advantages and disadvantages of space tourism essay

Pros and Cons of Space Tourism

People put space tourism in the same bracket as flying cars as little as twenty years ago. The starting point of space tourism can be traced back to 2001 and the first space tourist, Dennis Tito. However, this term didn’t become a buzzword until 2021, when two billionaires, Sir Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos, set off to space in separate spacecraft in the same week. These two events marked the beginning of the new-generation space race.

Space tourism became available in February 2022, when Virgin Galactic started selling tickets for the next trip to space. While many people jumped on the space tourism bandwagon, others are beginning to wonder whether traveling to space as a tourist is a good idea.

This article will discuss the basics of commercial space travel, outlining its most essential advantages and disadvantages.

What Is Space Tourism?

A completely new level of sightseeing, it will become more widely available, you don’t need to be an astronaut to travel to space, new opportunities for space exploration, it will inspire more people to become astronauts, passengers will be able to experience weightlessness, it can boost scientific research, a new perspective of our planet, the possibility of finding additional resources, the possible discovery of extraterrestrial life, we may find other planets to colonize, more opportunities for employment, it could identify potential dangers to our planet, major technological advancements, endless opportunities, it contributes to global warming, few people can afford it right now, limited space, it’s not available for everyone, space tourism costs a lot of money, it’s not 100% safe, you pay a lot of money for a short trip, the issue with space junk, wasting natural resources, exposure to radiation, not going above the kármán line, out-of-date information, space sickness, all those resources could be invested elsewhere, it could put our planet at risk, space tourism – should we do it.

Before we go into the details regarding the pros and cons of space tourism, let’s talk about what this newest form of travel means.

Space tourism and space travel are not the same. What sets them apart is their purpose. Astronauts are sent to space to conduct various types of scientific research and experiments, and they go through rigorous training and preparation before they’re allowed to leave Earth. As a result, becoming an astronaut is incredibly challenging. Every year, NASA chooses a handful of people among tens of thousands of applicants.

Space tourism, or commercial space travel, refers to traveling to space for recreational reasons. People who want to become space tourists must satisfy three requirements: They must be 18 or older, physically fit, and rich. For example, one ticket for a 90-minute trip with Virgin Galactic costs $450,000, but we’ll get to that later.

There are three types of space tourism: orbital, suborbital, and lunar space tourism. The main difference between orbital and suborbital spacecraft is speed. Orbital space travel reaches an altitude of 1.3 million feet (400 kilometers), for which a spacecraft would need to travel at 17,400 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour).

Suborbital rocket ships can only fly to a certain altitude (330,000 feet or 100 kilometers) because they don’t have enough power to orbit around the planet. As a result, these spacecraft must fly at a minimal speed of 3,700 miles per hour (6,000 kilometers per hour).

Most people assume that space tourism is pioneered by NASA and other government agencies. However, privately owned aerospace companies are now leading the global space tourism market. The three most important are Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The first two companies offer suborbital space travel, both licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for passenger space travel.

On the other hand, SpaceX plans to introduce orbital space tourism to the public. SpaceX rockets can reach 120 miles above the Earth, while Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic can’t achieve half that distance. Aside from SpaceX, Space Adventures, an American space tourism company is another enterprise that plans to introduce tourism flights to Earth’s orbit.

The final form of space tourism is lunar space travel, which includes orbiting around the moon or even landing on it. Space Adventures wants to introduce circumlunar flyby tours, but one ticket will be estimated at $150 million. SpaceX will also organize a space trip around the moon, which will be reached via the Starship.

Space tourism isn’t only in the hands of privately owned aerospace companies. NASA announced that space tourists, formally called private astronauts, will be allowed on board the International Space Station. They’ll be able to get there with the SpaceX Crew Dragon and the Boeing Starliner, which is currently being developed. Space tourists will be required to pay $35,000 for this trip to space.

Pros of Space Tourism

Many people are looking forward to the development of space tourism. In fact, the PEW Research Center surveyed the public’s opinion on space tourism in 2018. The survey revealed that 42% of participants stated they were definitely or probably interested.

It won’t only benefit people who want to be a part of this new era of space exploration but also space scientists. The advantages aren’t just limited to scientific and technological advancements. The dream will come true for many people who have always wanted to go to space.

Here are some of the most essential advantages of space tourism.

People have always been drawn to brand-new, unique experiences, and what could be better than viewing the Earth from a spaceship? Whether you’re a fan of science fiction or deeply fascinated by the endless wonders of our galaxy, traveling to outer space sounds like an unattainable fantasy. However, it’s closer than you might think.

People who said they were interested in space tourism in the 2018 PEW survey named three main reasons. Most participants (45%) said they wanted to experience something unique, while 29% of those surveyed wished to view the Earth from space. The others said they wanted to travel to space to learn more about our world.

Space tourists will be able to see the Earth, the Moon, the International Space Station, the Kármán Line, and many other parts of our solar system. Traveling to space will undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.

Since the beginning of space travel, only about 600 people have been to space. However, the development of space tourism will make traveling to space available for many people. According to a study by Northern Sky Research, there will be almost 60,000 space tourists by 2031.

There are currently long waiting lists for Virgin Galactic flights due to take place by the end of 2022. Although it’s nearly impossible to get a seat on this cutting-edge space vehicle right now, Virgin Galactic hopes to conduct 400 flights a year.

Even though prices for space tourism are currently going through the roof, it’s believed they will be significantly reduced when commercial space exploration becomes mainstream. One day, it may even become affordable for ordinary people.

You don’t need to be a trained astronaut to become a space tourist. Previously, the opportunity to fly to outer space was only available to astronauts. However, it will be possible for everyone who can afford it in the future.

Astronauts undergo years of preparation for a single flight, whereas space tourists receive the proper training a few days or even hours before the trip. If you want to fly with Blue Origin, you’ll only need one training day. On the other hand, Virgin Galactic’s training takes five days to complete.

The requirements for becoming a space tourist vary depending on the company. For example, if you want to fly with Virgin Galactic, you must be 18. Another important factor in traveling to space is physical fitness. You need to be relatively healthy for this adventure. People with heart problems or those who are overweight or underweight won’t be able to go.

