Tourists in Space: A Practical Guide (Springer Praxis Books / Space Exploration) (Paperback)

~ Erik Seedhouse (Author)
Key Phrases: mission control center, flight director, participant medical standards, Space Shuttle, Bigelow Aerospace, Virgin Galactic (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews:

"Tourists in Space is a unique book, and its subtitle a ~A Practical Guidea (TM) hints at what is inside. a ] If you are interested in the physiological side of spaceflight then this book is for you a ] ." (Nick Quinn, Astronomy Now, August, 2008)

"Tourists in Space: A Practical Guide a ] look at suborbital and orbital space tourism, particularly for those people considering signing up for a ride into space. a ] the book goes into considerable detail about what sort of training prospective spaceflight participants (to use the official FAA terminology, as Seedhouse does in the book) should undergo, and why. a ] a good investment to see what theya (TM)re getting into." (Jeff Foust, National Space Society, July, 2008)

"Seedhousea (TM)s book is an enthusiastic foray into the a ~adventurpreneuriala (TM) world of space tourism. a ] The book begins with an exciting account of the flight of SpaceshipOne, the X Prize-winning 2004 flight a ] . Topics include current space tourism companies, which types of space planes or rockets are likely to be safest, the variety of training regimens that may be required, and what to expect during suborbital and orbital flights. a ] It is a good read for armchair astronauts, too. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers/libraries." (T. D. Oswalt, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (11), August, 2008)

"This book sets out to give readers an account of the range of possibilities likely to become available in the next few years a" and what they would be letting themselves in for. a ] The author writes with a good balance of enthusiasm and caution. a ] Altogether, he has provided a useful tourist guide a ] for potential and armchair travellers."(Peredur Williams, The Observatory, Vol. 128 (1206), October, 2008)

Product Description

Recent surveys have provided new and updated information into public insights of the nascent space tourism industry. Erik Seedhouse uniquely explores in detail the cutting-edge technologies, spacecraft capabilities, launch vehicles and the training that will define this commercial enterprise and also provides a manual for future suborbital and orbital private space explorers. This overview of the space tourism market is based upon choices the spaceflight participant must make, such as choice of agency, mode and spaceport. A detailed explanation is given of the medical requirements for spaceflight participants, with special reference to potential waiver criteria.Over half of the book is a comprehensive astronaut training/instructional manual that addresses each of the 15 subjects required for suborbital and orbital flight. Following an Introduction examining the commercial potential for space tourism, Section 1 covers Suborbital Flight. Chapter 1 opens with a description and analysis of the significance of SpaceShipOne. Chapter 2 gives the Suborbital front runner profiles, mission architectures and technical aspects from launch to landing while the following chapter details the training and medical requirements for space tourists.Section 2 covers the same aspects for Orbital Flight, including a civilian astronaut training manual, enabling technologies, capabilities and personnel. A description is given of the anticipated on-orbit phases that will introduce the potential spaceflight participant or reader to the capsule, rendezvous, medical support, mission events and de-orbit phase. Section 3 gives a detailed assessment of the future of space tourism based on current technologies, commercial applications, military use and Lunar and Mars missions. Countries without space programs are also included. Erik Seedhouse provides a much needed, well-rounded understanding of what promises to be the most dynamic, multi-faceted and exciting industry in the world. He shows how seemingly innocuous players are disproving long held beliefs about what can be achieved in space despite the inherent complexities, and why this industry may soon define the new norm in space travel.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 314 pages
• Publisher: Praxis; 1 edition (March 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387746439
• ISBN-13: 978-0387746432
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #819,167 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)