The concept of space tourism has to be the most ‘other worldly’ take on travelling that we have ever seen—what was once a once a distant dream confined to science fiction has rapidly transformed into a tangible reality in recent years. The creation of space tourism can be attributed to the increasing advancements in space technology, paired with the vision of pioneering entrepreneurs.
The Birth and Emergence of Space Tourism
As a concept, space tourism began to emerge with the establishment of commercial space companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, which aimed to make space accessible to a wider audience. These large space companies led by visionaries like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson, recognised the untapped potential of space exploration that went beyond science, making the concept of space tourism more realistic and attainable. In July 2021, Richard Branson rode Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity and became the first billionaire to reach the edge of space in his own company’s vehicle. Just days later, Jeff Bezos brought along a crew of three, the youngest and oldest individuals to have ever ventured into space, as he set off on board Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket.
The key to the success of space tourism lies in the development of reusable rocket technology. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have pioneered the development of rockets that can land vertically after launch, significantly reducing the cost and environmental impact of space travel. These innovations have opened up new possibilities for affordable and sustainable access to space.
The Experience of a Lifetime
Space tourism offers a transformative experience, granting individuals the opportunity to witness the jaw dropping beauty of our planet from an entirely new perspective. Several companies require customers to do mock classes that include simulations to help make everyone understand the procedures that need to be followed during the flight time. In most cases, the rocket is essentially divided into a booster and a capsule—the booster launches the rocket into space and then detaches itself from the capsule that contains the crew. The booster comes back down without any manual control and lands in the same location it had set off from. The occurring truly feels like a high budget space film that could not possibly be obtained in reality.
The capsule containing the crew is detached once the rocket has passed the Karman line, which is the internationally recognised boundary for space. After this, the crew experiences zero gravity. Once the capsule descends back into the atmosphere, parachutes are deployed and it becomes ready to land at a similar location as the take-off point. The aforementioned details are attributes of Blue Origin’s NS- 22 spaceship. The experience usually only lasts for around 10-12 minutes, which may seem less for the money it’s worth, but it is most definitely an experience of a lifetime—gazing at the Earth from the blackness of space, the crew is treated to breath-taking views, witnessing the curvature of our planet and the thin veil of atmosphere. There is no other experience that could compare to the magnificence of this one.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While space tourism holds immense promise, it also raises important ethical considerations. The potential environmental impact of increased rocket launches, the need for comprehensive safety measures, and the question of who should have access to space are among the questions that need to be addressed to ensure responsible and sustainable space tourism.
To conclude, space tourism has transitioned from a distant fantasy to a reality. It represents a significant leap forward in our quest to explore the endless possibilities in space and offers a unique opportunity for individuals to become space farers themselves. With each successful mission, space tourism paves the way for a new era of human exploration, inspiring future generations and fuelling our collective imagination.
