‘Anybody can Go to ISS, even buy module they return to Earth in’

BENGALURU: Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of Russian space agency Roscosmos that trained the four Indian astronaut-elects part of the Gaganyaan programme, has unveiled its commercial space tourism programme to the International Space Station (ISS).
Potential customers will be launched from one of the Russian spaceports while the basic training course for space tourists will happen at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC). Tourists, just like cosmonauts, will need to pass a full-scale individually developed training course. The company did not elaborate on the costs stating that will be discussed privately with each customer.
TOI caught up with Dmitry Loskutov, Director General, Glavkosmos, on what the programme entails.
Excerpts:
When did Glavkosmos decide it will open up for space tourism?
In 2020, we were assigned with the space tourism programme since the US have their own crewed spacecraft now to fly to the ISS.
Can Indians also fly to the ISS?
Customers are welcome from any part of the world. Their selection will be subject to them clearing the medicals and training.
When’s the first flight expected, and how many can you take?
We have seats on board the Soyuz MS crewed spacecraft to offer to prospective tourists. Also, we are in the final stage of negotiations for purchasing two crewed Soyuz MS spacecraft and two Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicles so as to ensure that potential customers does not wait long for the opportunity to fly; we think that the nearest possibility to fly will be at the end of 2023.
There are three seats in the Soyuz MS, one will be reserved for the commander (a professional Roscosmos cosmonaut), and two seats are available for tourists.
What can the customers expect?
The customer will have the choice to choose his/her stay on board the ISS. There will also be a possibility of having such additional options as making a spacewalk, the customer can even buy his/her descent module and have it in his/her backyard. Of course, these options can make space flight more exciting, but more expensive, too. The flight can become a business possibility. For instance, you need to draw the world's attention to your business or project, you can be sure you will become a celebrity once you go for a space flight.
Can they take part in scientific experiments?
Yes. Aside from admiring the unforgettable views of Earth from space, capturing and sharing extraordinary views online, they can take part in real scientific experiments, exercise in a weightless environment and enjoy sunrises and sunsets.