Space Tourism and Virgin Galactic - Essay Example

Space tourism Name Course Name and Code Instructor’s Name Date Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 Is the commencement of commercial flights to the edge of space in 2010 a start of a new industry? 4 Is Virgin Galactic based on a sound business model? 7 Are these realizable business objectives in the 21-century or science fiction? 8 What are the technical issues and obstacles to be overcome? 10 What are the political issues? 11 Certification of the vehicle 11 Registration of the vehicle 11 Launch site regulatory system 12 Environmental law 12 Insurance 12 Liability issues 12 Conclusion 13 References 14 Introduction To be able to define the word space tourism, the definitions of the terms space and tourism are taken into consideration. According to studies, the term space is used to refer to the empty outer space in the earth’s atmosphere. This is the space in which the planets as well as the stars are found. It is accepted that the space begins at a hundred kilometres from the earth’s surface despite the fact that the frontier that exists between the space and the atmosphere is not clearly defined. Tourism on the other hand, based on the tourism provider oriented definition is the provision of services for instance entertainment, places to stay as well as transport. Based on the client-oriented definition, tourism is the doing of that which gives one the opportunity to experience in reality the pleasures, which they have always dreamt of. Therefore, space tourism is the provision of services to humans’ in order for them to be able to access as well as experience space for recreation and adventure. Besides, space tourist is a term used to refer to an individual who travels to experience space for recreation and adventure. This person is also referred to as space passenger, space client or space traveller. Virgin Galactic is a company that is established as well as owned by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Angus, 2010. The company was given the responsibility of taking up the challenge of ensuring that they make private space travel accessible to all as well as making the first commercial space line for the universe. Virgin is set to operate as well as own the privately built space ships undergoing construction but based on the history making space ship one craft (Angus, 2010). It is anticipated that the spaceships will allow for the first orbital space travel in history at an affordable price. In addition, the space travel will give one an opportunity of being among the first private astronauts (Angus, 2010). This paper seeks to evaluate whether the venture is a start for a new industry for the Virgin Galactic as well as whether it is based on a sound business model. Moreover, it will also evaluate whether the set objectives are realizable in the 21st century. Besides, the obstacles and the technical issues will be discussed. In conclusion, the paper will entail political issues that will face Virgin Galactic. Is the commencement of commercial flights to the edge of space in 2010 a start of a new industry? The commencement of commercial flights to the edge of space in 2010 by Virgin Galactic is with no doubts the start of a new industry (Angus, 2010). This is because Virgin Atlantic will give the tourists the groundbreaking chance the first ever space tourist in history. The company introduces an important experience to the industry that comes from the years of rail operations as well as safe airline (Angus, 2010). Moreover, it has ensured proper funding through committing the right resources into the venture. In addition they will operate as well as be in possession of its own privately built spaceships which have been modelled on the significant history making spaceship one (Angus, 2010). Virgin Galactic huge experience in the fields of adventure, luxury travel, as well as aviation and innovative design that is combined with the unique technology that was developed by Burt Rutan is meant to ensure a memorable experience, one that is not familiar to humankind (Angus, 2010). In addition Virgin aims at ensuring that the comfort of its tourists up until they are able to leave the spaceport with a complete document with full records regarding the whole experience as well as their astronaut wings. Before the start of the journey, Virgin will be giving a pre-flight preparation, training as well as bonding at the spaceport (Angus, 2010). This is so as they could provide their tourists with the most unbelievable experience of their lives. In addition, with Virgin Galactic, the adventure will be intense; approaching sensory overload and the more that can be simulated beforehand, the better the real thing will be (Angus, 2010). To ensure its passengers safety, Virgin intends to make the use of the White knight carrier aircraft that is believed to feature a duplicate Ship Two cabin, as an integral part of the preparation experience (Angus, 2010). The company aims at achieving this by carrying out pre-flight medical checks. The company will also use unrestrictive and simple medical assessment that will ensure that the people who want to fly will not be prevented due to their health conditions as well as fitness considerations. Furthermore, this is the beginning of a new era to the company because it has ensured safety of their venture and this could attract more customers for them. This they have been able to achieve especially the unique technology that has been developed by Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites. The technology is now licensed to the Virgin (Angus, 2010). In addition, the design of the spacecraft