The space industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom, driven by the rapid increase in private space flights and advancements in space tourism. According to a recent report from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the number of private launches in the United States is projected to more than double by 2028. This surge is fuelled by growing demand for satellite deployment, exploration missions, and the burgeoning space tourism sector, which is quickly transitioning from science fiction to reality.
“By fiscal year 2028, we are forecasting nearly triple the fiscal year 2023 number of authorised operations due to greater use of reusable vehicles, the demand for commercial satellite services and the growth of commercial human spaceflight missions,” Kelvin B. Coleman, the FAA’s associate administrator for Commercial Space Transportation wrote in a blog post. Predictions currently project that there could be 338 private launches by 2028, more than double compared to the 156 anticipated for this fiscal year and more than triple the 106 from 2023.
1. The rise of space tourism
Space tourism, once a distant dream, is now within reach for an expanding segment of the population. The FAA report highlights the increasing number of commercial spaceports being developed, which are essential for supporting the anticipated rise in launches. These spaceports are not just for scientific missions but are also becoming hubs for space tourism companies offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences to civilians.
The experience of travelling to space, however, is far from the luxury vacations found on Earth. According to accounts from early space tourists, the journey is marked by rigorous physical preparation and the psychological challenge of leaving the planet. “Looking back on our planet, I felt this deeper connection to love,” an early space tourist recounted, “I did not feel myself as an individual. I could actually see and feel everything that we are.”
2. Implications
Despite the challenges, the allure of space remains strong, with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic leading the charge in making space more accessible. But, as the travel experience becomes more common, it raises new questions about the long-term effects of space travel on the human body and the ethical implications of space colonisation.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this discussion is the possibility of human conception in space. Experts suggest that within the next decade, we could witness the first instances of sex in space, followed by conception and childbirth. This development, while fascinating, presents significant challenges. The human body is adapted to Earth’s gravity, and the microgravity conditions in space could have unpredictable effects on reproduction and development. A key concern is the impact of microgravity on embryonic development. Research in this area is still in its infancy, but initial studies indicate potential risks, including ectopic pregnancies and contraception failure.
3. The future of private spaceflight
The next decade looks to bring profound changes in space exploration – not just in how we travel to space, but in how we live in it. The challenges are immense, but so too are the possibilities. With the right balance of innovation, regulation, and ethical consideration, the once futuristic dream of space travel is becoming a reality.
