Future of Space Tourism and the Role of UAVs

India has taken giant steps in space missions with the help of ISRO, or the Indian Space Research Organization. From successfully launching the ‘MOM’ or the Mars Orbiter Mission to sending the Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon, ISRO has been conducting space missions for a long time now and has succeeded more times than it has failed. This is the primary reason why India is well on the right path regarding space tourism.

India is moving full throttle towards achieving its goals in space tourism. The plans include scientific exploration and the possibility of human spaceflight. The Gaganyaan mission sent Indian astronauts into space for the first time. This was a major step in India’s entry into space travel.

Furthermore, India’s rising private space industry is paving the way for space tourism to flourish. Indian private companies are working tirelessly to develop space tourism technologies and monitor developments in the global space tourism market.

• Skyroot Aerospace: It is one of India's foremost private space companies. The company is developing reusable rockets. In February 2022, it launched its first privately developed rocket, Vikram-S. Skyroot, launched in February 2022, focuses on making space more accessible for space tourism.

• Agnikul Cosmos: This private space startup focuses on developing small, reusable rockets for space tourism. The company's mission is to make space more affordable and accessible, which is crucial for making space tourism feasible for the general public.

• Bengaluru-based SpaceStartups: Bengaluru is India's IT hub and its space hub. There are several private startups, and it is home to many startups focused on satellite launches and research. It is also willing to enter the commercial space sector. With ongoing advancements in rocket technology and aerospace engineering, Garden City can play a significant role in the country's space tourism journey.

The government of India is keenly interested in privatizing space activities, which could attract more investment in space tourism. As stated by Space Policy 2020, India is trying hard to innovate and increase private sector participation in the space tourism industry.

The people who are of the opinion that the advent of drones has only transformed the applications on land are surely caught on the wrong foot. Their applications are in space as well, and that’s not it; just like on Earth, the potential applications in space tourism are varied, ranging from improving the experience of the tourists to refining logistics and infra.

Logistical Support for Space Tourism

Drones can offer logistical support for space tourism. They could inspect and uphold spaceports, spacecraft, and other infra. Due to the high costs of space tourism, guaranteeing the safe operation of launch vehicles is vital. Drones can conduct autonomous inspections of launch platforms, spacecraft, and other facilities, making the process quicker, safer, and more efficient.

Furthermore, drones can transport smaller cargo or equipment to and from spaceports. They can also monitor spaceports and ensure smooth operations for space tourism.

Improving the Experience of Tourists

Drones can greatly improve the space tourism experience for people. Space tourists will likely fly in spacecraft intended for comfort and safety, but drones can add a bit of thrill to the overall experience. A drone flying outside the spacecraft to capture live video of the Earth, giving passengers an immersive view of the planet. This video could be streamed live to Earth, providing an unparalleled view of space for that incapable of taking a journey to space.

Moreover, drones could assist in VR simulations or enhance tourists' experience with interactive media while in space. They could take videos from several angles, providing tourists with an immersive experience of space travel. These applications would make the experience more enjoyable and help with future research into space tourism.

Space Drones for Exploration

Drones can make their presence felt in the realm of planetary exploration. These drones could explore the Moon or Mars, collecting data valuable for future space missions and space tourism.

Drones could scout possible landing sites on the Moon or Mars, helping space tourists cross these extraterrestrial environments. Furthermore, drones could create virtual tours of other celestial bodies, letting tourists experience space without going to any other planet.

There is no doubt that the future of space tourism is really promising, but this does not change the fact that there are still some challenges that must be dealt with going forward.

High Costs

Space tourism remains expensive, and one must invest a substantial amount of money to undertake a space tour. Although reusable rockets are making significant strides in reducing launch costs, the price of space tourism remains a major concern for the average individual. With the average price of space travel for an individual ranging from $200,000 to $55 million, it’s doubtful that space tourism will be within the reach of a normal person shortly. India must find ways to decrease space travel costs and make it more affordable for people.

Regulatory and Safety Concerns

The safety of space tourists remains a big concern in the entire spectrum of space tourism. Space tourism will require stringent regulations to ensure that tourists are adequately trained and that spaceflights are safe. India must develop the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to handle space tourism effectively. The role of drones in enhancing safety and competence could be vital, but their integration into the system will require careful planning.

Impact on the Environment

Rocket launches are done without having a huge negative impact on the environment. While reusable rockets are a positive step in this regard, launching spacecraft still generates significant pollution. With the development of the space tourism industry, every effort is being made to minimize its environmental impact. Drones can be beneficial in this regard, helping to make procedures less harmful to the environment while also increasing efficiency.

It is a time when there is a revolution going on in the Indian space tourism industry. With rising investments in private space companies, India’s future in space tourism looks bright. Integrating drones into this sector will be important, offering both logistical support and improving the experience of tourists.

The rapid expansion of the global space tourism market will need to overcome challenges, including the high cost of space tourism, regulatory hurdles, and ecological concerns. However, India can become a key player with its rising capabilities in space tourism. The combo of India’s robust space program and trailblazing drone technology could open avenues for exploration and adventure for tourists in the future.

The future of space tourism in India looks exciting, and with drones leading the way, India can well and truly become a frontrunner in the industry.

With drones promising a lot of potential in space tourism, it is not hard to imagine the value of drone operators shortly, not just in space tourism but in other applications as well. The world of drones is not constrained by gender. Whether you are male or female, if you are interested in drone piloting, you can come to us at Flapone Aviation.