Exploring outer space has been the goal of many government agencies and privately owned space companies ever since the 1950s. One of the most notable events of space exploration was the space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. This 20-year battle gave rise to many technological advancements and scientific achievements. It was also when the two nations sent the world’s first-ever satellites, rockets, and astronauts into space.

Space tourism and space exploration are inherently connected, where one directly influences the other. Therefore, increasing interest in space tourism will renew the global interest in space exploration, leading to more opportunities.

Many children want to be astronauts when they grow up. Kids usually start with sci-fi movies and space camps before pursuing educational opportunities in engineering, science, or technology. The chance to go to space when they grow up can inspire many young minds. Many people who have visited space as tourists have stated that the experience was life-changing.

Going to space will inspire many more people to become astronauts or contribute to the space industry in another way.

Other than being able to view our planet from outer space, passengers will also get a chance to experience weightlessness. Of course, zero-gravity simulators have already been developed on Earth, like the Zero G Experience , where people can experience weightlessness without going to space.

Space tourism allows people to sample the real thing. Once the spacecraft is launched, passengers will go through a similar experience to roller coaster rides. Space tourists who booked a flight with Blue Origin will be in zero-gravity for three minutes before the space vehicle descends to Earth.

Space tourism can help collect valuable research data. Such information will be essential in the development of space travel and space exploration. This kind of data wouldn’t be provided by space tourists but by people who organize the trip to space. Scientific research could encourage various innovations and solutions to problems.

Seeing our planet from space is a unique experience that will make us realize how small we are. We tend to think that we are the center of the universe and that the problems we face in life are insurmountable. However, going into space, even for a few minutes, puts things like conflicts and other issues that can be easily solved into perspective.

Another advantage of space tourism is the possibility of finding resources that are being depleted from our planet. If spacecraft take frequent trips to the moon or other locations in outer space, there is a greater chance of finding valuable resources that can be used for various applications.

For example, resources such as water, metals, minerals, atmospheric gases, and volatile elements can be found on various celestial bodies surrounding the Earth. For example, water was already found on the moon, Mars, and in some asteroids. Oxygen is another valuable resource that’s necessary for rocket propellants.

Not only can we use the raw materials to make life easier on Earth, but those resources can be put into improving aerospace technology. In other words, space tourism might pay off in the long run.

Space tourism brings us closer to finding extraterrestrial life. The subject of aliens has always been controversial, sparking many arguments about their existence. However, even though there is no solid proof of extraterrestrial life, many scientists agree that the odds of life on other planets are high.

The more money and resources that are invested into the commercial space travel industry, the further we will be able to explore. One of the goals of space exploration is discovering life outside of Earth, and space tourism can make this happen.

Space tourism may even bring us closer to finding new planets to colonize. But unfortunately, there haven’t been any discoveries of planets that are habitable and safe for human life yet. The planet closest to Earth in terms of habitability is Kepler-452b, which seems to be the most promising candidate.

The Mars colonization project is already on the way. Elon Musk plans to take SpaceX to Mars in five to ten years. So even though moving to a new planet seems like a plot from a movie right now, who knows what the future might bring? One thing is sure – space tourism will open new doors for us and allow us to explore more of the universe.

Hundreds of thousands of people are employed in the space industry, government agencies, and private companies. The growth of space tourism will open new doors for many individuals. As a result, the sector will likely see an increase in employment in the next couple of years.

Traveling to space lets us view the Earth from a different perspective. This will help us identify dangers to our planet and prepare for potential hazards. For example, if an asteroid or a comet is heading toward Earth, we would have more time to prepare. By exploring space, we could locate some of those hazards before they even come close and prevent a potential disaster.

As interest keeps growing in space tourism, more and more private companies will want to be a part of the new-generation space race. This will lead to significant technological advancements in the aerospace sector, facilitating space tourism even more. As a result, we can expect to see bigger, faster, and better rockets in the future, which will be made for suborbital space tourism and orbital space travel.

The future of space exploration through space tourism presents countless opportunities. The Northern Sky Research space tourism study suggests that the global space tourism market will be worth $20 billion in revenue.

Space tourism may replace long-air flights. Instead of traveling 16 to 17 hours from one continent to another, space travel will enable passengers to reach their destinations in under an hour.

One day, there might even be hotels in space, allowing space tourists to enjoy the wonders of space for a longer time. This is the goal of the Orbital Assembly Corporation. Their space hotels, the Voyager Station and the Pioneer Station, will orbit the Earth. Blue Origin and Orion Span are also working on building hotels in space called the Aurora Station and the Orbital Reef.

Cons of Space Tourism

Now that we’ve gone through all the advantages of space tourism let’s look at some downsides. Space tourism is extremely expensive and inaccessible, but it can also be dangerous in several ways.

Launching a rocket creates a significant carbon footprint. Spacecraft generate soot, a harmful substance of large amounts of carbon. Once it’s released into the atmosphere, the soot from a spacecraft is absorbed by sunlight, which increases the warmth in the atmosphere.

A spacecraft must burn excessive fuel to reach space and overcome Earth’s gravity. We’re talking hundreds of tons, which can leak through the rocket and spill into the atmosphere. The harmful chemicals, along with rocket fumes, harm the ozone layer.

It’s already possible to purchase tickets for space. However, it’s costly. One ticket for a ride with Virgin Galactic costs $450,000, and that’s only for a 90-minute trip. Now, becoming a space tourist is only possible if you’re a multi-millionaire. The only people who have become space tourists are billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Sir Richard Branson. That’s why space tourism has been dubbed “the billionaire space race.”

Right now, both Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin have enough room for a maximum of six passengers. However, if we were to include the two pilots, they could only accommodate four more people. For that reason, those who wish to participate in the space exploration experience must book tickets several years in advance. More than 600 reservations have already been made for Virgin Galactic space tours.

In other words, if you were thinking about buying a ticket for a space trip that will take place this year, you can forget about it. That being said, SpaceX announced they were working on a spacecraft with enough room for up to 100 passengers.

