Space Tourism

The "idea" of space tourism first came about in 1967, when two men by the names of Barron Hilton and Kraft Ehricke had papers published about space tourism, however there was no follow-up to what they proposed.  Fast forward 20 years or so, and it became a much talked-about topic, covering everything from reusable vehicles to the potential market for such an idea.  In 2001 (April 28), "Dennis Tito becomes humanity's first paying space tourist, launching from Baikonur aboard a Russian Soyuz bound for International Space Station Alpha."  (Space Tourism - The Story)  In the time since, six other individuals have paid to tour space. 

As of now, there do not appear to be many rules and regulations regarding space tourism.  None of the R&R state anything about the type of craft to be used.  The first rules in regards to crew qualifications and passenger informed consent were slated to go into effect sometime June 2006.  Other rules referencing certain other safety-related issues were not allowed to be put into play for eight years, unless "specific design features or operating practices are brought into question as a result of an incident causing serious injuries or a fatality.  This means that the FAA has to wait for harm to occur or almost occur before it can impose restrictions, even against foreseeable harm."  (Superville, 2005)  Congress deemed it necessary for passengers to be informed of the risks they were taking, and sign a consent form prior to takeoff.  Physical exams for passengers are recommended, but are not a requirement.  Passengers will also be required to undergo training on how to respond during emergencies.  Pilots must hold a valid FAA and valid medical (within a year of the flight) certification, and demonstrate knowledge of vehicle operation.  Sport/student pilots will not qualify.  I think that in regards to the pilot requirements, that should be the very minimum that one should hold.  As far as passengers go, they are paying a lot of money to tour space.  If they choose to go and are not in good health or will have a hard time surviving the trip because they are not in good enough shape, then I am of the mind that they are capable of making their own decision.  The passengers are required to sign a written consent prior to takeoff, so any lawsuits that arise after that should be thrown out.

In the future, I foresee the space tourism being a niche market.  I think the cost ($10 million plus) will price the vast majority of the population out of the market.  With the cost of fuel alone, the general public will not be able to afford such a trip.  Because of the cost to travel this way, I am skeptical that it will ever become an everyday method of travel.  For those that can afford it, it could very well be a bucket-list trip.

As stated earlier, pilots must hold a valid FAA and medical certification, and show that they have a knowledge of how the vehicle operates.  Sport and student pilots will not qualify.  On the management side, the biggest reason that space tourism hasn't taken off to this point, is the lack of business planning and lacking a properly structured business plan.  Covering this will go a long way in the success of space tourism as a whole, as opposed to the off-the-wall, largely unsupported logic that has been, to date, shown by the prospective space travel industry.  

  Superville, D. (2005) Govu0027t Issues Proposed Space Tourism Rules | Space.com By:  Press, By           Retreived from: http://www.space.com/1904-gov-issues-proposed-space-tourism-rules.html

 Space Future - Space Tourism - The Story So Far (Space Future - Space Tourism - The Story So                   Far)  Retreived from: http://www.spacefuture.com/tourism/timeline.shtml

Pilots and Depression

On 24 March 2015, a first officer by the name of Andreas Lubitz crashed an Airbus 320 into the French Alps.  Investigators have said that Lubitz deliberately crashed the plane, after locking the Captain out of the cockpit.  “German prosecutors have said that in the week before the crash, he spent time online researching suicide methods and cockpit door security – the earliest evidence of a premeditated act.”  (Germanwings Crash: Andreas Lubitz, 2015)  Lubitz had a history of depression, and it was said that he was in contact with dozens of doctors prior to the fatal crash, attempting to find information about an illness that is undisclosed.  Prosecutors said they found destroyed doctor’s notes “excusing Lubitz from work at his home, including one covering the day of the crash, and that he appeared to have hidden his illness from his employer and colleagues.” .”  (Germanwings Crash: Andreas Lubitz, 2015)

          

On 29 December 2013, Mozambican Airlines flight TM470 went down amid heavy rain in Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park, killing all 33 on board.  “The Civil Aviation Institute said the pilot made a "deliberate series of manoeuvres" causing the crash.” (Pilot ‘deliberately, 2013)  The pilot, Hermino dos Santos Fernandes, locked his co-pilot out of the cockpit until moments before the crash.  "During these actions you can hear low and high-intensity alarm signals and repeated beating against the door with demands to come into the cockpit.”  (Pilot ‘deliberately, 2013)

            

Pilots are required to get a physical once or twice a year, in accordance with their age.  Mental health evaluations are done very informally, and unless the physician is familiar with what he is dealing with, then many issues will fall through the cracks.  I feel as though this system is flawed, and could definitely use a reform.  Licensed mental health professionals should be in charge of screening each pilot during the course of the physical.

           

In the case of more liberal screening procedures, I think it may be a tough road for the FAA and airlines to show that it is more accepted and that treatment is not an issue.  It reminds me of many of the individuals I know that have served this country during the Global War on Terror.  The large majority of troops (combat troops especially), will refuse at any cost to disclose that they are depressed, or they are having any kind of mental health issue, due to the fact that it is well-known that there really doesn’t need to be a huge reason for the military to part ways with you.  Mental health issues seem to be a fast ticket out of the military.  Add to it the fact that many of those who have tried to get help often wind up in worse shape than before they talked to a “professional,” and it seems easier to just suck it up and drive on.

           

References

Pilot 'deliberately crashed' Mozambique plane - BBC News (BBC News)

            http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-25482083

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/06/germanwings-crash-andreas-lubitz-contacted-      dozens-of-doctors-says-prosecutor

Personal Introduction

Introduction

My name is Chad Goethe.  I am 32 years old and live in Belleville, Michigan.  I have always taken an interest in aviation, however I was planning on spending 20+ years in the Army.  I was not working in an aviation job in the military, and the thought of flying for a living did not cross my mind until I was medically retired in late 2011. 

Currently, I am working toward a bachelors in Aviation Flight Technology at Eastern Michigan University.  It has been a slow, frustrating process as I am in a weekly struggle with the FAA on getting my Medical.  Each time I send them what they request, I receive a response back asking for the exact same thing. 

Aviation, for me, became a goal once I knew I was receiving an unwanted medical retirement, and had to decide which direction I was going.  I can’t see myself working a traditional job where I sit behind a desk everyday.  My ultimate goal in aviation is to get certifications to fly helicopters, and move on to a career flying Search and Rescue, or fly somewhere in the Middle East for private military contractors.