Hidden Nook
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Friday, August 19, 2005
Japan Embracing Space Tourism
[Media Source*]
(Space.com) Space Adventures of Arlington, Virginia has sealed the deal on an exclusive marketing partnership with the Tokyo-based travel agency, JTB Corporation. The agreement announced today opens wide the door for the Japanese to buy commercial treks into space and related experiences from Space Adventures.
This is a wise move by Space Adventures as it not only broadens their market within Asia but also guarantees that the playing field between the "space powers" (i.e. US, Russia, Europe, etc.) will become more level. Space Adventures has also launched a Japanese mirror site enabling Japanese citizens to explore the stars for themselves.
JTB will market a wide array of programs available from Space Adventures, including the recently announced Deep Space Expeditions (DSE-Alpha) mission to the Moon -- the first in a series of lunar missions being offered. That mission could liftoff as early as 2008, according to a Space Adventures press statement.
Although this offer makes the lunar surface "within reach," this opportunity is still affordable only to the wealthy. Ticket prices are no less than $100 million per seat, with a maximum of two seats available per lift off. Although the price tag is daunting, the Japanese may be more determined than their American counterparts to commercialize the final frontier.
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By Darnell Clayton ⢠10:41 PM ⢠Email Post ⢠â¢
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