As mentioned before, not everyone will be able to become a space tourist. Even if you have the money and you’re old enough, your health and physical condition could prevent you from participating in space tourism.

Those allowed to travel to space need to be in pretty good shape. Aerospace companies have different rules and requirements. For example, Blue Origin only lets you buy tickets if you can climb seven flights of stairs in under 90 seconds. People who fail to meet their requirements are automatically eliminated.

There are also different height and weight requirements. For example, you can’t weigh less than 110 pounds or more than 223 pounds to become a space tourist.

Space tourism isn’t only expensive for the passengers but for the private space company as well. For example, a return trip to the International Space Station with the Boeing Starliner or the SpaceX Crew Dragon will cost around $50 million.

The trips to the International Space Station carried out by Space Adventures from 2001 to 2009 cost $20 to $30 million for eight- to 14-day trips. The more recent trip to the International Space Station cost $55 million when Axiom Space sent the Crew Dragon Endeavor spacecraft in June 2022. The space tourists were there for 17 days.

Space tourism is still a generally new concept. In fact, Blue Origin has only carried out three space tourism launches so far, while Virgin Galactic went just once. Space travel continues to be dangerous due to many factors, such as inadequate safety protocols and lack of proper regulation. Traveling to space isn’t safe, so we must consider the worst-case scenario. If the spacecraft crashes, there won’t be a way to save any passengers.

Space tourists will be required to pay a ridiculous amount of money for a short time in space. For example, if you choose to travel with Blue Origin, you will only spend a few minutes in zero gravity, for which you would have to pay $200,000.

Other aerospace companies offer longer trips. For example, Virgin Galactic will send their spacecraft into space for three hours. Similarly, the New Shepard will be in space for approximately 11 minutes, while the Virgin VSS Unity flight takes two and a half hours.

Space junk refers to man-made debris and satellites that are no longer active and always orbit around our planet. While testing new rockets, launching them into space, and even on space missions, these rockets create a large amount of waste. In the 60 years of human space travel, we have generated over half a million items of space junk.

Space junk is another form of pollution that directly affects the Earth. Not to mention that space junk can also damage active satellites and spacecraft that might be close by. Space junk is dangerous because all those micro shards accumulate into larger piles of debris.

If the space mission is successful, all the investments and resources put into the project will pay off one way or another. However, if the experimentation fails, the resources will have been spent for nothing. The same applies to space tourism. If we were to look at a trip to space from that perspective, we would have to ask ourselves, is it worth spending so much money and resources just to send six people to space for three minutes?

One of the dangers of being an astronaut is constant exposure to harmful radiation from the sun, which leads to a greater risk of cancer and other health problems. Of course, space tourists who only spend a few minutes or hours in space shouldn’t have anything to worry about. But those who spend days or weeks in space might want to consider this factor.

The Kármán Line is a widely accepted border between the Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. It’s roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level, located in the Earth’s thermosphere. Although no globally accepted law defines where space begins or ends, most regulatory agencies agree that the Kármán line is the closest we have to a border.

Suborbital spacecraft belonging to Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic won’t be able to cross the Kármán Line, which is considered “real” space. However, this may change in the future.

No matter how fast space technology might be developing, space scientists still use outdated information for some matters. Unfortunately, outdated information is useless and can also be dangerous and cause serious issues.

The problem with space research is that most of the celestial bodies that aren’t in our solar system are light-years away. Unfortunately, measuring time and distance in space is difficult, so we often receive inaccurate information.

Even for three minutes, exposure to zero gravity can affect the human body. To be more specific, passengers won’t have any side effects while they’re in space. The issues start when they return to Earth when space tourists experience space adaptation syndrome (SAS).

This is more commonly known as space sickness, like the space version of motion sickness. Space sickness manifests itself through loss of muscle power, bone resorption, loss of consciousness, and other short- and long-term effects. However, such symptoms are more likely to affect astronauts who spend months in space.

Space tourists may experience mild symptoms, like headaches, nausea, puffiness, temporary anemia, loss of appetite, and similar. They can even feel sick a few days after their journey to space. That’s why space tourism will only be available for passengers who are in good health.

Space tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry, and its revenue is only expected to grow. Since so much money is being invested, it raises many controversies. The Earth is in a lot of trouble, financially, politically, and environmentally. As a result, many politicians, humanitarians, and public figures have tried to highlight other matters that require our immediate attention. This includes poverty, global warming, world hunger, and many more issues that could benefit from these resources.

Last but not least, space tourism can be dangerous because it puts our planet at risk. This is another scenario that could be taken from a sci-fi movie. But in the future, traveling to space might have grave consequences.

Space tourism is a controversial topic. On the one hand, it can be a wonderful experience that allows us to view our planet and other celestial bodies from space. In addition, it opens up new doors for space exploration, inspires technological advancements, and boosts scientific research. But on the other hand, space tourism is extremely expensive; it accelerates global warming, is only available for a limited number of people, and can be very dangerous.

Whatever your opinion on space tourism, there’s no stopping its advancement. People will always be drawn to new things no one has experienced before, which is just one of the reasons the commercial space travel industry will grow. One day, we might even have hotels on the moon or other planets. There’s no telling what the future might bring.

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Economic Development and Technological Advancements

The Ethical Dilemma: Risks, Exclusivity, and Environmental Impact

Environmental considerations: balancing progress and preservation, conclusion: navigating the cosmos responsibly.

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Opinion: Space Tourism

Summer 2016

The Next Big Adventure

Space tourism has come a long way since 1967 when Barron Hilton, then president of Hilton Hotels, described his vision for a hotel on the moon.

It was envisioned — complete with a Galaxy Lounge where visitors could enjoy a martini while looking at the stars — as a luxury for the wealthy elite.

Today, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic aims to be the world’s first commercial “spaceline,” offering a 2.5-hour flight with six minutes of weightlessness and some incredible views. It even has more than 700 confirmed customers patiently waiting for flights. Additionally, Blue Origin, led by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, aims to provide space tourism as well. While space tourism remains largely a status symbol for the super rich, this trend is not unusual in the history of tourism. And there’s reason to believe that eventually this particular brand of tourism will advance a new form of adventure, boost the economy and make people more aware of the vulnerability of our planet.

