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Context
- Entrepreneur Gopi Thotakura is set to be the first Indian tourist in space on Blue Origin's NS-25 mission, founded by Jeff Bezos, also of Amazon fame.
MUST READ: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/space-tourism#:~:text=Space%20tourism%20is%20another%20niche,%2C%20leisure%2C%20or%20business%20purposes.
Space Tourism:
- Space tourism is a niche sector within aviation, offering individuals the opportunity to experience space travel for leisure, recreation, or business purposes.
- This concept is outlined in the book 'Air Transport: A Tourism Perspective,' edited by Anne Graham and Frederic Dobruszkes.
Types of Space Tourism:
a.Sub-orbital Tourism:
- Sub-orbital spacecraft transport passengers just beyond the Kármán line, approximately 100 kilometers above Earth's surface, marking the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space.
b.Orbital Tourism:
- Orbital tourism involves longer-duration trips into Earth's orbit, where passengers may spend days or weeks aboard spacecraft, experiencing life in microgravity environments.
Pros and Cons of Space Tourism
Cons of Space Tourism:
Exposure to Sun's Radiation:
- Space travel technology in its early stages poses risks of exposure to harmful solar radiation.
Health Risks:
- Prolonged zero-gravity conditions can jeopardize cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health.
- Exposure to high-energy ionizing cosmic rays may increase the risk of cancer.
Exposure to Harmful Organisms:
- Introducing potentially harmful microorganisms from space to Earth's atmosphere is a concern.
Poor Regulation:
- Inadequate safety protocols and regulatory oversight can compromise the safety of space travelers.
Commercialization Concerns:
- Profit-driven companies may prioritize revenue over safety, leading to risky practices.
Resource Waste:
- Experimentation and failed ventures in space tourism may result in the wastage of resources.
Inequity:
- Space tourism is accessible only to the wealthy, creating disparities in access to space exploration opportunities.
Environmental Impact:
- Fuel-intensive rocket launches contribute to resource depletion and environmental pollution.
Not a Panacea:
- Escaping to space is not a solution to Earth's problems, as no environment in the solar system matches Earth's suitability for life.
Pros of Space Tourism:
Economic Boost:
- Space tourism stimulates commercial activity, especially beneficial during economic downturns.
Job Creation:
- The industry creates employment opportunities, particularly in spacecraft manufacturing and related sectors.
Attracting Investors:
- Renewed interest in space exploration attracts investors, fostering innovation and technological advancements.
Earth Protection:
- Space exploration helps identify and mitigate potential hazards to Earth.
Technological Advancement:
- Advances in space technology have applications beyond space missions, benefiting various industries.
Resource Exploration:
- Space exploration may lead to the discovery of new minerals and resources, addressing Earth's resource depletion challenges.
Adventure Tourism:
- Space tourism offers a novel adventure experience for enthusiasts seeking unique travel experiences.
Other Challenges of Space Tourism:
High Cost Barrier:
- Space tourism remains prohibitively expensive, with passengers typically required to pay over a million dollars for a trip to outer space, making it inaccessible to the majority of individuals.
Environmental Impact:
- Studies have highlighted the potential environmental damage caused by space tourism, as rocket launches emit gaseous and solid chemicals directly into the upper atmosphere.
- Research conducted by University College London (UCL), the University of Cambridge, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2022 revealed that soot emissions from rocket launches significantly contribute to atmospheric warming.
Safety Concerns:
- Despite stringent safety standards, safety remains a concern in space tourism.
- According to a report by Astronomy Magazine, out of 676 individuals who have flown into space, 19 have died as of November 2023, resulting in an approximate 3% fatality rate during space flights.
Way Ahead:
Cost Reduction Efforts:
- Initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of space tourism should be prioritized, including the development of more cost-effective launch technologies and operational efficiencies.
Environmental Mitigation Strategies:
- Research and development efforts should focus on mitigating the environmental impact of space tourism, such as exploring cleaner propulsion technologies and implementing regulations to minimize emissions.
Enhanced Safety Measures:
- Continuous improvements in safety protocols and technologies are essential to address safety concerns in space tourism.
- Collaboration between space agencies and private companies can help establish and enforce rigorous safety standards.
Public Awareness and Education:
- Educating the public about the benefits and risks of space tourism is crucial for informed decision-making and support. Public engagement initiatives can foster understanding and acceptance of space exploration endeavors.
International Collaboration:
- Collaboration between nations and space agencies is vital for advancing space tourism in a responsible and sustainable manner. Sharing resources, expertise, and best practices can accelerate progress and ensure global cooperation in space exploration efforts.
Ethical Considerations:
- Ethical considerations, such as equitable access to space tourism opportunities and minimizing the impact on indigenous communities and ecosystems, should guide decision-making in the development and regulation of space tourism activities.
Research and Innovation:
- Continued investment in research and innovation is essential to address existing challenges and unlock new opportunities in space tourism.
- Embracing technological advancements and exploring novel approaches can drive progress and expand the frontiers of space exploration.
MUST READ: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/space-tourism#:~:text=Space%20tourism%20is%20another%20niche,%2C%20leisure%2C%20or%20business%20purposes.
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. Assess the impact of space tourism on the global economy, environment, and international collaboration. Highlight the challenges and benefits of commercializing space travel, and propose strategies for sustainable and inclusive development of this emerging industry.
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