Space Tourism – It’s Not as Far Out as You Think

The prospect of space tourism isn’t as far out as some might think. And if it does become a reality, the trips would represent one whopping commission for travel agents.

“I think space tourism is 100% feasible if we have some breakthroughs in some of the things now under development,” said former astronaut Colonel Bob Springer.

Springer, who now heads his own aerospace consulting firm, gave a motivational address during NTA’s recent Travel Exchange. He talked afterwards with Travel Market Report about space tourism.

Habitat for space vacations
Springer cited a new inflatable space module designed to attach to the international space station as the beginnings of a potential habitat for space vacations.

The $17.8 million BEAM, or Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, is being developed by Bigelow Aerospace, whose founder Robert Bigelow owns Budget Suites of America. NASA is the aerospace company’s first customer.

Basically a balloon made of a Kevlar-like material, BEAM is slated to launch in mid-2015 in a deflated form, which will be puffed into a 13-foot by 10-foot cylinder upon its arrival. Initially the module will test whether inflatable habitats are viable as orbiting laboratories or as living space for deep-space missions.

Costs less than climbing Everest
Robert Bigelow eventually plans to develop a private space station with living space for 12, twice the occupancy of the international space station. Wealthy tourists are among those he hopes to attract to the private station.

“A one-week space trip would cost more than $500,000,” Springer estimated, “but an expedition to Mount Everest costs millions. There are people who want to do space travel and have the resources to do it.”

Springer said it’s quite feasible that agents could become part of selling space travel. Potential space tourists are wealthy risk-takers, he added. “It’s an opportunity for travel agents who can identify those clients.” (See related story, Travel Seller in Orbit Over Space Tourism, Aug. 6, 2012.)

Stupid human tricks
Asked what space tourists might do during their stays outside Earth, Springer likened their activities to David Letterman’s “stupid human tricks.”

“You know, there’s the whole weightless experience and, for instance, squeezing fluid out in space,” he said with a laugh. “But travelers will also be glued to the windows, photographing solar flares or the Northern and Southern lights.”