That’s because tourists have always pushed boundaries, seeking new places and experiences. You see this playing out in how people are choosing to travel. According to Leisure and Aging , “Adventure tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism market. It has become so popular that approximately 100 million adults have chosen vacations that are classified as soft adventure.” Space tourism is a logical next step for this growing trend.

In addition to adding another outlet for thrill seekers, space tourism offers a new way to boost the world’s economy. According to a report conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism generated $7.2 trillion (9.8 percent of the global gross domestic product) and provided 284 million jobs — for a total of one out of every 11 jobs on the planet in 2015. There’s every reason to believe that commercial space travel will have a similar impact on the economy.

As space adventure will boost the economy, it likewise will increase our appreciation of how rare and valuable our own planet is. The experience of traveling out of Earth’s atmosphere and looking back on the world we inhabit produces a sense of awe and respect. Space travelers will gain a deeper appreciation for our planet and hopefully want to take a more active approach to protecting it when they return to terra firma.

While risks remain, it is fair to assume that space tourism has further to travel before it becomes the affordable domain of the middle class. But once it does, I am ready for the stellar adventure.

Alan Fyall   |   Orange County Professor of Tourism Marketing

The Next Big Disaster

In November, Congress voted to approve the U.S. Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, which limits regulatory oversight, at least for eight more years, temporarily putting the responsibility on passengers instead of companies. For innovation and exploration, this lack of regulation is great news; for humans wanting to travel to space, it’s less so. In just the past two years the industry has experienced three catastrophic failures — two rockets exploding and one test flight crashing, resulting in the death of a pilot.

One could argue that space tourists travel at their own risk, but even that’s not entirely true. The impact of space travel on our planet puts all humans — not to mention plants and animals — at risk. Entrepreneurs investing in space travel, such as Richard Branson of Virgin Galactic, argue that space travel would reveal a smaller carbon footprint than normal air travel. But scientists worry about the soot or black carbon that results from rocket emissions. Soot accumulated in the stratosphere (approximately 5 to 31 miles above the Earth) cannot be washed away by rain or winds, as it is in the lower atmosphere. As a result, black carbon may linger in the stratosphere for years, causing exponentially more climate change. Some studies — estimating the potential soot accumulation based on assumed demand levels and simulations — reveal a grim picture, including massive sea ice loss, ozone layer depletion and temperature increases.

Even if these estimates are based on slightly dated technology, the current research in this area is far from adequate to set healthy premises for sound industry development. In addition to the lack of biological and physical evidence on causes and effects, there is also a lack of legal precedent for addressing our carbon footprint in space. Environmental law professional Jon Krois warns that while the National Environmental Policy and Clean Air acts “partially address the licensing of commercial spaceflights by the Federal Aviation Administration, neither space law nor current environmental law respond sufficiently to the environmental threat posed by this industry.”

As long as the space tourism industry is developed without the necessary cautions, it remains at risk of becoming the most anti-sustainable tourism sector, with pervasive negative impacts at the global scale. And I for one do not feel comfortable promoting the fancy of the few at the risk of our planet and all that call it home.

Asli Tasci   |  Assistant Professor

Billionaires in space? The pros and cons of space tourism

Would you pay to go to space let us know below.

⭐️HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW⭐️

• Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, just reached outer space.
• He and 2 other billionaires are on the front lines of space tourism.
• Soon space tourism might be for more than the rich.
• Read on to explore the pros and cons of the new industry. ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

Selfies with Saturn? Postcards from the International Space Station? Hotels on the moon?

Thanks to space tourism, those could all become realities.

On Tuesday, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos became the second billionaire within a week to reach outer space. He travelled aboard his company’s Blue Origin rocket on a spaceflight that lasted 10 minutes.

Joining Bezos was a hand-picked group including his brother, an 18-year-old from the Netherlands and an 82-year-old aviation pioneer from Texas — the youngest and oldest people to ever fly in space.

Jeff Bezos, third from the left, became the second billionaire within a week to reach outer space on July 20. He flew with Oliver Daemen, left, Mark Bezos, second from left, and Wally Funk, right. (Image credit: Joe Skipper/Reuters)

Last week, Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson was the first billionaire to head up to the skies, reaching 88 km above Earth’s surface and achieving weightlessness for several minutes.

Richard Branson, fourth from left, and his crew flew 88 km above Earth’s surface on July 12. Some experts say he didn’t go far enough. They say space officially begins 100 km above the Earth. (Image credit: Virgin Galactic)

And this fall, billionaire Elon Musk will also enter the space tourism game, as he prepares to send four people to space in one of his SpaceX rockets.

Billionaire Jared Isaacman, left, Hayley Arceneaux, Sian Proctor and Chris Sembroski are set to be SpaceX’s first crew to head to space in September. (Image credit: Inspiration 4/Reuters)

It might be years before most Canadians can afford a ticket to outer space, and even then, ticket costs are likely to be many thousands of dollars.

• 4 astronauts land in ocean, return safely to Earth with SpaceX

But some planetary experts say the upcoming space launches led by billionaires could bring about a new era of space exploration, where you no longer have to be an astronaut to fly.

It’s a pretty exciting idea, but what are the pros and cons of sending tourists to space?

1. It's downright cool

The biggest perk of going to space is, of course, the sightseeing.

In more than 300,000 years of human existence, only around 500 people have been able to glimpse the view from outside our atmosphere.

2. More space research 

This new era of tourism could make space science more accessible, said Marc Boucher, the founder and editor-in-chief of SpaceQ Media Inc., an online Canadian space news company based in London, Ontario.

The research that’s happening in space right now is “really expensive,” Boucher said.

“These flights of opportunities on these new suborbital vehicles will offer a much cheaper cost to do some of this research.”

3. New technologies

More space science could mean more cool, new inventions.

Many of our technologies are based on innovations that started in space, said Sara Mazrouei, a planetary scientist and educational developer at Ryerson University in Toronto.

