Andrés Gálvez & Géraldine Naja-Corbin General Studies Programme, Institutional Matters and Strategic Studies Office, ESA HQ, Paris, France ...
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Space Tourism
Andrés Gálvez & Géraldine Naja-Corbin
General Studies Programme, Institutional
Matters and Strategic Studies Office,
ESA HQ, Paris, France
Artist's impression of a commercial
spaceport (Virgin Galactic)
uborbital spaceflights offering oppor-
S tunities to ‘touch’ space and experience
‘weightlessness’ are creating substantial
public interest. These developments are closely
related to ESA’s core business, and we are
observing them with interest.
What Do We Mean by ‘Space Tourism’?
There are different possible definitions
of ‘space tourism’. Here we use the term
to mean suborbital flights by privately
funded and/or privat e ly operated
vehicles and the associated technology
d evelopment driven by the space
tourism market.
Current Context
Activities linked to space tourism have
been gaining momentum and we have
seen some remarkable achieve m e n t s
during the last few years, such as the
flight of SpaceShipOne. There is large
p u blic interest in human suborbital
flights, and the figures of prospective
p aying customers quoted in re c e n t
market surveys show that space tourism
o ffers the potential for sustained
progress similar to what happened in the
esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 19Space Tourism
Andrés Gálvez & Géraldine Naja-Corbin
General Studies Programme, Institutional
Matters and Strategic Studies Office,
ESA HQ, Paris, France
Artist's impression of a commercial
spaceport (Virgin Galactic)
uborbital spaceflights offering oppor-
S tunities to ‘touch’ space and experience
‘weightlessness’ are creating substantial
public interest. These developments are closely
related to ESA’s core business, and we are
observing them with interest.
What Do We Mean by ‘Space Tourism’?
There are different possible definitions
of ‘space tourism’. Here we use the term
to mean suborbital flights by privately
funded and/or privat e ly operated
vehicles and the associated technology
d evelopment driven by the space
tourism market.
Current Context
Activities linked to space tourism have
been gaining momentum and we have
seen some remarkable achieve m e n t s
during the last few years, such as the
flight of SpaceShipOne. There is large
p u blic interest in human suborbital
flights, and the figures of prospective
p aying customers quoted in re c e n t
market surveys show that space tourism
o ffers the potential for sustained
progress similar to what happened in the
esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 19General Studies Space Tourism
Today, students and scientists can experience 'weightlessness' while flying on modified aircraft for microgravity research
early days of aviation. Suborbital flight this emerging industry, seve ral of its ‘Study of European privat e ly
vehicles, designed for use over and over assessments have been carried out by funded vehicles for commercial human
again, could gradually bring down the ESA over the last four ye a r s. For spaceflight’ at ESTEC in The
costs, as the technology and the instance, ESA has coordinated and Netherlands; the study was aimed to
o p e rational ap p roach become more participated in a European Commission understand the dynamics of specific
mature. FP-6 funded study on the development European space tourism ventures.
The cost for individuals to fly on a of commercial high-altitude flight. On As a follow-up, an internal ESA
manned suborbital spaceflight wa s 7 November 2007, ESA’s General Working Group was set up with the goal
initially projected at about US$ 200 000 Studies Programme presented the results of making recommendations based on
with over 200 private persons having
made an advance payment to fly on A publicity poster concept for Spaceport Sweden, a company that plans to make Kiruna the primary European spaceport for personal suborbital spaceflight and space tourism. It is a cooperation between the
SpaceShipTwo in the case of Vi rg i n SpaceShipOne seen making its historic suborbital flight in June 2004 (Virgin Galactic) Swedish Space Corporation, the Jukkasjärvi Icehotel, LFV Group and Kiruna’s business-development company Progressum (Spaceport Sweden)
Galactic. This is expected subsequently
to drop to about US$ 50 000 with
roughly 16 000 passengers interested to these studies; their work was endorsed Technology and operations profitable way. This achievement would
fly in 2021, according to the ‘Space by all ESA Directors on 14 April. The The growth of space tourism wo u l d have a significant impact in the space
Tourism Market Study’ conducted in International Academy of Astronautics’ encompass significant new deve l o p - sector. In the aeronautics sector, if
2002 by FUTRON, a US-based space ‘First Symposium on Private H uman ments in aerospace technologies, and successful, such development could lead
consultancy firm. Access to Space’ in May 2008 provided bring an aeronautics perspective to in the long term to high-speed vehicle
These developments might have deep the opportunity to present these space technology development and concepts, with the potential to reduce
and significant implications for space conclusions to a wider external operations, in particular concerning the drastically the duration of long-distance
activities as a whole. Being at the heart audience. aspects of reusability and routine flights.
