Man has always been curious about universe, and wants to know more about this unknown large area. This intrinsic human nature of curiosity of unknown and love for thrill and adventure has inspired him to explore space and other galactic bodies. Though, man visited the space in 1957, when Russian cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin completed an orbit of the Earth in the spaceship Vostok, rocket planes were designed much earlier. In 1929, Max Valier and Fritz von Opel designed and then flew the first rocket plane. Apollo’s landing on moon, which was watched live by thousands on their television, inspired such awe in the minds of people, that every young boy started dreaming of being an astronaut some day. Then man started dreaming of space tourism, and it became a fact when American business man-Denis Tito went to space. Despite the tragedies of Space Shuttle Challenger, and after that Columbia, space tourism is really raring to go, and why not? Space tourism will be beneficial to us in many ways. Let us see some of the reasons why space tourism is so important to us:
1. Boosts tourism
Space tourism will give one more option to people looking for adventures in life. They will get to see and appreciate our beautiful earth amidst dark space. A new space tourism industry will develop and will increase the commercial activity in the time of poor state of world economy.
2. Encourages economic growth
Economic benefits of space tourism will be immense. With research and use of new technology, spacecrafts can provide airlines like operations, and operate reusable space vehicles. Space tourism will become a new area of commercial endeavour and give employment to thousands of people. Manufacturing of new and better spacecraft will give employment to many skilled people.
3. Triggers more research
With trips to space happening frequently, scientific researchers will be able to plan and execute experiments more frequently, and within a reasonable timeframe, which does not happen now due to paucity of opportunity. Scientists will be able to study climate change, air quality, and alternative sources of energy, taking advantage of these trips.
4. Increases awareness about our own smallness
All those people who have returned from space talk about the experience of watching Earth in the black sky, our small and fragile band of atmosphere, and how this atmosphere has transformed them. People will realize how small and fragile our earth is, and stop abusing and destroying it.
5. Establishes foothold elsewhere
Though we all now know that it is very difficult to find a new home and earth like atmosphere on other planetary bodies. But one day we will have to find an alternative home somewhere. Earth is already overpopulated, and we need somewhere to put all these people, and reduce the burden on earth.
6. Provides stimulus for science education
With manned mission to other planets, the interest for science and astronomy will increase among the new generation, and will give boost to science education.
7. Taps natural resources
We know that there are unlimited natural resources up in the space. We can bring back a few of them some day, and reduce the burden on mother Earth.
Space tourism will thus touch life of innumerable people and so can not be ignored anymore. It is also important to remember that we should use space technology for the good of human kind, and do not misuse it to destroy ourselves as we have done many times in the past.