“The last space race that we had to get to the moon gave us the technology for our running shoes, for our foam mattresses, for our bulletproof vests,” Mazrouei said.

“I'm really hopeful” that once we move beyond this initial set of billionaires getting to space, there will be room for more technological innovation, she said.

4. More space exploration overall  

Back in November 2020, many space experts remarked that SpaceX’s successful launch to the International Space Station marked a new era of space exploration.

• A ‘new era’ in space? SpaceX launches 4 astronauts to ISS

In November 2020, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket became the first privately owned spacecraft used by NASA to reach the ISS. (Image credit: Joe Skipper/Reuters)

This included Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques.

“This is the dawn of a new era,” he said at the time. “[It] really opens up the door for cheaper, more frequent, more accessible access to Earth’s orbit.”

• An $85 million helicopter just made history flying on Mars

Saint-Jacques said this new level of access to space travel will allow national space agencies to “shift their focus” back to going to the Moon and eventually Mars.

1. It’s expensive

Currently, space tourism is not cheap, meaning very few people can afford to do it.

For example, Oliver Daemen, one of the crew members on Bezos’ flight, was a last-minute replacement for someone who paid $28 million US in an auction for their ticket.

His father bought the ticket for a lower, undisclosed price. 

Virgin Galactic already has more than 600 reservations from would-be space tourists, with tickets initially costing $250,000 US a piece.

Musk's SpaceX plans to take tourists on more than just brief, up-and-down trips. Instead, they will orbit the Earth for days and seats will cost well into the millions.

Although tickets are likely to go down in price as space tourism becomes more common, ticket prices will still be out of reach for most Canadians for the next several years.

2. It may be bad for the environment

Some experts say rocket launches could be damaging our ozone layer.

The ozone layer, which is within Earth’s stratosphere, is important for protecting us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

Experts say that certain chemicals in rocket fumes are getting trapped in the stratosphere and are eating away at our ozone layer.

• How the pink supermoon and this funky plant are connected

Until now, the problem has flown under the radar, but with rocket launches becoming more frequent, the problem could become a much bigger contributor to climate change.

3. It may contribute to space junk

Any time something goes wrong in space, there is potential for spacecraft, satellites and other technology to be lost and trapped in Earth’s orbit.

Currently, there are millions of microshards of space junk that have accumulated in Earth’s orbit.

This illustration from the European Space Agency represents all the space debris 1 mm in size and larger that is currently orbiting Earth. (IRAS/TU Braunschweig)

Just a few months ago, one of those pieces of debris pierced through Canada’s robotic arm, called Canadarm, which is a fixture on the International Space Station.

There is a risk that more collisions will create more fragments, hence more collisions, in an escalating cascade of accidents.

That would make lower Earth orbit dangerous for the satellites we have come to depend on for global communications.

By sending so many more spacecraft into space through tourism without first solving the problem of space junk, the issue could be made even worse.

4. Things can still go wrong

Although we’ve come a long way since the 1960s in terms of space innovation and technology, there are still occasional examples of things going wrong.

Space is, after all, essentially like stepping into a microwave, with intense levels of pressure, supercharged cosmic rays, solar emissions and other dangers.

Until scientists find a way to perfect the safety of space travel, potential mishaps remain an important concern for the first space tourists of the next several years.

Submissions for our "Would you pay to go to space?" question have now closed. Thank you for submitting. 

With files from Nicole Mortillaro/CBC, Stephanie Dubois/CBC, The Associated Press and Chris Iorfida/CBC

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Band 6+: as technology advances, travelling to space is likely to become an option for holidaymakers in the future. what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of space tourism?

Advancement in technology has made space travel a natural choice for holidaymakers in the future. One simple advantage of this would be that more and more people will be able to take a deep interest in space and further increase their knowledge of space matters. While on the other hand, space tourism can cause significant harm to the delicate profiles of some celestial bodies and can in turn harm their existence itself.

Holidaying in the outer world seems a wish come true for lots of people. These people are big-time space lovers and are fascinated just by the thought of life beyond Earth. If the option of travelling to space eventually opens, it would be a big boon for knowledge sharing as there will be a large interest in all things space. The studying and research of the Universe will lead to new resources for mankind and unravel new truths for the various problems which have puzzled scientists since time unknown.

But sadly, like everything in this world, there is a negative side to this too. A lot of planets and moons along with comets away from our planet need specific conditions and temperature. Even a slight disturbance to them can cause undesirable changes and at times cause them to explode. Additionally, there can be an issue of leftover debris if sanitation is not taken care of. Hence, it will require a great deal of effort to make sure we posses no harm to the world outside us.

In conclusion, although space tourism can increase one’s knowledge and help humans to prosper, it can also mean irreversible damage to the fragile ecosystem that exists far way from us. Therefore, proper caution had to be taken as when space travel becomes possible.

Check Your Own Essay On This Topic?

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Travelling to space by holidaymakers in the future will offer advantages like gaining space experiences, knowledge, and pride. However, there are also disadvantages to consider. On one hand, space travel is a dream for many people who seek to experience the wonders of the solar system and galaxy firsthand. The primary benefit of space tourism […]

Many adventurous vacationers are now considering the possibility of embarking on cosmic journeys in the near future, thanks to groundbreaking technological advancements. This exhilarating prospect entails not only marveling at the inner workings of spacecraft and the transcendent experience of gazing upon the vast expanse of space while in orbit but also entails substantial expenditures […]

Space might be foreseen as a destination choice by tour companies in the future with the advent of cutting-edge technology. Space tourism might be an ideal option for adventure-seekers and an advantage for educational purposes. Despite these advantages, travelling to space might pose safety concerns and affordability issues. Exploring space through tours can be a […]

In light of technological advancements, the possibility of space tourism becoming a viable choice for holidaymakers in the future is increasingly likely. This essay aims to explore the merits and drawbacks of space travel for vacationers in the prospective era. One of the main advantages of space tourism is the opportunity it offers for individuals […]

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April 9, 2022

Space tourism: the arguments in favor

by Lucie Aubourg

To its many detractors, space tourism amounts to nothing more than joy-rides for the global super rich that will worsen the planet's climate crisis.

