Space Tourism: Right here on Earth

[cjones]

Hello, this is an abstract of my presentation at this years' National Space Society's International Space Development Conference on how Space Tourism simulations will be the bridge between today and when space travel is safe and affordable for most people. <br /><br />You can visit our web site at www.redplanetexpeditions.com.<br />I look forward to the groups feedback.<br /><br />Chris Jones<br /><br />Last year, the success of the X-Prize brought well-deserved media attention to the concept of Space Tourism. Now it has entered the consciousness of the public that eventually we are going to get the chance to go into space.<br /><br />However, these experiences are still a few years away, and they will be expensive propositions. It is possible to take part in space tourism today. We believe that we as an industry should explore the range of possibilities for Earth-based simulated space tourism experiences. <br /><br />Through space exploration simulations, the general public will receive an early education in what space tourism and space exploration will be like in the not-so-distant future. Through authentic simulations, we can prepare would-be space tourists without months of astronaut training. In addition, simulations keep space exploration on the forefront of the consumers’ mind, which will aid in the promotion and mainstream acceptance of privately funded space missions.<br /><br />The biggest issue around space tourism is the safety, and how to make an industry performed by test pilots and military personnel suitable for a private citizen. The answer to that question is still being worked in the labs and white boards around the world. In the meantime, it behooves the “real” space tourism and exploration companies to partner with simulation companies to provide environments that help gain a better understanding of what future space tourists’ expectations are and how to address key issues that might b

 

[spacester]

<img src="/images/icons/cool.gif" /><br /><br />That's pretty close to the way I see things going as well.<br /><br />The public is ready for a shift to something positive. Space Tourism on Earth is an obvious way to bridge the gap from today to the first tourist space flights.<br /><br />There could even be a major cultural shift . . . <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /><br /><br />What's cooler than space? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[cjones]

Hi, <br /><br />Thanks for your note. We are looking for people to help spread the word and participate in the formation of our experience. Contact me at cjones@simnaut.com, and if you get a moment, please visit our web site @ www.redplanetexpeditions.com or simnaut.com. Any feedback on the site would be welcomed.<br /><br />I look forward to hearing more about your ideas on how Space Tourism as an industry can develop.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Chris Jones<br />President <br />Red Planet Expeditions<br />cjones@simnaut.com

 

[spacester]

Hi Chris, yeah, I think you're on the right track, just do it. Build it and they will come.<br /><br />Your settlement design may not be my settlement design, but so what? To the public, it will all blend together, which is fine. The point is to use all the different sectors in the space tourism industry to support and promote each other.<br /><br />At some point in the future, the space tourist will become the "in" thing to be. Some think that's decades away, I think it's right around the corner. The more people who are told they can go into space, briefly or long enough to gaze at the big blue marble, the better. Tell them often that they can visit an actively developing Mars Settlement mock-up, play around on orbit, experience spin-g, have a steak in space, fly around the moon, walk on the moon, and the sooner it will become reality. <br /><br />We can't do many of those things right away. But we can mock up a Martian Settlement right away. We can mock up all kinds of stuff. And we can show this stuff to the public and they will love it and they will see the exhibit on Burt Rutan and remember seeing him on the news again and it will all click for them that it's actually happening. Some lady thinks "I'm 35, after the kids are out of School in ten years, I'm going to fly to space!" and the minute that happens you have another one of the 39 million Americans we're looking for. If we can get her, we can get our 20% market penetration.<br /><br />So do it. Build the theme resort and don't look back. <br /><br />We'll talk later about how ACCESS can work with you, I think you'll like it. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[cjones]

Thanks again for the vote of encouragement. We are trying to educate the investor community as well as the general public. We are trying to raise money for the experience and we are in our early stages.<br /><br />Good to have a supporter out there. We are currently taking $100 deposits on our web site www.redplanetexpeditions.com or www.simnaut.com.<br />for our first expeditions in early 2007.<br /><br />Hope to see you there!<br /><br />Best regards,<br /><br />Chris<br />