This'n That #4 - Tourism In Space

[Saru]

This'n That #4 - Tourism In Space

Columnist Editorial By Nancy

Editorial Link :

www.unexplained-mysteries.com/editorialthisnthat4.shtml

[Saru]

Very interesting subject, space tourism.

I wonder just how far space tourism will progress over the coming decade. At what point will we have a means with which to get people into space that is so efficient, that daytrips into lower orbit for example, or even stays on an orbiting 'hotel' would become commonplace.

Such commercialisation of space would ultimately lead to a huge boost in the world's space industry, as organisations and even businesses competed to perfect better technologies and space-based facilities.

At the moment though, I agree that 2005 is far too early for regular space tourist flights to the ISS. There are far too many dangers and technical problems that need to be addressed before something of this nature would be feasable.

What is really needed, is a new type of re-usable spacecraft that can lift off from the earth without needing a rocket, perform it's tasks in orbit, and then return to the earth, able to lift off once again after only a brief refuelling and check over. Until a craft such as this is widely available, I don't think space tourism will be feasable at any serious level.

[Starlyte]

What is really needed, is a new type of re-usable spacecraft that can lift off from the earth without needing a rocket, perform it's tasks in orbit, and then return to the earth, able to lift off once again after only a brief refuelling and check over. Until a craft such as this is widely available, I don't think space tourism will be feasable at any serious level.

I agree SaRuMaN. Plus as with everthing, only those who have way too much money would be able to enjoy such a trip at the current going rate. $20 million dollars!!!! It's just not fair. One day hopefully the regular folk will be able to experience the wonders of space firsthand. I hope to be one of those people.

NOTE: Each Soyuz is equipped with a SAWED-OFFSHOTGUN, in the event that any given landing is off target. Prior experiences with wolves demanded this protection:

Wow, didn't know that!

[SpaceyKC]

The tourism idea has gotten me thinking ~ what a great idea if it really

did help Russia's economy, but what's been paid so far doesn't

seem to have made any difference. If they go with the '1 cosmonaut, 2

tourist' plan, I feel sorry for the lone cosmonaut who has to baby-sit the

2 novices. I read somewhere that there are a lot of millionaires on this

planet now, you'd think there'd be a long list of them waiting to take such

a fantastic voyage. And hopefully, the more of them to go, the better

the chances of the price becoming more realistic for the rest of us.

I really hope they get all the safety features worked out, so none of us

have to worry about anything but going on the trip of a lifetime.

[Nancy]

Very interesting subject, space tourism.

I wonder just how far space tourism will progress over the coming decade. At what point will we have a means with which to get people into space that is so efficient, that daytrips into lower orbit for example, or even stays on an orbiting 'hotel' would become commonplace.

SaRuMaN? Glad the subject grabbed your attention and thank you

for posting it!

Based on the current state of affairs with 99% of Space Programs as

they exist, I don't hold out much hope for genuine progress in Tourism

during this decade, let alone the next one.

I really feel Tourism is not in the 'cards' as a successful venture. I do agree

that financially, IF it works, would be a HUGE benefit.

Perhaps I am still dwelling in the past, with regard to September 11, 2001, but

to me, that day started a whole new ballgame. Preventing the bad guys from

taking over is going to require humanity's efforts to be focused on plain 'ole

survival on Earth and not permit the luxury of "hotels" in space.

I do agree 100% with your theory on resueable spacecrafts, yet? That will be

difficult to attain as well. The Industry producing "product" would not be really happy. Again, it's all the same game......... financial gain and pure greed.

[Homer]

I think space tourism will be a reality someday even for poor, low life scumbags like me, but not for many years, and perhaps even decades. In my opinion, it will take at least 50 years for non-rich types to tour space. Even then, it will only be achieved if a new, more efficient method of propulsion, like SaRuMaN’s example, can be utilized. Liability and maintenance is extremely high right now, but with a safer, more efficient space craft, this will be more than just wishful thinking for the average Joe

[Nancy]

I think space tourism will be a reality someday even for poor, low life scumbags like me

Homer? See that little guy above? Using it to get your attention!

Slap Slap......... Whew, Now I feel better!!

Question? What purpose would it serve, no matter the time frame, to

have people (rich OR poor) to "tour space"?????? Would this be akin to

an "A" Ticket at Disneyland? A "kick" A "hoot" ......?

Would it not make more sense to use Space for exploration to attempt to

solve problems, here on Earth, meaning Military, understanding Human

functions (medical advancement) and of course........ Search for Life

elsewhere........ Climate, Ecological research....... the list is a long one.

Nancy

[Saru]

Nancy,

Would it not make more sense to use Space for exploration to attempt to

solve problems, here on Earth, meaning Military, understanding Human

functions (medical advancement) and of course........ Search for Life

elsewhere........ Climate, Ecological research....... the list is a long one.

I think Space tourism, along with other commercial ventures, could actually open the doors to space, paving the way for all these other more important things. Once it is profitable to research and develop technologies for manned space flight, we may see a sharp increase in the progress of every aspect of space exploration, from interplanetary probes to manned missions to Mars, as well as the means with which to perform research that will benefit everyone on the earth as well.

[Homer]

Question? What purpose would it serve, no matter the time frame, to

have people (rich OR poor) to "tour space"??????  

I agree with SaRuMaN.

To make it short and sweet, if corporations can profit from taking people on space tours, they will aspire to do so.

If people can afford to go up into space, just to do it, they will