Dissenting Opinions about Space Tourism

Soyuz TMA-7 Spacecraft

Interestingly, there seems to be some objections to the "Space Tourist" terminology. For example, Dennis Tito, Mark Shuttleworth, Gregory Olsen and Anousheh Ansari prefer a different “label” other than "space tourist". They have explained their preferences by pointing out that they have carried out scientific experiments as part of the journey. According to wikipedia, Tito prefers to call himself an "independent researcher". Shuttleworth wants to call himself a "pioneer of commercial space travel". Olsen prefers a title "private researcher." Ansari prefers the term "private space explorer". Only Charles Simonyi shows no qualms about calling it "space tourism", even in reference to his own experience. A reporter has asked him in an interview, "Do you foresee a day when space tourism is not just the province of billionaires - when it will be as affordable as plane travel?” His answer has been, "Yes, the only question is when."

Many space enthusiasts believe that space tourism is slowly becoming a growing tourism industry although some of them disagree with labeling it as “space tourism”. Rick Tumlinson of the Space Frontier Foundation, for instance, has said, "I hate the word tourist, and I always will. ’Tourist' is somebody in a flowered shirt with three cameras around his neck”.

Alex Tabarrok has categorized it as a kind of "adventure travel". He is saying that the mere fact that people pay for a travel experience does not make the activity "tourism". As far as he can see, space travel will remain similar to climbing Mount Everest- dangerous and uncommon. He believes that even if we see 100 flights a year, it is still not space tourism. Tourism, he defines, is fat people with cameras.

Comedian Paul F. Thompkins claims that rocket scientists and space programs in general are a waste of time and resources. He also claims that space tourism only promotes classism during a time when Americans need to stick together.

Indeed, I agree that this is a time for Americans to stick together as a nation. The economic crisis that is gripping America today also affects the world economy. Sometimes, if you would think about it, space programs may not be the top investment option. However, we should not undermine the long unforeseen returns of present space programs not only to America but also to the world particularly in the field of science and technology.

Info and photo:
www.wikipedia.com