of Europe’s space activities, ESA is processes associated to the high flight
expected to have a position on space Different Dimensions of Space Tourism rates. So far, it has been demonstrated Commercialisation and partnership
tourism, and needs to have a Relating to ESA Activities that suborbital flight at around 100 km development
coordinated and corporate ap p roach There are many different aspects linked can be successfully carried out a few Space tourism efforts are also related to
with respect to these activities. to space tourism that may have an times in a row with a prototype vehicle. the ultimate goals of human spaceflight
impact on ESA. The major features of The real challenge will be to have a prog ra m m e s, i.e. enabling routine
A Position on Space Tourism such relationships are: vehicle that allows flying many missions, human access to space and the
To provide a better understanding of with associated operat i o n s, in a preparation of the long-term, sustained
20 esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 www.esa.int www.esa.int esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 21General Studies Space Tourism
Today, students and scientists can experience 'weightlessness' while flying on modified aircraft for microgravity research
early days of aviation. Suborbital flight this emerging industry, seve ral of its ‘Study of European privat e ly
vehicles, designed for use over and over assessments have been carried out by funded vehicles for commercial human
again, could gradually bring down the ESA over the last four ye a r s. For spaceflight’ at ESTEC in The
costs, as the technology and the instance, ESA has coordinated and Netherlands; the study was aimed to
o p e rational ap p roach become more participated in a European Commission understand the dynamics of specific
mature. FP-6 funded study on the development European space tourism ventures.
The cost for individuals to fly on a of commercial high-altitude flight. On As a follow-up, an internal ESA
manned suborbital spaceflight wa s 7 November 2007, ESA’s General Working Group was set up with the goal
initially projected at about US$ 200 000 Studies Programme presented the results of making recommendations based on
with over 200 private persons having
made an advance payment to fly on A publicity poster concept for Spaceport Sweden, a company that plans to make Kiruna the primary European spaceport for personal suborbital spaceflight and space tourism. It is a cooperation between the
SpaceShipTwo in the case of Vi rg i n SpaceShipOne seen making its historic suborbital flight in June 2004 (Virgin Galactic) Swedish Space Corporation, the Jukkasjärvi Icehotel, LFV Group and Kiruna’s business-development company Progressum (Spaceport Sweden)
Galactic. This is expected subsequently
to drop to about US$ 50 000 with
roughly 16 000 passengers interested to these studies; their work was endorsed Technology and operations profitable way. This achievement would
fly in 2021, according to the ‘Space by all ESA Directors on 14 April. The The growth of space tourism wo u l d have a significant impact in the space
Tourism Market Study’ conducted in International Academy of Astronautics’ encompass significant new deve l o p - sector. In the aeronautics sector, if
2002 by FUTRON, a US-based space ‘First Symposium on Private H uman ments in aerospace technologies, and successful, such development could lead
consultancy firm. Access to Space’ in May 2008 provided bring an aeronautics perspective to in the long term to high-speed vehicle
These developments might have deep the opportunity to present these space technology development and concepts, with the potential to reduce
and significant implications for space conclusions to a wider external operations, in particular concerning the drastically the duration of long-distance
activities as a whole. Being at the heart audience. aspects of reusability and routine flights.
