NASA to open ISS for private trips in 2020

The U.S. space agency NASA has confirmed in a statement that the International Space Station (ISS) will be opened for commercial business starting from 2020.

It means that private companies will be able to send individuals to the ISS for a visit and stay at the space station for up to 30 days.

The International Space Station is seen two hundred and twenty miles above the earth. [File photo: IC]

However, the trip will be beyond the reach of most people, as the cost for every trip is expected to reach about 58 million US dollars (400 million yuan).

In order to travel to the ISS, the private astronauts will need to pass NASA's strict health exams and training.

The space agency plans to provide two private trips to the ISS each year.

The luxury space trips are most likely to be backed by companies such as Boeing and SpaceX, which are studying the development of space capsules for deliveries to the ISS.