Is Commercial Space Tourism a viable industry? Please answer the following questions:
1) Historical background: When did the idea of "space tourism" begin? How has it developed? What have been the hurdles and accomplishments? Start in the 1960's - present day.
The idea of space tourism began back in 1964 when Austrian journalist Gerhard Pistor requested a flight to the moon from a travel agent, who in turn, forwarded it to Pan Am. Pan Am's response was that their first flight would be in the year 2000. (Space Exploration Stack Exchange, 2018) There has been little growth in the space tourism industry. As far as space tourism development goes, it is still a really cool concept, but it isn't close to being a viable mode of public transportation.
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2) Give a brief summary of the rules and regulations that currently govern the commercial space industry. When and why were they developed? Start with the first rules developed in the 1980s. Do you feel that they are appropriate or that the need to be more or less restrictive?
The rules developed in the 1980's came about due to the space shuttle program. These rules dictated what could be carried as payload and also personal items. The regulations that were currently passed relate to space flight with passengers. These regulations are covered in 14 CFR Parts 401,415, 435, 440, and 460. These regulations cover the steps to apply for a launch license, safety of crew operated flight, and launch and re-entry. (FAA, 2006) I feel that, like all regulations, they should be reviewed from time to time to check to see if they are relevant and effective. These regulations should be relaxed a little bit if space tourism is to become available to the general public.
3) Where do you see space tourism headed and in what time frame? I.e., do you think it will be accessible to the general public, not unlike the commercial airline industry? Do you think it will develop into a means of transportation or do you think that it will perpetually exists as a one-time, bucket list adventure? Why?
I see space tourism continuing on as a bucket list adventure and not really a viable means of transportation. I say this because the growth rate of the technology needed to perpetuate space tourism is slow and expensive. Because the technology is so expensive, the cost required for a seat on a flight would out of reach of the general public.
4) What are the qualifications to work in the space tourism industry - either from the pilot or the management perspective? This may require some research, perhaps even making a phone call.
The qualifications for working in a management role in the space tourism industry are very similar to that of the rest of the aviation industry. A person still has to be familiar with the FARs and the unique quirks of the aviation industry. The main issue with working in space tourism management is that there are not many locations to work at. There are only twelve Federal or privately licensed spaceports in the United States. There are four in California, two in Alaska, three in Florida, and one each in Texas, Oklahoma, and Virginia.
References:
1) Historical background: When did the idea of "space tourism" begin? How has it developed? What have been the hurdles and accomplishments? Start in the 1960's - present day.
The idea of space tourism began back in 1964 when Austrian journalist Gerhard Pistor requested a flight to the moon from a travel agent, who in turn, forwarded it to Pan Am. Pan Am's response was that their first flight would be in the year 2000. (Space Exploration Stack Exchange, 2018) There has been little growth in the space tourism industry. As far as space tourism development goes, it is still a really cool concept, but it isn't close to being a viable mode of public transportation.
.
2) Give a brief summary of the rules and regulations that currently govern the commercial space industry. When and why were they developed? Start with the first rules developed in the 1980s. Do you feel that they are appropriate or that the need to be more or less restrictive?
The rules developed in the 1980's came about due to the space shuttle program. These rules dictated what could be carried as payload and also personal items. The regulations that were currently passed relate to space flight with passengers. These regulations are covered in 14 CFR Parts 401,415, 435, 440, and 460. These regulations cover the steps to apply for a launch license, safety of crew operated flight, and launch and re-entry. (FAA, 2006) I feel that, like all regulations, they should be reviewed from time to time to check to see if they are relevant and effective. These regulations should be relaxed a little bit if space tourism is to become available to the general public.
3) Where do you see space tourism headed and in what time frame? I.e., do you think it will be accessible to the general public, not unlike the commercial airline industry? Do you think it will develop into a means of transportation or do you think that it will perpetually exists as a one-time, bucket list adventure? Why?
I see space tourism continuing on as a bucket list adventure and not really a viable means of transportation. I say this because the growth rate of the technology needed to perpetuate space tourism is slow and expensive. Because the technology is so expensive, the cost required for a seat on a flight would out of reach of the general public.
4) What are the qualifications to work in the space tourism industry - either from the pilot or the management perspective? This may require some research, perhaps even making a phone call.
The qualifications for working in a management role in the space tourism industry are very similar to that of the rest of the aviation industry. A person still has to be familiar with the FARs and the unique quirks of the aviation industry. The main issue with working in space tourism management is that there are not many locations to work at. There are only twelve Federal or privately licensed spaceports in the United States. There are four in California, two in Alaska, three in Florida, and one each in Texas, Oklahoma, and Virginia.
References:
Stack Exchange. (2016, June 21). Space Exploration. Retrieved February 22, 2018 from https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/16792/what-was-the-first-space-tourism-company
FAA. (2016, December 15). Federal Register. Retrieved February 22, 2018 from https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2006-12-15/pdf/E6-21193.pdf
FAA. (2013, February) U.S. Launch Site and Spaceports retrieved February 22, 2018 from https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/industry/media/Spaceport_Map_Feb_2013.pdf
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