A new Japanese space plane could fly from Tokyo to NYC in 60 minutes for $657,000 a ticket
Published on Nov 03, 2025 at 12:42 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Nov 03, 2025 at 12:42 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A startup has revealed plans for a Japanese space plane that could travel from Tokyo to New York and cross the Pacific in just 60 minutes.
The concept would soar high above Earth before reentering the atmosphere to land near its destination.
It’s the boldest leap yet in luxury travel, a suborbital ride that cuts a 12-hour flight into 60 minutes.
But this future of high-speed travel won’t come cheap, with round-trip tickets expected to cost $657,000.
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Japanese space plane could get you from Tokyo to NYC in 60 minutes
No one likes a long plane journey, so this Tokyo-based startup, Innovative Space Carrier Inc. (ISC), is leading a project that will change air and space travel forever, and it’s backed by Nippon Travel Agency.
Their concept aircraft, called ASCA, would launch vertically from an offshore platform to minimize risk and noise.
Once airborne, it would climb beyond the stratosphere before gliding back down for a controlled landing near its target city.
The planned Tokyo-New York route spans around 10,850 kilometers, which ISC says could be covered in roughly one hour.
That means speeds close to Mach 9, making it one of the fastest crewed vehicles ever proposed.
ASCA will use reusable rocket technology to keep costs manageable and improve turnaround time.
Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is also developing the offshore launch platforms needed for takeoff and recovery.
It will set you back $657,000 per ticket
ISC plans to start offering ‘space adjacent’ experiences in 2026, including tours, simulators, and astronaut-style training.
Full passenger flights could arrive by the 2040s once the technology matures and regulations allow, but tickets are expected to cost around ¥100 million, or about $657,000 for a round trip.
That’s several times more than chartering a long-range private jet, but the appeal lies in the thrill of space-edge travel.
Passengers will experience brief but intense G forces during ascent and descent, followed by a few minutes of weightlessness.
If ISC delivers on its promise, the dream of crossing the Pacific in under an hour could soon become a reality and redefine luxury travel forever.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