But the nascent sector also has supporters, who, while not rejecting the criticism outright, argue the industry can bring humanity benefits too.

More research opportunities

The first argument is that private spaceflights, in addition to their customers, can send to space scientific experiments that require microgravity environments.

In the past, national agencies "it used to take quite a long time to work within government grant channels, get approval, get the funding, get picked to be among the very select few that could go," Ariel Ekblaw, of the MIT Space Exploration Initiative told AFP.

By contrast, it took Ekblaw just six months from signing a contract to sending her research project to the International Space Station on board the private Ax-1 mission, which blasted off Friday thanks to the private entrepreneurs paying for the trip.

Her experiment, called TESSERAE, involves smart tiles that form a floating robotic swarm that can self-assemble into space architecture—which might be how future space stations are built.

An earlier prototype was flown to space for a few minutes aboard a Blue Origin suborbital spaceflight, paving the way for the new test.

"The proliferation of these commercial launch providers does allow us to do riskier, faster and more innovative projects," said Ekblaw.

Virgin Galactic, for its part, has announced plans to take scientists on future flights.

Better space technology

Space tourism, and the private space sector overall, also acts as an innovation driver for getting better at doing all things related to space.

Government agencies, which operate with taxpayers' money, move cautiously and are deeply-averse to failure—while companies like Elon Musk's SpaceX don't mind blowing up prototype rockets until they get them right, speeding up development cycles.

Where NASA focuses on grand exploration goals, private companies seek to improve the rate, profitability and sustainability of launches, with reusable vessels—and in the case of Blue Origin, rockets that emit only water vapor.

For now, spaceflight remains a risky and expensive endeavor.

"The more we go to space, the better we become at space, the more an industry base arises to support space technology," said Mason Peck, an aeronautics professor at Cornell University who previously served as NASA's chief technologist.

A parallel can be drawn with the early era of aviation, when flying was limited to the privileged few.

"We started out with lots of accidents, and lots of different companies with different kinds of ideas for how to build airplanes," explained George Nield, former associate administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) office of commercial space transportation.

"But gradually, we learned what works, what doesn't work." Today, commercial air travel is statistically the safest mode of transport.

But what will safer, more efficient spaceflight actually achieve?

According to experts, it is currently difficult to imagine the future impact space will have on transport.

"Just in the next 10 years, I'm pretty confident that we're going to see companies that have systems that can have people take off from one point on the Earth, and travel to the other side of the Earth, in like an hour," said Nield, who was on BlueOrigin's last flight.

Such point-to-point travel would probably eventually happen anyway, but space tourism is speeding up its advent, he added.

Environmental benefit?

The last argument, paradoxically, has to do with the climate.

Many of those who have observed Earth from outer space have reported feeling deeply moved by how fragile the planet appears, and overwhelmed by a desire to protect it.

The phenomenon was dubbed the "overview effect" by space philosopher Frank White.

"It gives you a sense of urgency about needing to be part of the solution," stressed Jane Poynter, co-founder of Space Perspective.

Her company plans to start flying tourists on a giant high-altitude balloon to observe the Earth's curvature from a capsule with panoramic views.

The vessel was developed precisely for its minimal environmental impact, unlike some highly-polluting rockets.

The overall contribution to climate change from rockets is currently minimal, but could become problematic if the number of launches increases.

Increased activity in space can also help the planet in more concrete, less philosophical ways, say industry advocates.

"Because of the advances in space technology, terrestrial solar cells have become more efficient over the years," said Peck.

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22.3. IELTS Writing Task 2 Question (Opinion > Advantages-Disadvantages), Band 9 Model Answer

• 22.3. IELTS Writing Task 2 Question (Opinion > Advantages-Disadvantages), Band 9 Model Answer

As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the possibility of space tourism becoming a reality in the near future seems increasingly feasible. While this prospect undoubtedly holds immense promise, it is crucial to carefully contemplate both the potential advantages and disadvantages before embracing this transformative shift.

One of the most compelling arguments in favour of space tourism is the prospect of unparalleled experiences and breathtaking views. The ability to gaze upon Earth from beyond its atmosphere, to witness the vastness of the cosmos, and to experience the weightlessness of space would be an unforgettable and life-changing event for any individual privileged enough to embark on such a journey. This transformative experience could inspire individuals, fostering a greater appreciation for our planet, our place in the universe, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the potential drawbacks of space tourism. The high cost of such ventures, which are likely to be limited to the ultra-wealthy in the initial stages, raises concerns about social equity and access. This exclusivity could exacerbate existing inequalities and reinforce the notion that space exploration is a privilege reserved for a select few. Moreover, the environmental impact of space tourism, particularly in terms of rocket launches and the infrastructure required for spaceports, should not be overlooked.

In conclusion, while space tourism offers the promise of transformative experiences and a deeper understanding of our place in the universe, it is imperative to address the potential drawbacks, such as social exclusivity and environmental concerns. If these issues can be effectively mitigated, space tourism could become a valuable tool for education, inspiration, and scientific advancement, opening up new frontiers for all humankind.

Need feedback on your writing practice? Contact Mohsen Keshmiri on Telegram:  +98 (915) 546 3248  or  +1 (510) 306 4944  or on WhatsApp: +98 (915) 546 3248 or click:  Feedback and Correction Service

LR (Lexical Resources):

