Subscribe now

Space

SpaceX’s Inspiration4 marks a shift towards privacy for space tourists

By Leah Crane

21 September 2021

A selfie taken in space by the crew of Inspiration4, including Christopher Sembroski, Jared Isaacman, Sian Proctor and Hayley Arceneaux

A selfie taken in space by the crew of Inspiration4: Christopher Sembroski, Jared Isaacman, Sian Proctor and Hayley Arceneaux

Inspiration4 crew

On 18 September, the Dragon spacecraft carrying SpaceX’s Inspiration4 mission splashed down safely in the Atlantic Ocean after three days in orbit. None of the four passengers aboard the flight – which was paid for by billionaire Jared Isaacman – was a government-trained astronaut, a first in the history of orbital space flight. By all accounts, the flight was a resounding success, but some have lamented that, unlike with most NASA missions, very little of it was broadcast live.

During…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account