Developing Space Vehicles for Future Space Tourism

¶ … Space Vehicles

Throughout the course of human history, the idea of traveling into space has been something that has captured the imagination. This is because it is offering everyone with an avenue for seeing new worlds and learning about the universe. The result is that a number of missions are being planned for going back to the moon and eventually Mars.

To reach these objectives, a series of space vehicles are under development. This is to address the desire to explore the unknown and ensure that astronauts can return safely to Earth. At the same time, many craft are utilizing robotic technology. This improves the ability of scientists to understand what is happening and the impact it having on stakeholders.

In the case of space tourism, these changes will encourage more firms and governmental organizations to become involved. This is because the costs for conducting these missions can be reduced. Whereas different organizations; can provide insights that will increase the popularity of these ventures. The long-term effects are that this form of travel will become more common and affordable. In the future, there is a realistic possibility of people visiting locations such as: the moon, Mars and other planetary bodies.

Research and Development

Recent developments in research are allowing many space vehicles to be used for different purposes. This gives missions more flexibility in achieving a variety of objectives. For example, the Orion spacecraft is currently under development at NASA research laboratories and the U.S. Navy. It is designed to serve a variety of purposes. The most notable include: as a capsule, reentry module and it can orbit around the Earth. (Doddy, 2013)

Attached to a booster rocket, it is three times the size of the modules used for the Apollo missions. The spacecraft can be reused up to ten times and can easily parachute down on dry land vs. The ocean. This is currently under development in an effort to help transport astronauts to the international space station. In the future, it will also serve in helping to transport astronauts to the lunar surface and prepare them for a possible mission to Mars. This will occur with the Orion carrying them to the ship that will take them to the red planet. (Doddy, 2013)

Moreover, any kind of research and development is focusing on having more sustainable deep space missions. This involves plans to re launch ships onto the lunar surface. At the same time, there is focus on having this help to support a mission to Mars. These new developments are allowing everyone to go on much longer missions. (Doddy, 2013)

For instance, a space craft which is currently under development is the Space Launch System (SLS). This will be able to conduct its first test flight in 2017. It is much larger than the traditional rockets by carrying three times the amount of fuel and payloads. On any long mission, it has the ability to take the astronauts out of the Earth's orbit and into deep space. (Doddy, 2013)

To help sustain life on the planet, the Cygnus capsule was developed by Orbital Corporation. It has been used to take trips to the International Space Station and makes it easy to dock with other vehicles. For any mission to Mars, this can serve as a critical tool in dropping supplies off in the atmosphere. There are no passengers and it can be used to remotely conduct reconnaissance about weather conditions and the best landing site. (Doddy, 2013)

Another area where continuous research and development is occurring is through the Dream Chaser. This is a reusable ship with can take off and renter the Earth's surface. It is similar to the space shuttle. The only difference is it more aerodynamic and reaches orbit with a small rocket and through its own engines. This is program is partnership between NASA's Commercial Crew initiatives and the private sector. In the future, the spacecraft could be a viable option for transporting personnel and supplies to the International Space Station. (Wang, 2011)

Available Technology

Robotic technology is another area which is having an impact on spacecraft design. This is because, it is much cheaper and the risks are lower from conducting these kinds of missions. At the same time, it can be utilized to perform reconnaissance and go to areas that are not fully known. The result is that various rovers and deep space vehicles have been developed to reduce the costs. (Wang, 2011)

The Ares rockets are designed to carry personnel and materials into space a certain points. There are series of five models which are under development. The Ares I will drop off cargo and other payloads into low Earth orbit. While Ares V, will have the ability to travel to the moon or the Martian atmosphere. It will leave materials at these locations in helping to support missions to them. (Wang, 2011)