(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2000-10)
Olds, John R.; McCormick, David Jeremy; Charania, Ashraf; Marcus, Leland R.
This paper summarizes the findings of a recent study of space tourism markets and vehicles conducted by the Space Systems Design Laboratory at Georgia Tech under sponsorship of the NASA Langley Research Center. The purpose of the study was to investigate and quantitatively model the driving economic factors and launch vehicle characteristics that affect businesses entering the space tourism industry. If the growing public interest in space tourism can be combined with an economically sound business plan, the opportunity to create a new and profitable era for space flight is possible. This new era will be one in which human space flight is routine and affordable for many more people. The results of the current study will hopefully serve as a guide to commercial businesses wishing to enter this potentially profitable emerging market.