Space Tourism: Get Ready For A Private Rocket Trip
Space tourism was once thought to be a far-fetched concept that would probably materialize centuries after the first man landed on the moon. However, the seemingly difficult vision was realized in 2021.
On July 11th, 2021, Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic launched the modern age of space tourism by taking a tour to outer space with three other employees. After a successful flight, Sir Richard Branson proudly stated that he hoped that millions of kids globally would be captivated and inspired about the possibility of exploring space one day.
Just a few days after the launch of Virgin Galactic, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin established itself as a formidable competitor with a similarly flawless flight that launched 14 people to space. Jeff Bezos would later take a personal trip to outer space a second and third time, reaffirming the public's interest in space tourism. The pioneers of space tourism confirmed the arrival of space tourism in 2021, which got many excited and curious about what will happen in the near future.
What Can We Expect from Space Tourism?
The commercial spaceflight industry took over space travel in 2021. The novice steps suggest the possibility of rapid advancement in the coming years. Multiple companies competing for a market share in space tourism flights hints at the industry's budding future. Below are expected developments in space travel:
Affordably Priced Trips To Suborbital Space
Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin have been working to fully develop spaceships capable of transporting commercial passengers on brief trips into space. The launch of space tourism flights in 2021 was only a partial success, given that only the wealthy and celebrities could afford the brief period of zero gravity. Blue Origin's refusal to publicly announce ticket prices also suggests prohibitively high prices out of reach for the middle class.
However, the next few decades could be fantastic for space enthusiasts who want to behold the vastness of the universe. In a decade or so, the cost of a space tourism flight will drop from six figures to around four figures. It's difficult to say exactly when affordable space flights will be available to the general public. Still, space tourism is one of the near future travel trends in the rapidly advancing digital age. However, as with all other accomplishments, it is a milestone expected to occur in stages.
More Private Rocket Trips
Three countries have launched people into space in the age of private liftoff. Even better, several private companies are now on the same path. Elon Musk’s SpaceX was the first company to send tourists into space. The company launched "Inspiration 4", a privately chartered spaceflight that carried billionaire Jared Isaacman into space, in September 2021. A science educator, a physician assistant, and an Air Force veteran who works as an engineer were also aboard the rocket.
Despite its high cost, the private rocket trip reignited interest in private rocket trips. Elon Musk explained that the trip was initially expensive but will become more budget-friendly over time. The CEO's comment hinted at more private space flights in the near future. Similar trips are expected to be announced by companies competing in the space race.
Space Flight Objectives
Spaceflight is still in its infancy. However, the phenomenon has several short-term and long-term targets.
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Carrying more people per flight- The commercial spaceflight industry is committed to researching and developing the technologies needed to transport people safely and in large numbers. The ultimate goal of this is to make space tourism affordable to the masses by spreading the costs across many people.
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Raising the demand for space flights- Having larger crafts for more affordable travel will translate to greater demand for space tourism. Space companies will need to develop ways to increase demand, such as establishing an integrated transportation network.
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Space tourism combined with point-to-point flights- Making space flights more affordable includes incorporating other incentives for travel to accommodate people who seek more than just a thrill ride. For example, carrying people from one city to another across continents to maximize profits by ensuring all seats are full.
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Colonizing Mars- Elon Musk is obsessed with the idea of colonizing Mars to facilitate human travel between the two planets. The CEO of SpaceX is the driving force behind improving space tourism. This goal will encourage the development of better spaceships and budget-friendly rates.
Finally
Space tourism is rapidly evolving. It is best to be prepared for any developments and keep an eye out for more exciting news about the future. Given the tremendous technological advances and level of globalization achieved in the last century, the time is right for humanity to boldly embark on the next era of exploration.
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