(FOX News) “The latest trend in eco-tourism is completely out of this world … and right around the corner,” reports Gene J. Koprowski.

“Routine commercial travel to outer space may be the norm as soon as 2012, as the next generation of spacecraft — designed by private sector firms like Virgin Galactic, Orbital Sciences Corp., Space Exploration Technologies Corp. and others — transport adventure-seeking civilians into low-Earth orbit,” reports Koprowski.

“There, they can see the sun rise many times a day, and experience the breathtaking curve of planet Earth that only NASA astronauts such as Neil Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin have previously seen – If they want to extend their stay, they can check in to the solar system’s first orbiting hotel, The Galactic Space Suite Hotel, set to open in three years,” reports Koprowski.

“Some technologies, still in the concept stage, are even more mind-blowing, including spacecraft powered by “solar sails,” which harness solar winds to travel between galaxies a thousand light-years apart. Thousand-year-long flights may seem absurd, but rocket scientists have a solution for that, too. More on that topic in a minute,” reports Koprowski.

“Initially, tourism will be very expensive, around $200,000 per passenger,” reports Koprowski. “But costs will go down,” John Lindner, a professor of physics at the College of Wooster in Ohio, tells FoxNews.com. “And services will evolve.”

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