now overcomes a number of the safety as well as cost issues that had in the past made space travel a venture for the privileged few. It is apparent that to the company safety is within the heart of the design and it will surely be at the integral part of the operations of Virgin Galactic. Moreover, the agreed upon design have multiple levels of redundancy on all key systems in order to achieve an extremely robust system in every phase of flight (Angus, 2010). Besides, a full testing program will be done on the spaceships before commercial operations began to ensure safety. This will be aimed at bringing an optimal satisfaction as well as an unforgettable experience of space to each one of their future astronauts (Angus, 2010). Virgin has aimed at winning a good reputation through going on an extra mile. They aim at doing this by creating the best space line across the globe in all respects. Developing the capability to escape the boundaries of our home planet is one of humankind’s most spectacular achievements and has enormous potential significance to the future of the human race (Angus, 2010). In addition, Virgin believes that the innovation of private sector is of paramount to radical improvements. The company has a remarkable history enhancing as well as venturing in breakthrough technologies that is from alternative energy to highly fuel-efficient aircraft as well as trains (Angus, 2010). Moreover, Virgin also believes that it is in the interest of humankind that they develop their understanding as well as knowledge and their access to space. In order to ensure this, the company has undertaken to commercialize as well as develop the completely new approach to managed space travel made a reality by Burt Rutan as well as spaceship one. It is anticipated that by doing so the company will be in a position to enable a majority of people across the universe experience space for themselves as well as help to bring about the potential significances that are as a result of affordable as well as safe manned space access. This venture will be unique in the industry due to the fact that it will operate from the Mojave Spaceport. This is a very stunning sport at the heart of California desert (Angus, 2010). The location will with no doubts afford spectacular views of the pacific coast. Moreover, this is still the home to Burt Rutan’s Scaled Composites, it is where space ship two is being built as well as the birth place of spaceship one. It is believed the location will offer a right launch site for the investment. Being funded by the New Mexico state government, the company will offer innovative equipment as well as fantastic location for fledging astronauts in order for them to realize their dreams. Furthermore, Virgin Galactic is in the verge of looking at alternative spaceport locations across the globe with the aim of enlarging the venture as well as making the wonder of space tourism as accessible as possible to a majority of the people in the world (Angus, 2010). Is Virgin Galactic based on a sound business model? Virgin Galactic is based on a sound business model. This is due to the fact that they use a business model process that encompasses the rationale of how the company will create, deliver and capture value (ISU, 2000). The Virgin presents a cost estimate carried out on X-34, which is a NASA demonstrator. This is because it is the best analog for the kind of sub-orbital vehicles to be developed, as there is more information on cost regarding this vehicle as compared to the pathfinder vehicle (ISU, 2000). The cost estimate model for an X-34 derived RSTV is based on the Future European Space Transportation Investigations Program (FESTIP) RLV cost estimate model developed by Deutsche Aerospace Airbus (DASA), as well as cost data on various RLVs (ISU, 2000). In addition the Virgin galactic have a goal of ensuring that they lower their costs as well as ensure they increase the accessibility of space tourism to the majority across the universe. Besides, they also ensure that they capture the market by using the new technology and processes by Burt Rutan to make space tourism a reality. Moreover, Virgin realizes that technology is directly linked to reliability and that increasing the reliability is one of the major challenges in space tourism and therefore using the right technology will boost their business venture. The business model is also the right one because Virgin has taken into consideration of ensuring safety to their passengers (ISU, 2000). It aims at achieving this by carrying out pre-flight medical checks. The company will also use unrestrictive and simple medical assessment that will ensure that the people who want to fly will not be prevented due to their health conditions as well as fitness considerations (Angus, 2010). The company has acquired the right certification as well as license as it is required and hence they can freely venture into business (ISU, 2000). The Virgin also allows for a full testing program will be done on the spaceships before commercial operations began to ensure safety as it is required by the business model for space tourism. Virgin, in its business model, with the aim of ensuring public health and safety has acquired the launch operator license, which is deemed more viable for space tourism. This is due to the fact that it ensures a sustained as well as a long-term tourism business. Redundancy in both software and hardware is the current solution. In modern fly-by-wire systems of commercial airplanes, three independent control systems work in parallel as redundant systems, requiring independent power supplies, different cable gates for Tourism in Earth Orbit 145 