25-May-2024-Editorial

SPACE TOURISM 

Space tourism, once a futuristic dream, is now becoming a reality with individuals like Gopi Thotakura venturing beyond Earth’s atmosphere.  

This burgeoning industry offers recreational trips to space, presenting both opportunities and challenges. 

What is Space Tourism? 

Space tourism involves providing recreational space travel experiences for tourists. 

• Types: Suborbital flights offer brief experiences of weightlessness, while orbital flights take passengers into Earth’s orbit for longer durations. 
• Private Players: Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin are prominent private companies venturing into space tourism, supported by NASA’s investment in commercial space stations. 

KARMAN LINE 

The Karman line, named after Theodore von Kármán, is the internationally recognized boundary of space, defined as 100 kilometres above Earth’s mean sea level by the FAI. 

It separates Earth’s atmosphere from outer space, distinguishing between aircraft and spacecraft. 

Challenges to Space Tourism: 

• Environmental Impact: Launching spacecraft generates pollution and contributes to climate change. 
• Safety Concerns: Mishaps during space travel pose significant risks. 
• Cost: Accessibility remains limited due to high costs, creating concerns about inequality. 
• Space Debris: Increased space travel leads to more debris, posing threats to spacecraft. 
• Resource Depletion: Space tourism consumes vast resources, raising sustainability concerns. 
• Legal Issues: Uncertainty surrounds liability and compliance with international space laws. 

Opportunities for India in Space Tourism: 

• Leveraging ISRO’s Expertise: India’s successful space missions demonstrate technological prowess and potential for competitive pricing. 
• Public-Private Partnership: Initiatives like NSIL and supportive policies attract investments and drive innovation. 
• Future Plans: ISRO aims to develop reusable space tourism modules, making it more accessible and affordable. 

Future of Space Tourism: 

• Accessibility: By 2030, space tourism may become accessible to the wealthy, with ISRO aiming for commercialisation in India. 
• Beyond Earth’s Orbit: Expansion into lunar and deep space exploration is envisioned, with missions to Mars and beyond. 
• Space Staycations: Longer stays in space modules are envisioned for tourists seeking extended experiences. 
• Sustainability: Emphasis on reusable rockets aims to reduce space debris and ensure environmental friendliness.