NASA to allow tourists on ISS in 2020

Muscat: NASA announced that it was opening the International Space Station (ISS) to private astronauts and other commercial business opportunities.

The first private astronaut mission to the station will be held as early as 2020, the agency confirmed.

"We are announcing the ability for private astronauts to visit the Space Station on US vehicles and for companies to engage in commercial profit-making activities on the station," said the agency's Chief Financial Officer Jeff DeWit during a press conference in New York.

"This will open space to new companies to unleash American corporate innovation and ingenuity in new markets while driving a lower cost to US taxpayers," DeWit added.

In a press release, NASA stated that private astronauts would be able to stay on the ISS for up to 30 days. The agency added that with market support, it could allow up to two private astronaut missions to the station a year.

NASA added that its long-term goal was to become "one of many customers purchasing services from independent, commercial and free-flying habitable destinations in low-Earth orbit."

Private companies will reportedly have to pay NASA $35,000 every night a private astronaut spends on the station.