wiring, sensors for feedback, and control software and hardware (ISU, 2000). This leads to an expensive, complex, as well as a heavy system. This in return explains in part why SSTO vehicles do not fly in the present day (ISU, 2000). From this, it is evident that space tourism requires a safe and reliable vehicle for grounding of the launch vehicle leads to the jeopardy of the entire enterprise. Virgin galactic understands this and they have taken the initiative of designing crafts that will allow for their smooth operation (ISU, 2000). Are these realizable business objectives in the 21-century or science fiction? The goal of Virgin Galactic is to expand opportunities for humans to experience space by proposing a framework for tourism that is enduring, evolutionary and open to all. This is a viable business objective if they will be able to maintain a position in the industry as well as a competitive advantage over its rivals in the global market (Ohio, 2008). To begin with Virgin has entered the market with unique products as well as services which include ensuring that they make private space travel accessible to all as well as making the first commercial space line for the universe. Since ever, migration and travel has been a very vital part of human nature (Ohio, 2008). The reasons for this vary with one’s interest. The reasons included; the need as well as desire for new resources and land, or new routes to known destinations. In addition, others travelled because they had a social or political motivation. As time went by travelling became common to a majority of people as long as time and funds allowed. In the contemporary world, human is usually fascinated by much more than travelling. The whole idea of venturing to space to many is just but a dream (Ohio, 2008). The thrill of being selected to strap into a space vehicle and roar towards the heavens, of freely floating in three dimensional spaces and looking down at the earth below is at once sublime and euphoric (Ohio, 2008). Virgin aims at making this dream by many come to reality since they are set to make it affordable. This will attract a good number of customers and in return bring benefits to the company. Moreover, the company’s huge experience in the fields of adventure, luxury travel, as well as aviation and innovative design that is combined with the unique technology that was developed by Burt Rutan is meant to ensure a memorable experience, one that is not familiar to humankind. This as a result will help them retain its customers for they will forever be interested in experiencing the adventure over and over. In addition, Virgin galactic long run effects of human learning, technical advancement and innovations in process of production and in products themselves, would overwhelm the effects of industrial cycles and trade (Angus, 2010). This will help the company in the attainment of its objectives, as the investment is unique. The objectives are also realizable due to the fact that there is a huge demand for space tourism. This means that there is already a ready market for the venture (Ohio, 2008). Besides, Virgin will also be successful because it has taken into consideration three main restrictions, which generally in the past were not put into consideration. This includes fitness, expense as well as training time. Virgin will use unrestrictive and simple medical assessment that will ensure that the people who want to fly will not be prevented due to their health conditions as well as fitness considerations (Ohio, 2008). Furthermore, this is the beginning of a new era to the company because it has ensured safety of their venture and this could attract more customers for them. Moreover, they will also provide giving a pre-flight preparation, training as well as bonding at the spaceport. This is so as they could provide their tourists with the most unbelievable experience of their lives. In conclusion, the spaceships will allow for the first orbital space travel in history at an affordable price (Ohio, 2008). What are the technical issues and obstacles to be overcome? Despite the highly successful technological advancements, many limitations stand in the way of engineering as well as rocket building. As a result of this, it has been hard providing more regular as well as cheaper flights to space (Beard and Starzyk 2002). According to studies, liquid rocket propellant systems have been found to be of an advantage as compared to other kinds of chemical combustion. As a result of this, they have the highest attainable performance, Beard and Starzyk 2002. In addition, they can be operated at all phases of the flight. However, the solid rock propellants are still in use especially for lift off. This is due to the fact that they have a high thrust. However, it is apparent that the solid rockets cannot be used for space tourism due to the fact that they cannot be turned off. It is evident that the risk involved with their use is not acceptable. Due to the limitations of rocket as well as the structure materials that are available today, constructing a stage rocket, this can effectively deliver itself or a spacecraft into the orbit (ISU, 2000). As a matter of fact, a series of smaller rockets are used that are ignited and then burn out in succession, a process known as staging. Ideally, the next generation of launchers would be formed by fully reusable, single stage to orbit (SSTO) vehicles (ISU, 2000). This therefore means that Virgin Galactic has a long way to go and apply the latest technology that will ensure they have the right model of a rocket to help them attain their goal of ensuring that space tourism is affordable as well as accessible