts or music videos, and people seeking sponsors. Some enquiries are speculative, with interest dropping when the price is disclosed. The company established a Dubai Media City presence in 2023. Chiporukha's current UAE visit involves meetings with universities and prospective clients as the company expands regionally.

Education initiative planned for December 2026#

SpaceVIP plans to launch an education programme through the Space Prize Foundation in December 2026 or January 2027. The fully funded initiative will include a three-day hackathon for approximately 250 participants, with a subsequent contest. Chief executives from Dubai and Abu Dhabi will judge the competition. Winners will receive scholarships, with an incubation route for participants who start companies. The programme will feature an artificial intelligence component and use educators and materials provided by SpaceVIP.

Insurance and safety considerations#

Chiporukha said insurance costs for space travel could exceed the ticket price due to limited flight data available to insurers. He stated the statistical likelihood of dying in a car crash exceeds that of a rocket failure, and said SpaceVIP discloses risks to clients. On stratospheric balloon flights, he said no properly pressurised vehicle yet exists for the edge of space. Safety remains a concern across the sector, he said.

Pricing outlook and technology constraints#

Chiporukha declined to forecast when orbital travel might reach a broader public, saying any timeline would be speculation. He said the industry needs to move beyond chemical combustion, as most of a rocket's mass is fuel. He expects progress sooner rather than later but gave no specific timeframe. Globally, companies including Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and SpaceX operate suborbital and orbital flights.