Walk on the Moon for $100 Million
Have you ever imagined lounging around on the lunar surface in your very own space suit, crater-hopping or maybe making a day trip to the Sea of Tranquility? Up until now, such notions were strictly the stuff of science fiction, but with the ever-increasing pace of technological progress, the realms of science of science fiction are increasingly rubbing up against the true-to-life territory of science fact. In other words, tourist travel to the moon may soon be a reality — but only for those with an excess of disposable income.
The enterprising folks at Excalibur Almaz have acquired a batch of old Russian space vessels that they will be updating and outfitting for voyages to the moon, with passage open to anyone whose pockets are deep enough to afford the considerable price tag. Sounds great, doesn't it? The only hitch is that these little lunar pleasure jaunts are estimated to cost somewhere around $100-150 million per person. Excalibur Almaz has announced that they expect to make approximately 30 spots available on their interstellar journeys over a period starting as soon as three years from now. Obviously this mode of travel redefines the definitions of high-end vacations and exclusive accommodations, but if CEO Art Dula's estimations are in the ballpark, then travelers with the required resources could be moon-bound by 2015.