of Europe’s space activities, ESA is processes associated to the high flight
expected to have a position on space Different Dimensions of Space Tourism rates. So far, it has been demonstrated Commercialisation and partnership
tourism, and needs to have a Relating to ESA Activities that suborbital flight at around 100 km development
coordinated and corporate ap p roach There are many different aspects linked can be successfully carried out a few Space tourism efforts are also related to
with respect to these activities. to space tourism that may have an times in a row with a prototype vehicle. the ultimate goals of human spaceflight
impact on ESA. The major features of The real challenge will be to have a prog ra m m e s, i.e. enabling routine
A Position on Space Tourism such relationships are: vehicle that allows flying many missions, human access to space and the
To provide a better understanding of with associated operat i o n s, in a preparation of the long-term, sustained
20 esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 www.esa.int www.esa.int esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 21General Studies Space Tourism Subordinal Flight is an EADS Astrium concept for a takeoff and one-stage journey into space for up to five people. Beginning with a Artist’s impression of future space travellers enjoying the 'weightless' environment (Virgin Galactic) 45-minute cruise to an altitude of 12 km, rocket propulsion takes over from the jet engines and the space plane is boosted in almost vertical attitude for 80 seconds to ascend to over 100 km (EADS) human exploration of the Solar System. from space tourism undertakings could to the local legal framework – which industry, in view of the opportunities it particular, the notion of ‘launching visibility and perception of human In this sense there is also a link between one day become building blocks of a might be diff e rent from country to may create, but also of the competition state(s)’, through its administrat ive spacefl i g h t / ex p l o ration in the genera l space tourism activities and exploration open space exploration scenario. country. It is therefore essential that the it may foster. In order to support the national agency designated for carrying public. ESA will have to consider such programmes, even if the end-objectives civil aviation regulatory authorities of emergence of new European capabilities out space activities, will have a role to development in its commu n i c ation and re q u i rements are completely Legal aspects and regulatory framework the countries concerned and the without distorting such competition, play in exe rcising jurisdiction and strategy. On one hand, the aim should be different. The challenges for space tourism are not competent agencies of the European ESA should care f u l ly define the control over that activity. to take advantage of such additional There is thus an interest in supporting only technical ones. Especially in the Union are at the forefront of the setting boundaries of a ny space tourism outreach activity for the benefit of the the emergence of private business in the European context, there are important up of a regulatory framework for space support activities in line with the ESA Communication aspects and visibility of space sector; on the other, ESA should context of human spaceflight. In the aspects to be addressed from a legal tourism adapted to the Euro p e a n Convention. space activities use its communication tools to explain longer term, and based on technologies standpoint. scenario. Finally, since in the longer term space The development of a larger space the differences in technical complexity, developed in the frame of institutional Space tourism will be carried out ESA must also consider other legal tourism should invo l ve traveling in tourism market and potentially a larger requirements and ambitions of space programmes, privat e ly developed and substantially in the airspace of a given matters. Space tourism will certainly space, some rules of space law may also number of citizens ex p e r i e n c i n g tourism and those of ‘classical’ human operated infrastructure elements derived country and therefore, it will be subject have a significant influence on aerospace find application for space tourism; in spaceflight will have an impact on the spaceflight and exploration activities. 22 esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 www.esa.int www.esa.int esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 23
General Studies Space Tourism Subordinal Flight is an EADS Astrium concept for a takeoff and one-stage journey into space for up to five people. Beginning with a Artist’s impression of future space travellers enjoying the 'weightless' environment (Virgin Galactic) 45-minute cruise to an altitude of 12 km, rocket propulsion takes over from the jet engines and the space plane is boosted in almost vertical attitude for 80 seconds to ascend to over 100 km (EADS) human exploration of the Solar System. from space tourism undertakings could to the local legal framework – which industry, in view of the opportunities it particular, the notion of ‘launching visibility and perception of human In this sense there is also a link between one day become building blocks of a might be diff e rent from country to may create, but also of the competition state(s)’, through its administrat ive spacefl i g h t / ex p l o ration in the genera l space tourism activities and exploration open space exploration scenario. country. It is therefore essential that the it may foster. In