One way of getting to space is being one of the most educated and well-trained people in the world. Astronauts are typically athletic, mid-career professionals in their 30s and 40s, who have already made a name for themselves in the military, in research, or engineering. Emergency medical training, computing and speaking multiple languages are only some of their skills. Thousands of people apply for the 4 to 10 positions that actually get offered, and of those few that get hired every few years, not all will actually get the chance to fly to space. The other way is traveling as a tourist, a privilege for which you have to pay handsomely!