Astro-Tourism is the brain child of SPACE. It aims to bring together the exiting sphere of travel, exploration and expedition with an equally exiting sphere of astronomy, space sciences and unraveling the wonders of the sky.

It is a concept that associates tourism with astronomy and science activities. Astronomy is a vast subject and the oldest science since when Human started watching the sky. It is natural when anyone looks ups at the sky; he often wonders as to how vast and mysterious the sky is. This inquisitiveness is being fulfilled by us at SPACE.

Astronomy has got the potential to attract large crowd which in turn can result into tremendous business opportunities. The longest total solar eclipse passed through India on 22nd July and India was not prepared for this opportunity and missed on huge revenue which could have been earned otherwise. This industry is growing world over and we at SPACE endeavor to promote the concept in the Indian Market.

Astronomy can be a perfect blend in Tourism; it can be a smallest part of travel or be the center point of travel. Right from individuals to corporates, families to groups; it caters to all customer segments. It is one of the techniques to relax and can be used as stress busters in a corporate. A family can use this tool to enhance its knowledge of science while enjoying a leisure trip at some isolated place. A group of tourists can enjoy spectacular events happening in sky especially, events like a total solar eclipse.

In a pioneer expedition, SPACE took a student delegation to Turkey during the Total Solar Eclipse in March 2006.  More expeditions followed — Russia in 2008, Indonesia and China in 2009.

SPACE has an agreement with the Ministry of Tourism, Himachal Pradesh (through its arm HPTDC) to promote Astro-Tourism in the state and promote H.P. as a destination for global travelers.

It also organised India’s first ever Eclipse passenger flight for the eclipse enthusiasts from all over the world for the total solar eclipse of July 22nd 09 in India. A 737-700 Boeing plane was specially flown from New Delhi to Patna to facilitate a magnificent view of the diamond ring from a height of 41,000 feet.

SPACE has come up with attractive tour packages for national and international tours. SPACE has tie-ups with travel companies, national and international government agencies, scientific institutions, space agencies and observatories.

Various categories under Astro-Tourism are:

• Space Camps (NASA and other Space agencies visit)
• Astronomy Camps (outdoor camps with astronomy activities)
• Observatories Study Tours (in India and Abroad)
• Holiday Programs (dedicated and add on packages)
• Event Based Tourism (Eclipse Chasing etc.)
• Space Clubs at Resorts & Hotels
• Star Parties
• Workshops (Astrophotography, telescope making etc.)
• Fun Science Games and Activities
• Life Skill and Stress Management Packages

Packages are available to individuals, groups, schools, corporations, etc. Special Astronomy related games have been developed to generate curiosity and provide an unforgettable experience to the tourists. Every day new and innovative categories are emerging in the global tourism sector, attracting travelers like never before.