For Russia, the End of Space Tourism?

[deapfreeze]

Dec. 28, 2007 -- Space tourists may have to seek alternative transport after 2009 due to a lack of room on the Russian capsule serving the International Space Station, Russia's space agency chief said Thursday. <br /><br />http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/12/28/russia-space-tourism.html<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#0000ff"><em>William ( deapfreeze ) Hooper</em></font></p><p><font size="1">http://deapfreeze-amateur-astronomy.tk/</font></p><p> </p> </div>

 

[JonClarke]

The key phrase is <i>as we see it today</i><br /><br />Russian space tourism <i>as we see it today</i> is predicated on spare seats on route to the ISS. When these are not available, other possibilities maay open up. In principle there is no reason why additional Soyuz could not be built exclusively for space tourism. Maybe Bigelow would be interested, assuming their station is in a compatible orbit.<br /><br />Jon <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em>  Arthur Clarke</p> </div>

 

[holmec]

yeah, it seems to be 'yet to be seen'. I think it may also depend on the outcome of the new space craft forging between EU and RSA (Crew Space Transportation System). The craft could have two seats available to tourists while able to transport 4 people (tourists + crew) to orbit <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font color="#0000ff"><em>"SCE to AUX" - John Aaron, curiosity pays off</em></font></p> </div>

 

[Swampcat]

I posted the same article (different website) earlier here.<br /><br />Duplicate thread <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="3" color="#ff9900"><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>------------------------------------------------------------------- </em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."</em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong>Thomas Jefferson</strong></font></p></font> </div>

 

[bdewoody]

Maybe this means that the Russian government isn't as strapped for cash as they were shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <em><font size="2">Bob DeWoody</font></em> </div>