Only astronauts had the dream of leaving Earth and touring the cosmos. Now, space tourism is making the dream a reality for ordinary people. Courtesy of faster technological progress, private companies are developing safe and cheap methods for taking people above the atmosphere.
Space tourism: From reusable rockets to inflatable space stations, it’s not a ‘far-out’ dream anymore Here are the key technologies that are enabling this glorious future.
Reusable Rockets
The reusable rocket is one of the great innovations in space travel. Previously, rockets were disposable objects, so space trips were very expensive. But organizations like SpaceX have revolutionised this, conceiving rockets that can return to Earth and fly again. This has lowered costs and made space travel seem more feasible.
Advanced Spacecraft
Today’s spacecraft are developed with passengers’ comfort and safety in mind. New spacecraft are equipped with huge windows for Earth watching, wider cabins and improved seating rather than the space cots of old spacecraft. These enhancements result in more enjoyable and less stressful space travel for tourists.
Training Simulations
Tourists are given a basic training before they take off for outer space. To train people for weightlessness and extraterrestrial conditions, there’s virtual reality (VR) and simulation technologies. This way, passengers are prepared for the one-of-a-kind experience and can still get a feel for it without feeling the awkwardness associated with clumsy traditional training.
Space Habitats
Companies are developing hotels and habitats in orbit. These space stations will host tourists for days or even weeks in space. They’re being designed with sustainable services that will recycle air, water and food in such a way so as to allow for permanent habitation.
AI and Robotics
Artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics are expected to feature heavily in facilitating space tourism safety. AI systems help pilots navigate and respond to emergencies. Robots are also being engineered to service satellites in space, minimizing risks for human travelers.
Safety Innovations
Space travel presents challenges as diverse as radiation and a lack of gravity, to high speed re-entry. To address these challenges, engineers are designing more powerful heat shields, radiation-protection suits and zero-gravity support systems. These developments are designed to make space travel safe for everyone.
Sustainable Fuel Technology
Biofuels are also being investigated as an alternative fuel source. Other clean-power sources, including hydrogen-based fuels, are also being explored to reduce the negative effects of regular space flights. This would be crucial to enable space tourism to become sustainable in the longer term.
FAQs:
Q1: What is space tourism?
Space tourism is space travel for leisure, recreation, and/or vacation purposes.
Q2: How much does it cost to go to space now?
Space tourism prices now vary from $200,000 to up into the millions of dollars, depending on company and duration of trip.
Q3: Is space tourism safe?
Safety is improving with new technology, but space travel remains risky. Firms are developing sophisticated systems to keep door excavators at bay.
Q4: Who are the key players in space tourism?
SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are among the industry’s leaders.
Q5: Will the price of space tourism drop to a level accessible to everyone?
However, reusable rockets and new technology look set to lower costs in the future, enabling more people to take on space tourism.