order to support the national agency designated for carrying public. ESA will have to consider such programmes, even if the end-objectives civil aviation regulatory authorities of emergence of new European capabilities out space activities, will have a role to development in its commu n i c ation and re q u i rements are completely Legal aspects and regulatory framework the countries concerned and the without distorting such competition, play in exe rcising jurisdiction and strategy. On one hand, the aim should be different. The challenges for space tourism are not competent agencies of the European ESA should care f u l ly define the control over that activity. to take advantage of such additional There is thus an interest in supporting only technical ones. Especially in the Union are at the forefront of the setting boundaries of a ny space tourism outreach activity for the benefit of the the emergence of private business in the European context, there are important up of a regulatory framework for space support activities in line with the ESA Communication aspects and visibility of space sector; on the other, ESA should context of human spaceflight. In the aspects to be addressed from a legal tourism adapted to the Euro p e a n Convention. space activities use its communication tools to explain longer term, and based on technologies standpoint. scenario. Finally, since in the longer term space The development of a larger space the differences in technical complexity, developed in the frame of institutional Space tourism will be carried out ESA must also consider other legal tourism should invo l ve traveling in tourism market and potentially a larger requirements and ambitions of space programmes, privat e ly developed and substantially in the airspace of a given matters. Space tourism will certainly space, some rules of space law may also number of citizens ex p e r i e n c i n g tourism and those of ‘classical’ human operated infrastructure elements derived country and therefore, it will be subject have a significant influence on aerospace find application for space tourism; in spaceflight will have an impact on the spaceflight and exploration activities. 22 esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 www.esa.int www.esa.int esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 23
General Studies Space Tourism
Guidelines of ESA’s Position on Space Tourism re g u l atory authorities and
Considering the balance between the competent bodies from the EC,
potential advantages of space tourism aiming also at a ‘more level playing
(high visibility of space, add i t i o n a l field’ for all parties around the
d evelopment efforts of space world, and supporting the interests
technologies, increased appeal fo r of European industry.
science and technology education, 5. ESA should facilitate the free flow of
creation of new commercial markets, ideas among all interested European
etc.) and its potential risks or drawbacks parties, e.g. by establishing a
(environmental aspects, safety issues, platform for voluntary information
exc l u s iveness of an activity aimed exchange.
i n i t i a l ly at a small minority of the
population), ESA is taking a position of Summary
cautious interest and informed support, ESA re c ognises the private sector’s
with the following guidelines: e fforts both in the achievement of
suborbital flights and in the associated
1. ESA should monitor the re l evant technological development. We intend
technology activities and assess to show this recognition by helping
whether spin-ins and spin-offs could provide the necessary environment for
be env i s aged fo r / f rom Euro p e a n this industry to flourish, for example by
space programmes. assisting in the setting up of legal
2. While avoiding interfering in the fra m ewo rks for operation acro s s
development of a fully competitive Europe, involving civil aviation
market, ESA should further reflect authorities and other relevant bodies in
on possible partnership with debate.
E u ropean ve n t u res or support Private developers of space tourism
actions, based on mutual interest could also gain by collaborating with
and demonstrated technical and ESA on areas of re c ognised ESA
c o m m e rcial mat u r i t y, without expertise such as astronaut training and
nevertheless exposing ESA to any space medicine, as part of their efforts
liabilities re l ated to bu s i n e s s to ensure thorough pre p a ration pro-
exploitation. To this end, legal g rammes for space tourists and safe
schemes should be defined to allow flight experiences.
for such activities, as allowed within These areas of expertise should be
the principles laid out in the ESA considered on top of the vast wealth of
Convention. already developed and maturing
3. Provision of services by ESA in the technology, plus ideas that are still
domain of human spaceflight, in undergoing inve s t i g ation and ex p e r i -
particular ‘astronaut training’, i.e. ment. In order to facilitate the free fl ow
provision of expertise for developing of ideas among all interested European
d e d i c ated training programmes playe r s, ESA intends to help establish a
and/or facilities for specific tourist platform for voluntary information
flight opportunities, and ‘space exchange and interdisciplinary discus-
medicine’, i.e. provision of expertise sion. Some pilot experiences and intense
to develop dedicated medical debates taking place in the frame of the
p re p a ration prog rammes of space GSP study last year we re alre a dy very
tourists, should also be explored for positive and inspiring.
