We’ve been ironing out the logistical challenges to this itinerary for years, and after much planning, debating, we can now launch (pun intended-sorry) Backcountry Journeys’ first-ever Shuttle-Based tour designed specifically to photograph Earth from our private space shuttle!

We get it, regular old terrestrial photography isn’t for everyone. We now have the perfect offering for those who are tired of having their photographic explorations being limited by being stuck on Earth.

If you’ve never been to space – and you are into Earth, and stars, and maybe the moon– then you need to go on this trip! This trip is planned at just the right time to not only catch a ride on an impending shuttle launch but also it is timed to a moment when we will be able to capture the moon and earth in the same composition. A rare event, indeed!

This is a hard-won effort as reservations for transportation on the shuttle have only recently come available with the recent purchase of NASA by Amazon and Coca-Cola. Rides from Earth, to space, are being offered these dates were only available via a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-style quest to find a “Golden Ticket” style lottery. Backcountry Journey’s own Russ Nordstrand personally purchased and consumed over 45 pallets of Coke in order to secure our “Golden Ticket” to space.

While on this tour we’ll awake early to photograph “golden hour” which PhotoPills indicates we’ll have a direct view of your hometown on mornings 1-3, as that timing has us passing over North America. We’ll take a break to rest up during the harsh light of mid-day before reconvening for some astrophotography before a wonderful dinner before retiring each night to our cozy quarters. The shuttle is equipped with an excellent restaurant featuring several dehydrated meal options, a full-service bar, a great room with a large fire-place and for the hikers in the group, opening the hatch will allow you to access a hike, which really amounts to floating off into space never to be found again.

We have two sets of dates scheduled for this summer only! See below for more information. If you are interested in this trip make your reservations now, as this once-in-a-lifetime departure will no doubt sell out quickly. Join us on this journey, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!