Over 50 years have passed since the first human walked on the Moon. Until recently, most commercial spaceflights involved government contracts for satellite launches. Now, commercial spaceflight includes human transport to Low Earth Orbit and future lunar outposts, driven by private-sector innovation, government investment, and public interest. With the first crewed launch of the SpaceX Dragon to the International Space Station (ISS), on May 30, 2020, a new era of public-private spaceflight partnership has emerged (1). Private companies such as Boeing, Virgin Galactic, Axiom, Sierra Space, and Blue Origin now create a steep commercial demand for crewed spaceflight, both for technological and recreational purposes. NASA has further partnered with Axiom Space for commercial utilization of the ISS until the world’s first commercial space station is built by 2028 (2).

As we witness the rise of space tourism, it becomes clear that this development goes beyond mere technological progress—it touches on the very priorities we set as a global society. This article analyses the potential benefits and drawbacks of investing in space tourism, particularly in the context of pressing global issues like inequality, environmental degradation, and poverty. How do we strike a balance between technological advancements and the immediate needs on Earth? What is the true cost of prioritizing space travel when so many people around the world face urgent challenges that demand attention? And should commercial space travel be a priority in the coming years?

Growing demand for space tourism

The main motivations for space tourism include the unique view of Earth, weightlessness, high speeds, and contributing to scientific research. Currently, high-altitude jet flights and zero-gravity flights are the most accessible options, but the industry is advancing rapidly (3). Since American businessman Dennis Tito became the first space tourist aboard Soyuz-TM32 in 2001, space tourism has grown significantly, with 63 individuals having experienced space travel to date.

Major companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are driving this expansion. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is working on commercial missions to the Moon and possibly Mars (4). Blue Origin focuses on suborbital flights with its New Shepard rocket (5, 6), while Virgin Galactic offers edge-of-space flights with the VSS Unity (7). As demand increases, competition will likely drive further innovation and create new opportunities for those seeking the ultimate travel experience.

Space tourism remains extremely expensive, with tickets often costing hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. For example, a Virgin Galactic flight initially cost around $450,000 (6). These high prices reflect the costs of space technology, safety, and operations. Most participants are wealthy businesspeople, celebrities, or individuals willing to make a significant investment for the experience of a lifetime. However, future technological advances could help lower costs (6).

Social impact: exclusivity or inspiration?

Commercial space travel remains largely accessible only to the ultra-wealthy, with ticket prices ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. This raises ethical concerns about inequality: is it justifiable to invest vast resources into a sector that benefits only a small elite?

The astronomical costs of space tourism make it accessible only to the super-wealthy, reinforcing inequality in access to space. This exclusivity creates a divide between the wealthy and the rest, exacerbating social inequalities and raising concerns about whether space should be reserved for an elite few (8).

Supporters argue that space travel serves as a powerful source of inspiration. Space tourism has the potential to reshape global perspectives and foster unity beyond national and cultural boundaries. Astronauts, who come from diverse backgrounds, collaborate closely in space, creating strong bonds and a shared mission that often extend beyond their time in orbit.

Astronauts like Scott Kelly emphasize how space missions teach teamwork and responsibility for all of humanity. Kelly described feeling like an extension of Earth's civilization, working with international agencies and using modules from various countries (9). Peggy Whitson similarly noted how space acts as a great equalizer, where nationality becomes secondary to the collective goal.

The social and psychological changes astronauts experience can have broader implications for society. Many return as advocates for environmental protection, international cooperation, and other global causes, showing that unity and shared purpose can transcend borders and political divisions (9).

Economic value: innovation or waste?

The expansion of spaceflight services has been a significant job creator. From engineers and scientists to technicians and support staff, the industry demands a wide range of skilled professionals. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are continually hiring as they grow. This employment boost extends to subcontractors and suppliers, amplifying job opportunities in local economies around launch sites and manufacturing facilities. For example, new facilities in Florida and Texas have created numerous local jobs and supported regional economic growth (10).

Technological advancements from spaceflight have also benefited other industries. Innovations in materials science, robotics, and telecommunications developed for space missions have been applied to sectors like automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare, improving products and services and driving broader economic growth (10). For instance, lightweight materials and advanced electronics created for space applications have made vehicles more efficient and sustainable.

Despite these benefits, critics argue that the investments in commercial spaceflight contrast sharply with urgent needs on Earth. While billions are directed toward space tourism and Mars colonization, many countries still face poverty, food shortages, and a lack of infrastructure. In 2023, the global space tourism market was valued at USD 888.3 million (about 817 million euros) (11), while 540,000 people in the Netherlands live in poverty (12). The Food Bank in the Netherlands estimates that feeding all clients would cost around 161.5 million euros annually — far less than the money flowing into space tourism (13).

