Space tourism

The Soyuz MS-20 crew (cropped)

ISS-02 Soyuz TM-32 Taxi crewmembers in the Zvezda Service Module

Mark Shuttleworth NASA

SpaceX Mars tourism poster for Phobos and Deimos

Modelled influence of a decade of contemporary rocket launch and re-entry heating emissions on stratospheric chemical composition

Space tourism is the human space travel for recreational, leisure, or business purposes. To date, orbital space tourism opportunities have been limited and expensive, with only the Russian Space Agency and later private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin facilitating access to space for non-professional astronauts. Suborbital space tourism, offering shorter trips, is seen as a more accessible option in the near future.

History

The concept of space tourism is not new, with early discussions dating back to the 1960s, shortly after the beginning of human spaceflight. The first official space tourist was Dennis Tito, an American businessman who in 2001 visited the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Since then, a small number of individuals have followed, paying significant sums to experience space.

Types of Space Tourism

Space tourism can be divided into two main types: orbital and suborbital.

Orbital Space Tourism

Orbital space tourism involves travel to space with an orbit around the Earth. This type of tourism requires a spacecraft to reach the velocity necessary to enter a stable Earth orbit. The ISS has been the primary destination for orbital space tourists.

Suborbital Space Tourism

Suborbital space tourism involves flights that go to the edge of space, offering a few minutes of weightlessness and a view of Earth from the upper atmosphere, without entering orbit. Companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are pioneering this form of space tourism with vehicles designed to carry passengers on these brief journeys.

Challenges

Space tourism faces several challenges, including the high cost of access, safety concerns, and environmental impacts. The development of reliable and reusable spacecraft is seen as key to reducing costs and increasing the safety of space travel. Additionally, the environmental impact of rocket launches is a growing concern, with potential effects on the Earth's atmosphere and climate.

Future Prospects

The future of space tourism is promising, with advancements in technology and increased interest from the public and private sectors. Companies like SpaceX aim to make orbital space tourism more accessible, while others focus on suborbital experiences or even potential trips around the Moon. As technology advances and costs decrease, space tourism is expected to become a more significant industry, opening up new opportunities for exploration and adventure beyond Earth.