• unprecedented pace – This collocation emphasizes the exceptional speed of technological advancement.
• immense promise – This collocation highlights the great potential of space tourism.
• carefully contemplate – This collocation underscores the need for thorough consideration of the pros and cons of space tourism.
• transformational shift – This collocation emphasizes the far-reaching impact of space tourism.
• unparalleled experiences – This collocation highlights the unique and unforgettable experiences offered by space tourism.
• breathtaking views – This collocation emphasizes the awe-inspiring sights encountered in space.
• privilege enough to embark – This collocation emphasizes the exclusivity of early space tourism ventures.
• transformative experience – This collocation highlights the life-changing impact of space tourism.
• foster a greater appreciation – This collocation underscores the potential for space tourism to deepen our connection to Earth and the universe.
• potential drawbacks – This collocation emphasizes the negative aspects of space tourism.
• ultra-wealthy – This collocation highlights the limited accessibility of early space tourism ventures.
• social equity and access – This collocation emphasizes the concerns about fairness and equal opportunity in space tourism.
• exacerbate existing inequalities – This collocation underscores the potential for space tourism to widen social divides.
• reserve for a select few – This collocation reinforces the exclusivity of early space tourism ventures.
• environmental impact – This collocation emphasizes the potential negative consequences of space tourism.
• rocket launches – This collocation highlights the emissions associated with space tourism.
• infrastructure required for spaceports – This collocation emphasizes the environmental impact of spaceport development.
• effectively mitigated – This collocation underscores the need to address and manage the environmental impact of space tourism.
• valuable tool for education – This collocation highlights the potential for space tourism to enhance education and understanding.
• inspiration and scientific advancement – This collocation emphasizes the potential for space tourism to spark innovation and discovery.
• opening up new frontiers – This collocation underscores the potential for space tourism to expand human horizons.

CC (Cohesion and Coherence):

Paragraph 1:

• Cohesion: The essay opens with a strong introduction that establishes the main theme: the potential of space tourism and its potential drawbacks. The phrases “unprecedented pace” and “immense promise” emphasize the exciting possibilities of space tourism, while the phrase “carefully contemplate” underscores the need for a balanced assessment of its implications.
• Coherence: The introduction smoothly transitions to the first main point: the potential benefits of space tourism. The phrase “transformative shift” highlights the far-reaching impact of space tourism, while the phrase “prospect of unparalleled experiences” introduces the specific advantages of space travel.

Paragraph 2:

• Cohesion: The paragraph elaborates on the first main point by discussing the specific benefits of space tourism in terms of unique experiences and transformative perspectives. The phrases “gaze upon Earth from beyond its atmosphere” and “experience the weightlessness of space” emphasize the awe-inspiring nature of space travel, while the phrase “life-changing event” underscores its potential to alter individuals’ worldviews.
• Coherence: The paragraph maintains a clear connection to the previous paragraph by using the phrase “unparalleled experiences” to link back to the topic of transformative experiences. It also transitions to the discussion of the potential drawbacks of space tourism.

Paragraph 3:

• Cohesion: The paragraph shifts its focus to the potential drawbacks of space tourism, highlighting the issue of social equity and access. The phrases “high cost of such ventures” and “ultra-wealthy in the initial stages” emphasize the exclusivity of early space tourism ventures, while the phrase “reinforce the notion that space exploration is a privilege” underscores the potential for widening social divides.
• Coherence: The paragraph maintains a clear connection to the previous paragraph by using the phrase “transformative experience” to link back to the topic of life-changing experiences. It also transitions to the discussion of the environmental impact of space tourism.

Paragraph 4:

• Cohesion: The paragraph outlines a balanced perspective on the potential of space tourism, acknowledging both the advantages and disadvantages. The phrase “imperative to address” highlights the need to address the potential drawbacks, while the phrase “if these issues can be effectively mitigated” suggests the possibility of overcoming these challenges.
• Coherence: The paragraph maintains a clear connection to the previous paragraph by using the phrase “potential drawbacks” to link back to the discussion of social equity and environmental impact. It also concludes the essay by reiterating the importance of a balanced and responsible approach to space tourism.

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The Pros & Cons of Space tourism in the UK: Is It More than Entertainment for the Rich?

The idea of space tourism originated in the 1960s. The erstwhile President of Hilton presented his vision of a hotel on the moon for the first time. This was the Galaxy Lounge, where visitors could enjoy the view of the stars while sipping martinis in comfortable armchairs — entertainment for the wealthy elite. Of course, hotel lounges on the moon are still far away, but flying on a rocket to observe Earth from space is now possible not only for astronauts who have trained for years but also for civilians — although wealthy ones. 

This year, aerospace companies Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, owned by billionaires Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos, respectively, launched their first space tourist flights, proving that anyone can now go into space now. In terms of significance, the first space tourist flight event can be compared to the first civilian jet flight on the Boeing 747 in the late 60s, which made international air travel available. 

Now that the first space tourist in the world has already been to orbit, Orbital Today analyzed the possible advantages and disadvantages of space tourism for the UK.

What does space tourism offer?

According to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism accounts for nearly 10 percent of the world’s gross domestic product and about 300 million jobs (1 in 11). And the fastest-growing segment is travel, which is classified as “easy adventure.” Sending the first space tourist in the world to orbit perfectly fits the description. This trend guarantees success and promises a great future for suborbital space flights and space tourism companies.

The excitement caused by Virgin and Blue Origin space tourism launches confirms this statement. Even despite the 200-250-thousand-dollar cost of entertainment, hundreds of people have already bought tickets, and thousands more are ready to open up their pockets to become part of the first Virgin Galactic space tourism flights. Besides, one can choose different travel options. For example, Virgin Galactic offers a 2.5-hour ride on a Unity rocket plane with horizontal take-off, similar to a conventional aircraft, and Blue Origin space tourism flight implies an 11-minute trip on a New Shepard rocket with the vertical launch. In both  Blue Origin space tourism flights and those of Virgin, the spacecraft rises to an altitude of 80-90 km, and the passenger experiences microgravity for only 3-5 minutes.

But Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic space tourism flights are just the beginning of commercial space travel. In the next ten years, the number of space tourism companies flights should be increased to 400-500 a year, which will predictably lead to a decrease in their cost and an increase in quality. Plus, civil orbital flights and commercial space travel could become commonplace.  Roscosmos has already conducted a mission to deliver and return civilians to ISS in early 2021, and Space X sent four people on a 3-day journey around the Earth as part of the Inspiration 4 mission in September.

So, humanity gets access to a new kind of entertainment, which can become the ultimate dream for many. But is commercial space travel as attractive as it looks? Let’s consider space tourism pros and cons on the UK’s example.

