Thu Sep 12 13:22:00 UTC 2024: ## Record-Breaking 19 People in Space as Space Tourism Takes Off
**Moscow/Houston** – The number of people currently orbiting Earth has reached a record high of 19, thanks to a combination of space tourism and ongoing scientific missions. This milestone marks a significant shift in space travel, with private companies now playing a major role in sending people beyond the atmosphere.
The previous record of 17 individuals in space was set last year. The current record is attributed to a confluence of events, including:
* **Boeing’s Starliner Mission:** The delayed return of the Starliner capsule, which left two astronauts stranded in orbit, contributed to the rising number.
* **SpaceX’s Private Mission:** Two private astronauts, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis, completed the first private spacewalk, further adding to the count.
* **Soyuz Launch:** The launch of a Russian Soyuz capsule carrying three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) brought the total to 19.
These astronauts join a diverse group in space, including NASA personnel, cosmonauts, and private space travelers. Notably, the current roster includes astronauts from both the US and Russia, highlighting the continued collaboration between the two nations on the ISS.
This surge in the number of people in space signifies the growing commercialization of space exploration. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are actively pursuing space tourism ventures, offering billionaires a chance to experience the thrill of space travel. While the current record is likely to be broken soon as more companies enter the space tourism market, it serves as a testament to the rapid advancements in space technology and the burgeoning desire for off-world experiences.
First Piper 