it was a big year for space geeks, especially those who had billions of dollars to burn to get out of this world while also starting a side hustle in space tourism. do not sleep on nasa and its latest mission to mars. the space races are heating up again. tom costello has more. >> reporter: if 2021 proved anything, it's that the age of civilian space flight is here, if you're rich, famous or you know somebody who is. a billionaire paid for three civilian astronauts to join him on a three-day spacex trip around the earth, raising an astonishing $220 million for st. jude's children's hospital. >> welcome to our dragon capsule here in space. i want you to know we're doing this for you.