Space travel has been possible for some time and space tourism will probably be developed in future. Do you think space tourism is a negative or positive development?

On balance, space tourism carries genuine benefits for both science and the wider economy. To clarify, private companies competing to send paying passengers into orbit invest heavily in research and development, and the resulting innovations, from reusable rockets to lighter materials, often filter down into other industries such as aviation and telecommunications. For instance, satellite and navigation technologies have historically advanced fastest during periods of intense competition in space exploration. Furthermore, a thriving space tourism sector creates skilled employment in engineering, manufacturing and hospitality, while inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in science and technology, a benefit whose value extends well beyond the industry itself.

Nevertheless, the negative consequences of this trend should not be underestimated. Rocket launches consume vast quantities of fuel and release pollutants directly into the upper atmosphere, where their environmental impact is far more damaging than emissions produced at ground level. This is particularly concerning at a time when governments are urging citizens to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, since a single trip currently costs several hundred thousand dollars, space tourism remains accessible only to a wealthy elite, raising questions about whether scarce scientific and financial resources might be better directed toward pressing problems on Earth, such as poverty or climate change, rather than recreational travel beyond it.

To conclude, although space tourism raises legitimate environmental and equity concerns, I believe it is ultimately a positive development, since the technological and economic benefits it generates are likely to outweigh its costs as the industry matures and becomes more sustainable.