mutual benefit, making ava i l able While ESA must be careful not to
ESA’s competences under conditions interfere in a fully competitive market,
to be defined. its experience, achievements to date, eye
4. ESA should contribute in the for opportunity and bold vision of space
development of a regulatory frame utilisation should make a valuabl e Artist impression of a futuristic commercial
for space tourism in Europe, contribution to this exciting new phase spaceport (Virgin Galactic)
i nvolving both civil aviation of human endeavour. e
24 esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 www.esa.int www.esa.int esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 25General Studies Space Tourism
Guidelines of ESA’s Position on Space Tourism re g u l atory authorities and
Considering the balance between the competent bodies from the EC,
potential advantages of space tourism aiming also at a ‘more level playing
(high visibility of space, add i t i o n a l field’ for all parties around the
d evelopment efforts of space world, and supporting the interests
technologies, increased appeal fo r of European industry.
science and technology education, 5. ESA should facilitate the free flow of
creation of new commercial markets, ideas among all interested European
etc.) and its potential risks or drawbacks parties, e.g. by establishing a
(environmental aspects, safety issues, platform for voluntary information
exc l u s iveness of an activity aimed exchange.
i n i t i a l ly at a small minority of the
population), ESA is taking a position of Summary
cautious interest and informed support, ESA re c ognises the private sector’s
with the following guidelines: e fforts both in the achievement of
suborbital flights and in the associated
1. ESA should monitor the re l evant technological development. We intend
technology activities and assess to show this recognition by helping
whether spin-ins and spin-offs could provide the necessary environment for
be env i s aged fo r / f rom Euro p e a n this industry to flourish, for example by
space programmes. assisting in the setting up of legal
2. While avoiding interfering in the fra m ewo rks for operation acro s s
development of a fully competitive Europe, involving civil aviation
market, ESA should further reflect authorities and other relevant bodies in
on possible partnership with debate.
E u ropean ve n t u res or support Private developers of space tourism
actions, based on mutual interest could also gain by collaborating with
and demonstrated technical and ESA on areas of re c ognised ESA
c o m m e rcial mat u r i t y, without expertise such as astronaut training and
nevertheless exposing ESA to any space medicine, as part of their efforts
liabilities re l ated to bu s i n e s s to ensure thorough pre p a ration pro-
exploitation. To this end, legal g rammes for space tourists and safe
schemes should be defined to allow flight experiences.
for such activities, as allowed within These areas of expertise should be
the principles laid out in the ESA considered on top of the vast wealth of
Convention. already developed and maturing
3. Provision of services by ESA in the technology, plus ideas that are still
domain of human spaceflight, in undergoing inve s t i g ation and ex p e r i -
particular ‘astronaut training’, i.e. ment. In order to facilitate the free fl ow
provision of expertise for developing of ideas among all interested European
d e d i c ated training programmes playe r s, ESA intends to help establish a
and/or facilities for specific tourist platform for voluntary information
flight opportunities, and ‘space exchange and interdisciplinary discus-
medicine’, i.e. provision of expertise sion. Some pilot experiences and intense
to develop dedicated medical debates taking place in the frame of the
p re p a ration prog rammes of space GSP study last year we re alre a dy very
tourists, should also be explored for positive and inspiring.
mutual benefit, making ava i l able While ESA must be careful not to
ESA’s competences under conditions interfere in a fully competitive market,
to be defined. its experience, achievements to date, eye
4. ESA should contribute in the for opportunity and bold vision of space
development of a regulatory frame utilisation should make a valuabl e Artist impression of a futuristic commercial
for space tourism in Europe, contribution to this exciting new phase spaceport (Virgin Galactic)
i nvolving both civil aviation of human endeavour. e
24 esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 www.esa.int www.esa.int esa bulletin 135 - august 2008 25You can also read