The contrast is stark: 161.5 million euros could provide essential food aid for thousands, yet more is being spent on luxury space travel for the wealthy. Additionally, much of the profit from commercial space ventures is concentrated among a few companies and individuals, raising concerns about increasing wealth inequality. While space exploration may drive technological progress, it risks deepening economic divides if the benefits remain concentrated among a small elite.

Ultimately, the debate over commercial spaceflight hinges on global priorities. While space exploration could unlock new frontiers and drive innovation, it is essential to ensure that the wealth generated from these industries is more equitably distributed, helping to address global issues like poverty and hunger alongside technological progress.

Scientific value: progress or distraction?

Space exploration offers significant scientific benefits, including advancements in microgravity research, new materials, and understanding human health in space. Commercial spaceflight could support deep space exploration and contribute to Mars colonization, which may be crucial for humanity’s long-term survival in extreme environments.

Commercial flights expand research opportunities by offering diverse test subjects beyond astronauts, allowing studies on how weightlessness affects different body types. Reusable rockets and efficient launch systems like SpaceX’s Falcon 9 are driving technological progress, benefiting sectors such as aviation and manufacturing. Space tourism could also lead to innovations in hypersonic travel, reducing travel times on Earth, while advancements in space habitats, artificial gravity, and life-support systems will support long-duration missions and sustainable living (14).

The commercial space industry is also advancing AI and robotics, with autonomous spacecraft and robotic assistants becoming essential. Innovations in space medicine could lead to breakthroughs in human health monitoring, radiation protection, and zero-gravity treatments, with potential applications on Earth (14).

However, commercial spaceflight often prioritizes short-term profits from tourism over scientific research. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin may focus more on commercial gains than advancing science, and the pressure to generate profit could reduce transparency and compromise safety, undermining the scientific value of missions.

While commercial spaceflight drives technological progress, there is a risk that profit motives could overshadow long-term scientific goals. Striking a balance between commercial interests and scientific exploration is essential to ensure that space missions continue to benefit humanity.

Environmental impact: a contradiction?

One of the most critical but often overlooked aspects of commercial spaceflight is its environmental impact. Rocket launches consume vast amounts of fuel and release harmful substances into the atmosphere. While the world struggles to reduce CO2 emissions, billions of dollars are being invested in an industry that contributes to environmental pollution.

The carbon footprint of a space tourist is far higher than that of a long-haul flight passenger. While a passenger on a long-haul flight might generate 3–5 tonnes of CO2, emissions from a single space tourist can be up to 100 times higher. For example, a Falcon 9 rocket releases nearly 28,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases, while SpaceX’s Starship emits an alarming 76,000 tonnes. These figures exclude emissions from rocket design, manufacturing, and disposal (15).

A particularly concerning emission is black carbon (carbon soot), which remains in the stratosphere for up to four years. Although rocket soot accounts for just 0.01% of global soot emissions, it causes about 3% of the global warming effect from soot (15). As commercial spaceflight expands, this issue could worsen, adding to the environmental crisis.

For space tourism to align with sustainability goals, the industry must reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and mitigate the environmental consequences of rocket launches (16, 17). Currently, the industry’s trajectory adds stress to the environment without offering meaningful compensation for the damage caused.

Ironically, many astronauts experience the "Overview Effect" — a profound shift in perspective upon seeing Earth from space as a fragile and interconnected sphere. This often evokes a sense of unity and responsibility, leading astronauts to advocate for environmental protection (8). If space travel can instill this awareness in more people, it could become a tool for environmental advocacy.

In conclusion, while space tourism may raise awareness of Earth’s fragility through experiences like the "Overview Effect," the industry’s environmental impact cannot be ignored. Unless the commercial space sector addresses its environmental footprint, it risks contributing to the problem rather than becoming part of the solution.

Conclusion

As we enter a new era of space exploration, commercial space travel presents both exciting opportunities and serious challenges. While the technological and economic benefits of space tourism are clear, the environmental impact, social inequality, and ethical concerns cannot be ignored. The exclusivity of space tourism, accessible only to the wealthy, highlights growing inequality, while rocket launches contribute to climate change and pollution. The industry must find a balance between driving innovation and addressing urgent global challenges.

A shift in focus is needed—one that ensures space exploration benefits all of humanity, not just a privileged few. Prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity will allow the space industry to contribute to both technological progress and global well-being. With thoughtful innovation and responsible investment, space exploration can inspire change and create a more united and sustainable future. Shall we?

This article is part of The Outside World, ftrprf’s very own research center.

For organizations, it’s pivotal to thoroughly understand what is happening in society. We help companies generate comprehensive insights into societal change and its potential effects on their strategy and operations, both negative and positive. With actionable societal insights, courageous plans, and a can-do mentality, we connect the outside world to your company's strategy. For these outside-world insights, we use a rigorous methodology that includes data processing, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and a thorough review process to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our findings.

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