Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu, Chair & Professor of Dept. of Tourism, Hospitality and Event | Director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute at the University of Florida
How Likely is it that Space Travel & Tourism Will be Within the Reach of Anyone Who Isn't a Billionaire? What Would Need to Happen for it to be Accessible for Regular Folk?
Space Tourism offers opportunities for interested individuals to experience the advantageous excitement of being in space and enjoy their journey for leisure purposes. Space tourism refers to commercial activity that allows civilians to travel into space. Initially popularized by Dennis Tito, the first private citizen to visit the International Space Station (ISS) in 2001.
Morgan Stanley predicts that by 2040, the global space industry could generate over $1 trillion in revenue. Meanwhile, UBS forecasts that space travel will compete with long-distance airline flights, reaching a market size of $20 billion annually by 2030. NASA has also contributed to this burgeoning sector by awarding $415 million to three companies for the development of commercial space stations. Additionally, the Space Tourism Conference highlighted the rapid capital accumulation by participants, signaling a robust growth in the industry within just a few years.
It’s not reserved for billionaires only anymore. Based on space travel options between suborbital flights and orbital flights and their duration of experiences in space, space fare has been recently estimated to fall within the range of $300,000 to the multi-millions for passengers to experience weightlessness, the force of gravity (GG-force), and view the beauty of the earth from another angle.
On The Flip Side, Are There Any Promising Developments In Space Tourism—I.E. New Players, Technology That Might Make It More Affordable, Etc.?
Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, SpaceX, Boeing, Axiom Space, and Space Perspective are the six major spaceflight companies that have been in the news offering trips to space, and more are expected to join the list of space tourism companies. There is no doubt that innovative technologies are tested continuously, that campaigns about the positive sides of enjoying a spaceflight are progressive, and that more groups are paying attention to the importance of establishing a global spaceflight safety guide. When there is a demand, the supply will make space tourism more affordable in the near future.
Opportunities in Space Travel & Tourism
Space travel & tourism offers multiple opportunities. Economically, it could become a lucrative market, contributing to job creation and economic growth in regions hosting spaceports and related infrastructure. For science, it presents a chance to conduct research in microgravity environments, which can be beneficial for experiments in fields like medicine and material science.
Space tourism can inspire public interest in space and science, potentially leading to increased funding and interest in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) fields. It also offers a unique perspective on Earth, known as the "overview effect," where travelers report a cognitive shift in awareness, often resulting in increased appreciation for the planet's vulnerability.
What headwinds does the space tourism industry face?
Price, safety, security, missions of the spaceflights, and negative environmental impacts are the likely obstacles to be faced by the space tourism industry. A successful spaceflight that returns safely integrated with passengers’ testimonies amplified by (social) media can ease many people’s doubts.
The environmental impact is a significant concern, as rocket launches can emit substantial amounts of greenhouse gases and other pollutants that could harm the upper atmosphere and contribute to climate change. The risk to human life is also non-trivial, as space travel remains inherently dangerous, and industry’s regulatory environment is still underdeveloped.
Another challenge is the ethical consideration of spending vast amounts of resources on space travel that could be used to address urgent issues on Earth, such as poverty and climate change.
The need for continuous oversight of the industry and the involvement of at least one governmental body in the ongoing global space race would be advantageous for all stakeholders. Private companies could expand opportunities for independent research and experiments in space, enhancing the collective pool of knowledge for future generations.
Future of Space Travel & Tourism
The future of space travel looks promising but requires navigating technological, regulatory, and ethical hurdles. Technological advancements will continue to reduce costs, making space tourism more accessible to a broader audience. As international collaborations increase, hopefully, we will witness standardized regulations governing space travel, which enhance safety and operational efficiency. The role of private-public partnerships will be crucial in shaping the direction of the industry, especially in addressing sustainability and safety concerns.
Space travel & tourism presents unique opportunities for higher education. Universities can develop programs focused on space tourism and relevant studies, offering courses in space law, aerospace engineering, and sustainability in space. These programs could prepare students for careers in the space industry, which will likely demand a new generation of engineers, scientists, space farmers, and policymakers.
Conclusion
Space travel & tourism is at an exciting juncture. Its integration into global markets and higher education programs signifies its evolving role from a niche luxury to a critical area of academic and commercial interest. As the industry matures, it will play a vital role in shaping our understanding of space, our place in the universe, and our responsibilities to Earth.
Publication: UF’s Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute
[Image Credit: NASA]
