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