SPACE TOURISM. A FUTURE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OR NOT?

Abstract

Space tourism, which has recently come to the attention of society, has sparked controversy over the environmental consequences of recreational space travel, which has become a lucrative business done by and for the super-rich. This scientific paper investigates, through qualitative and quantitative research, the potential for the success and sustainability of this industry. The interviewed tourism and aviation experts believe that space tourism deserves to be developed in order to colonise other planets and make society responsible for the environmental issues, despite the huge costs, which will be reduced, similar to the aviation trend, by technological advances. Also, the results of the survey in which students participated, as future specialists in business and tourism, indicate an increased share of those aware of the effects of carbon pollution and a percentage of over 30% of those who believe in the development of space tourism, supported by economic benefits of offsetting environmental costs. The overall conclusion of the study highlights technological progress as a mobilising factor in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from spacecraft and in achieving the dream of sustainability of space travel, revealing space tourism as a resource that would benefit society as a whole, scientifically and economically.