Commercial Space Industry

The idea of space tourism has been in our minds for decades, however it was not until 1984 that a person other than military or government employed traveled into space. Charles D. Walker's expedition marks the infusion of private capital and space exploration. (Blum, 2016) Later, in 1998, Space Adventures was founded becoming the first company to send citizens into space. The passengers of these adventures were wealthy as it charged anywhere from $20 million to $40 million, a 10 day trip in zero gravity  at the International Space Station was included. Two of the biggest hurdles in this industry are money and safety. It is a no-brainer that money would be an issue here since most people do not just have $20 million lying around to be spent. I bring up safety as a second issue because there have been accidents resulting in death. NASA use to have Space Flight Participant program where citizens could partake in missions without scientific or government means. One of their shuttles, Challenger, disintegrated not long after takeoff killing all seven crew members. NASA cancelled all programs afterwards. As of now, the first reusable rocket ship was landed making history on November 23, 2015 as an economic game changer. (Blum, 2016) 

The commercial space industry is regulated by the Commercial Space Launch Act of 1984. It authorizes the Department of Transportation along with the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation to oversee, authorize and regulate launches and reentries. (Regulations, n.d.)They are mainly to protect the general public and property on the ground. I do feel that these rules are appropriate for where the industry stands today but as it progresses further the regs will have to change.

Technology is increasing at such a rapid pace that I definitely think it will be accessible to the general public, school field trips and all. However, it is going to be a decently long road. Slowly but surely the price will go down and more and more people will have access but until there is a real demand for it, it is going to remain an option for few people. 

The basic requirements to work in the space tourism industry are similar to those of a civilian pilot. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, at least 1,000 hours pilot in command time in a jet aircraft and the ability to pass a NASA space physical, like our medicals. Some of the specific items are corrected 20/20 in each eye, blood pressure of 140/90 measured in a sitting position and a height between 62 and 75 inches. (NASA, 2004) 




Blum, S. (2015, November 25). The Space Tourism Timeline. Retrieved October 21, 2016, from              https://www.inverse.com/article/8528-the-space-tourism-timeline

NASA. (2004, January 29). Astronaut Requirements: Commander and Pilot Astronaut Duties. NASA. Retrieved from http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_Astronaut_Requirements.html

Office of Commercial Space Transportation - Regulations. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2016, from http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/regulations/