to many people across the globe. Another technical challenge that Virgin will face will be that they will have to ensure they have in their possession ideal launch as well as launching sites since the only available sites being used by the manned space vehicles are Baikonur for the Soyuz and the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida for the Space Shuttle (ISU, 2000). This is due to the fact that they are only equipped for regular launches. In addition there will be the challenge of ensuring that the idea is to suspend a wing several kilometres below the balloon in the region where favourable winds exist in order to cause a sideways “lift” that can pull the balloon in the desired direction (ISU, 2000). This is so as to ensure that the balloon is steered to fly over desired nations. As well as geographical features. What are the political issues? After presenting the right policies, there are a number of political issues that Virgin Galactic requires to meet to ensure that the business centuries viable (ISU, 2000). These issues include: Certification of the vehicle This necessitates that the vehicle gets the right certification that conforms with the Japanese as well as American regulations (ISU, 2000). Registration of the vehicle It is evident that the vehicle gets the right certification that conforms with the Japanese as well as American regulation. However this is adequate enough for the kind of venture that Virgin is investing. As a matter of fact the kind of vehicle that they are thinking of bringing on board is legally undefined. This means that the registration procedure required is also not identified. Therefore the various registrations to be requested in the future could pose a problem if there is failure to coordinate them in the most appropriate manner (ISU, 2000). Launch site regulatory system This means that the ship has also to comply with the Japanese regulation (ISU, 2000). Environmental law It is apparent that under the space liability treaty, the environmental concerns have not been considered. It is advisable that the authorities should ensure that these issues are considered early in order for the environmental standards to be set in time (ISU, 2000). The idea of the regulation that will apply for the proposed type of vehicle is not clear yet at the moment. However, it is anticipated that noise as well as propulsion pollution will with no doubts need some measures taken in order to regulate it as soon as there is an increase in the number of flights. Insurance It is required that a distinction be made between the main areas involved. The one the customer needs as well as that which the company requires. The regulation that the customer will take into consideration will depend on his or her nationality whereas that which the company will need will be determined by the company’s nationality (ISU, 2000). Liability issues The two countries involved will have to reach an agreement. In this case the state of launch as well as the state of Virgin Galactic under the space liability treaty has to reach an agreement (ISU, 2000). Conclusion As defined above space tourism is the provision of services to humans’ in order for them to be able to access as well as experience space for recreation and adventure. Virgin Galactic is a company that is established as well as owned by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. The company was given the responsibility of taking up the challenge of ensuring that they make private space travel accessible to all as well as making the first commercial space line for the universe. Virgin is set to operate as well as own the privately built space ships undergoing construction but based on the history making space ship one craft. The paper has aimed at evaluating whether announcing commercial flights to the edge of space to commence in 2010 is a start of a new industry for the Virgin Galactic. This is a venture that has been found to be a new era since it is the first ever in history. Moreover the paper has Virgin Galactic is based on a sound business model. As explained the model is sound due to the fact that they use a business model process that encompasses the rationale of how the company will create, deliver as well as capture value. In addition, the company has been found to have realizable objectives by the 21st century because it has entered the market with unique products as well as services which include ensuring that they make private space travel accessible to all as well as making the first commercial space line for the universe. As a result, this will attract a huge customer for them and they will be able to realize their goals. The technical issues identified include the limitations of rocket as well as the structure materials that are available today, constructing a stage rocket, which can effectively deliver itself or a spacecraft into the orbit. In conclusion, political issues such as certification of the vehicle, registration of the vehicle, launch site regulatory system as well as environmental law have been discussed. References Angus, B. 2010. Your flight is now departing from space terminal 1: The amazing story behind Branson's Virgin Galactic project. London, UK: Daily Mail. Beard, S.S., and Starzyk, J. 2002. Space Tourism Market Study. London: Futron Corporation International Space University (ISU). 2000. Space Tourism from dream to reality. France; Graffenstaden Ohio, D. 2008. Will 21st Century Commercial Space Transportation Follow the Evolutionary Path of 20th Century Commercial Air Transportation. Space Tourism Panel Session. 15th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies Conference Read More