Future or fantasy - space tourism from the perspective of architecture and design professions.

Paper number

IAC-10.E5.2.11

Author

Mr. David Wong, United Kingdom

Year

2010

Abstract

"Space Tourism" is a well versed term to the community who works within the space related professions and industries. While it is still a matter of debate to what extent space tourism would affect the space industry, it is generally acknowledged that the commercialisation of human spaceflight will play a significant role in the future development of space activities. Crucially, many studies had been carried out to investigate how the space community might embrace the new opportunities. The same could not be said, however, for professions that are not currently involved in space actively, but are expected to play an increasingly prominent role in supporting the emerging space tourism activities in foreseeable future. Professions such as architecture, design, and hospitality services are some of the notable examples that fit into this category. To those who work within these traditionally non-space professions, "Space Tourism" could appear to be a rather alien idea. 

Furthermore, a lack of communication between the space community and these traditionally earth-bound professions has also given rise to many misunderstandings and false expectations on the subject, which could lead many to a premature conclusion that space is irrelevant to their disciplines' future development. This could hinder the prospect of the space community's outreach efforts, undermining the potential benefits that could come from cross disciplinary engagements.

 
This paper strives to investigate the general opinions of mainstream designers towards the emerging space tourism industry, and to establish a quantitative basis for assessing the "status quo" of the design profession with regards to its interests, awareness, and expectations towards the emerging space tourism industry.


To facilitate the quantitative analysis a online questionnaire survey targeting architecture and design professionals was carried out. The survey consisted of a selection of multiple choices questions that were designed to gauge the respondents' attitude and receptiveness towards space tourism. The results were analysed against the professional background of the respondents. The paper concludes by identifying a number of findings from the survey results and recommendations have been highlighted based on the findings.

Abstract document

IAC-10.E5.2.11.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-10.E5.2.11.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.