15 Celebs Who Invest in Space Travel and Why

Space travel is no longer just for astronauts and scientists. Celebrities are diving into the cosmic race, investing their wealth and fame in companies pushing the boundaries of space exploration. From billionaires building rockets to actors buying tickets for suborbital joyrides, these stars are helping shape a future where space is open to more than just governments.

Their reasons vary—some chase childhood dreams, others see it as a business opportunity, and a few want to inspire humanity’s next leap. This article explores 15 celebrities who are backing space travel and what drives them to reach for the stars.

Elon Musk

SpaceX
Elon Musk, the brain behind Tesla and SpaceX, is a major force in private space travel. His company, founded in 2002, aims to make humans a multiplanetary species by colonizing Mars. Space格外

SpaceX has launched astronauts to the International Space Station and sent a Tesla car into orbit, proving Musk’s bold vision. He’s driven by a belief that humanity’s survival depends on expanding beyond Earth.

Musk’s passion stems from his fascination with science fiction and a desire to secure humanity’s future. His relentless push for reusable rockets and ambitious Mars plans shows a commitment to transforming space travel into a practical reality.

Jeff Bezos

Blue Origin
Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, started Blue Origin in 2000 to make space travel affordable and accessible. His New Shepard rocket has already carried celebrities like William Shatner to the edge of space.

Bezos grew up watching space launches and reading sci-fi, fueling his dream of building a spacefaring civilization. He sees Blue Origin as a way to create infrastructure for future generations to live and work in space, blending personal passion with a long-term vision.

Richard Branson

Virgin Galactic
Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic focuses on suborbital space tourism, offering short trips to the edge of space. Branson himself flew on a test flight in 2021, and the company has sold around 600 tickets at $250,000 each.

His drive comes from a lifelong love for adventure and making the impossible real. Branson wants to democratize space, giving people a chance to experience the awe of seeing Earth from above, while also building a profitable business.

William Shatner

Blue Origin Passenger
William Shatner, famous as Captain Kirk in ‘Star Trek’ (1966-1969), flew to space with Blue Origin in 2021 at age 90, becoming the oldest person in space. He didn’t invest money but lent his iconic status to promote the mission.

Shatner’s trip was fueled by his lifelong connection to space through his legendary role. He called the experience overwhelming, driven by a personal desire to feel the vastness of space and share its emotional impact.

Katy Perry

Blue Origin Passenger
Pop star Katy Perry is set to join an all-female Blue Origin flight in April 2025, alongside journalist Gayle King. She’s not an investor but a high-profile passenger boosting the company’s visibility.

Perry’s fascination with extraterrestrial life and her adventurous spirit push her to take this leap. She sees the trip as a chance to inspire fans and embrace a transformative experience beyond her music career.

Lady Gaga

Virgin Galactic Investor
Lady Gaga, known for ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018), is among the celebrities who bought a $250,000 ticket for a Virgin Galactic flight. She plans to be the first person to sing in space.

Her bold personality and love for pushing artistic boundaries drive her investment. Gaga wants to create a historic moment, blending her creative passion with the thrill of space travel.

Tom Hanks

Virgin Galactic Investor
Tom Hanks, star of ‘Apollo 13’ (1995), has secured a ticket for a Virgin Galactic suborbital flight. His involvement adds Hollywood prestige to the space tourism venture.

Hanks’ interest ties to his deep fascination with space, sparked by his role as an astronaut. He’s driven by curiosity and a desire to experience the real thing, bringing space closer to the public imagination.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Planetary Resources Investor
Leonardo DiCaprio, known for ‘The Martian’ (2015), invested in Planetary Resources, a company focused on mining asteroids for precious metals like gold and platinum.

His environmental activism extends to space, where he sees asteroid mining as a way to reduce Earth’s resource strain. DiCaprio’s investment reflects his commitment to sustainable innovation and global impact.

James Cameron

Planetary Resources Investor
James Cameron, director of ‘Avatar’ (2009), is another investor in Planetary Resources. His experience with deep-sea exploration translates to his interest in space ventures.

Cameron’s drive comes from a passion for exploring uncharted frontiers. He views space mining as a practical step toward humanity’s expansion, blending his love for science and storytelling.

Rihanna

Virgin Galactic Investor
Rihanna, the music icon behind ‘Diamonds’, has purchased a Virgin Galactic ticket, eager to explore her lifelong obsession with extraterrestrial life.

Her bold and curious nature fuels this move. She wants to see the universe firsthand, embracing the adventure and the chance to inspire her global fanbase.

Justin Bieber

Virgin Galactic Investor
Justin Bieber, the pop sensation, is another celebrity who bought a Virgin Galactic ticket, joining the wave of stars heading to space.

His youthful energy and love for groundbreaking experiences drive his interest. Bieber sees the trip as a thrilling milestone, eager to share the journey with his fans.

Pete Davidson

Blue Origin Passenger
Pete Davidson, known for ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975-present), was set to fly with Blue Origin in 2022 but didn’t due to scheduling. His involvement highlights his adventurous streak.

Davidson’s curiosity and desire for unique experiences push him toward space. He wants to embrace the challenge and share the story with his comedic flair.

Michael Strahan

Blue Origin Passenger
Michael Strahan, former NFL star and ‘Good Morning America’ (1975-present) co-host, flew with Blue Origin in 2021, inspired by his fascination with space travel.

Strahan’s athletic mindset and media platform drive his involvement. He aims to inspire viewers by showcasing the transformative power of seeing Earth from space.

Ashton Kutcher

Virgin Galactic Investor
Ashton Kutcher, star of ‘That ’70s Show’ (1998-2006), invested in a Virgin Galactic ticket, drawn to the cutting-edge adventure of space tourism.

His tech-savvy background and entrepreneurial spirit fuel his interest. Kutcher sees space travel as a bold step into the future, aligning with his innovative mindset.

Peter Thiel

Virgin Galactic Investor
Peter Thiel, the billionaire co-founder of PayPal, has a Virgin Galactic ticket, reflecting his forward-thinking approach to technology and exploration.

Thiel’s investment is driven by his belief in pushing human boundaries. He views space tourism as a stepping stone to larger advancements in space colonization.

Which celebrity’s space venture excites you the most, or did I miss a star with cosmic ambitions? Share your thoughts in the comments!