 |  |  | On April 28, 2001, Dennis Tito, a California-based multi-millionaire, became the first ever space tourist. Launched into space in a Russian Soyuz capsule, Tito proved that traveling beyond Earth's gravity was not just the province of a select few, but that anyone with drive, determination - and at this point in history, a lot of money - could become an astronaut. Space tourism is a fledgling industry, born out of necessity, yet driven by the same curiosity and ambition that took humanity to the Moon; it appears to be here to stay. In Russia, Europe and the United States, private companies are already vying to become space tourism leaders. SPACE.com welcomes the next great Space Race. The race is on... | | |
