December 13, 2020 marked a major milestone in space exploration with Virgin Galactic, Richard Branson’s private spaceflight company, completing its first commercial suborbital flight into space and back. The spaceship left California’s Mojave Desert and returned sixty minutes later with two passengers aboard, marking the first time a commercial spacecraft had completed a successful mission into space and back. While a historic moment, Virgin Galactic’s space tourism flights suggest financial gain is not on the horizon.
It has long been theorized that space tourism flights would provide a massive influx of revenue, but the reality is far different. Though Virgin Galactic began offering personal space tourism flights in 2004, fewer than 700 tickets have been sold as of December 2020. The cost per flight is steep, with individuals paying around $250,000 for the once-in-a-lifetime experience. A number of factors have contributed to the low ticket sales.
The most significant hurdle to the growth of space tourism is the launch process itself, which involves numerous permits and safety approvals. These procedures take significant effort and time which is then absorbed by the orbital space business. There is also little understanding of the risks associated with the activity; many people are still unwilling to purchase tickets if they cannot accurately weigh the risks against the rewards.
In addition, space tourism is a luxury item. On the ground, people tend to prioritize expenditures on essential goods and services like food, education, and shelter first. Therefore, until there is a drastic shift in the global economy, space tourism remains a low priority for most individuals.
Even if some people can afford the cost of a ticket, not everyone is keen on the idea of a suborbital spaceflight. Reclining seats and an uncomfortable cabin await those who buy tickets, and while this comes with the territory of space exploration, it is likely to deter some passengers. For the time being, space tourism operations remain a niche activity.
To increase the success rate of space tourism flights, Virgin Galactic may need to redesign their current ticket sales and marketing practices. By engaging with a larger base of potential passengers, the company can make space exploration more accessible. Furthermore, Virgin Galactic should seek to work with other space organizations to ensure safety and responsibility while still providing a memorable experience.
Overall, Virgin Galactic’s space tourism flights are a major breakthrough in the future of space exploration. However, the path to success is still a long one and the idea of significant financial gain remains a distant dream. If these issues can be addressed, the commercialization of space tourism could be possible.
