The Market for Space Tourism: Early Indications

Abstract

The development and growth of space tourism faces a number of hurdles. Producing credible and reliable estimates of market demand represents one of the most significant of these. This article examines the early indications of the market for space tourism based on the limited research conducted to date. It identifies several research challenges and considers methodological alternatives that might improve research findings.

Modelling consumer choice behaviour in space tourism

“…Current evidence of the demand for space tourism Several studies of the potential public interest in space tourism have been conducted over the last decade, either by ''independent'' academic researchers, government or public organisations, or commercial enterprises wishing to verify their belief that space tourism is a viable investment. Crouch (2001) reviewed and compared the results of many of these studies, undertaken in Japan, the United States, Canada, Germany and the UK. Overall, there was some broad consistency in the findings indicating that about 40-80% of respondents in these studies had an interest or desire to travel into space depending on nationality, gender (females expressed interest that was 5-10% points lower than males), and age (80% for those under age 20 years, declining to 45% for those over 60 years).…”

“…For example, Crouch (2001) identified and described five types: (a) terrestrial or land-based forms of space tourism (simulations), (b) high-altitude jet fighter flights, (c) zero-gravity flights, (d) sub-orbital flights and (e) orbital space tourism (and interplanetary space tourism, longer term). For the purpose of this current study, we did not study terrestrial forms of space tourism like museums, ground space facilities and visitor centres, launch viewing, astronomy facilities or locations, etc.…”

From authenticity to significance: Tourism on the frontier of culture and place

“…A sense of adventure and ground breaking exploration often accompanies tourism and will in the future lead to increased efforts to breach the boundaries of the least accessible places, to include the oceans [12] as well as space [13].…”

Space Tourism—A Future Dream or a Cyber-tourism Reality?

“…The number of people travelling to view space shuttle launches, to view a total solar eclipse, or to experience cosmonaut training indicates the interest in terrestrial space tourism (Crouch 2001). Despite the current high cost and consequent limited number of people who can afford a flight, non-terrestrial space travel is considered a promising market in the future (Hudgins 2001).…”

“…If a market for space travel is to develop it will need to be financially viable. Pricedemand elasticity is estimated to be high (Crouch 2001) but potential demand is very difficult to forecast (O'Neil et al 1998;O'Neil et al 1999;Laing 2001).…”