Space Tourism: A New Era of Exploration
GS-3 Mains : Space
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Question : What factors are driving the expansion of the space tourism industry, and what challenges must be overcome to realize its full potential?
Context:
- Gopi Thotakura, an Indian entrepreneur, will be the first Indian space tourist on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission.
- This is only the second time an Indian has traveled to space (Rakesh Sharma in 1984).
What is Space Tourism?
- Space tourism allows civilians to experience spaceflight for leisure or business purposes.
- Types of Space Tourism:
- Suborbital: Reaches just beyond the Kármán Line (edge of Earth’s atmosphere) for a few minutes of space experience.
- Orbital: Stays in space for at least one full orbit, a focus for long-term space habitation goals.
Industry Growth
- The space tourism market was valued at $848 million in 2023 and is expected to reach $27.9 billion by 2032.
Major Players
- Six major companies are involved in space tourism:
- Virgin Galactic & Blue Origin (suborbital)
- Axiom Space & Boeing (orbital)
- SpaceX (lunar tourism)
- Space Perspective
Challenges
- High Costs: Currently only accessible to the wealthy (millions of dollars per trip).
- Safety Concerns: Risks include bone/muscle weakening, spacecraft damage, and health issues from radiation and extended spaceflight.
- Environmental Impact: Rocket emissions may harm the upper atmosphere and contribute to climate change.
- Legal and Regulatory Issues: Complex international treaties and national laws require new regulations for space tourism.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Limited infrastructure necessitates investment in spacecraft, launch facilities, and trained personnel.
Conclusion
- Space tourism offers a new frontier for exploration, innovation, and inspiring future generations.
- Challenges like cost, environmental impact, and human health effects must be addressed.
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