Space tourism pros

• Space tourism will boost commercial activity at a time of poor global economy, become a new business area, and employ thousands of people.  This looks promising for space tourism companies and the UK, which has recently been betting heavily on the space race.
• Investment will make the UK space tourism business more sustainable. Britain, as an island, relies heavily on air travel. If suborbital flights become a mode of transportation instead of pure entertainment, it will give new life to the transport industry, allowing to modernize declining airports. Besides, spaceflights will increase transportation comfort, reducing the time spent in flight tenfold. This, in turn, will boost efficiency for many businesses.
• New advanced technologies will emerge, paving the way for other areas besides space missions.
• Science will benefit from increased access to space and decreasing its cost. This will significantly accelerate the development of British society, increase its safety and comfort.
• New UK spaceports will expand their capabilities, as they will serve not only cargo launches but also passenger flights and social events like Virgin Galactic space tourism flights.

Space tourism cons

Now let’s move on to the potential disadvantages of UK space tourism.

• Rocket fuel burned during flight pollutes the atmosphere.  CO2 emissions  per space shuttle passenger are 50-60 times the emissions from a 10-hour Boeing 747 flight. At the same time, passenger spacecraft can carry significantly fewer people on board. While there are few flights, the degree of pollution is minimal, but the number of launches will increase. This can seriously affect the UK’s peculiar climate, raising a question as to the advantages and disadvantages of space tourism.
• Space travel is little researched, which could make the endeavor a dangerous one — another pressing issue to think over when analyzing space tourism pros and cons. Passengers may be exposed to solar radiation or other influences, and their side effects may develop over time.
• Heavy loads and zero-gravity conditions have a detrimental effect on human health. They provoke the development of gallstone and cardiovascular deceases. If astronauts are training for years, civilians will fly with minimal instruction.
• Lack of proper regulations and safety protocols can cause spacecraft wrecks, passenger deaths, pose a danger for people and animals on the ground, lead to destruction, fires, and pollution. In 2014,  Virgin VSS Enterprise exploded  during an experimental flight, leaving a trail of 35 miles. The pilot died, tipping the scales of space tourism pros and cons even more.
• The development of new space technologies, particularly UK space tourism, requires a lot of money, which could be spent on more pressing tasks, for example, the fight against poverty and hunger. Even if we consider all advantages and disadvantages of space tourism, we cannot discard the challenges we already face. 
• The high ticket cost, which only the very rich can afford, will further accentuate the gap between the poor and the rich, potentially causing negative public attitudes towards this kind of entertainment. The first space tourist in the world has already been to orbit, but how many more can afford such a trip?
• Increased activity in orbits will lead to space traffic congestion, resulting in the danger of collisions with  space debris.  This can provoke Kessler’s syndrome, a chain reaction of explosions from spacecraft collisions. As a result, near-earth space will become completely unusable. Humanity will lose thousands of various-purpose satellites, in particular Earth Observation and Communication ones. Then, one will have to forget about satellite Internet, Moon and Mars exploration. 

So, at first glance, the cons outnumber the pros, but perhaps you will find a few more benefits to tip the scales. In any case, it is already impossible to stop the space tourism machine. Right now, one can only hope that the first space tourist flights will be more than just a whim for the rich. But, most importantly, we can hope that space tourism will not cause more trouble than our planet already faces. 

Emma joined the team in 2020 as an Editorial Assistant. She is currently on an internship with us while going through her further education. She is enthusiastic about Science and about Space in particular.

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What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Space Tourism?

Space tourism has a number of both benefits and drawbacks. Its advantages include a high public profile, technological innovation and high investor interest. Its disadvantages include a huge initial investment cost and risky operations in a hostile environment.

One of space tourism’s biggest advantages as an emerging industry is its newsworthiness. It gains a great deal of public attention with every major step forward it takes. This in turn creates much interest in space tourism ventures by investors, allowing the companies involved to sustain themselves until actual tours are delivered. The nascent industry also benefits from the cutting-edge technology necessary for its operations, allowing it to be a leader in innovation and research.

One of the big drawbacks of space tourism is its very steep initial set-up costs. What the industry is attempting to do, sending humans safely into space and returning them on a regular basis, has never been accomplished by a private entity before. The price for the technology to do so remains astronomically high. Space is also an extremely hostile environment. Even with safety foremost in the plans of the companies involved, the potential for catastrophic disasters that could cost human lives cannot be casually brushed aside.

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IELTS Essay #Advantages and disadvantages of space tourism

Ielts essay advantages and disadvantages of space tourism.

As technology advances, travelling to space is likely to become an option for holidaymakers in the future. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of space tourism?

Sample Answer

With all the technological advancements, Space Tourism can be a reality that might enhance the tourism industry worldwide and make more progress in the field of astronomy. The essay will dwell on the merits and the possible drawbacks of this development.

Beginning with the positives, the idea of space tourism might attract interest towards an already growing space sector. Since future tourists will have an opportunity to explore planets, they will be developing knowledge and creating future generation scientists that will provide more in-depth research into our cosmos. Another positive outcome can be the creation of new Job opportunities. Space pilots manoeuvre space crafts, travel guides, medical professionals and trained engineers might be some professions in the coming years, this will help combat the problems of unemployment in the very long run.

However, space tourism is an expensive endeavour and expenditure on these excursions might bankrupt some nations, especially those who are still trying to recover from the impact of colonialism, coups, and civil wars.  Instead that money can be put to use for solving the pressing problems of famine, illiteracy, poverty, and poor public healthcare infrastructure. Another monumental challenge will be pollution control as rockets emit large quantities of black carbon that pollutes the air and is harmful for all the living beings as well as the environment.

To conclude, while the prospect of space travel sounds fascinating, the progress towards it should not be considered shortly, as other problems need our attention more urgently than achieving the dream of space tourism.(253 Words)

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Space tourism has become a reality. Will the advantages of it outweigh the disadvantages?

IELTS essay Space tourism has become a reality. Will the advantages of it outweigh the disadvantages?

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• Today, fashion is becoming more and more important in choosing clothes. What are the reasons? Do you think the trend positive or negative? Nowadays, the tendency of selecting outfits basing on vogue has become universal in modern society. This essay is going to discuss some hidden causes and some side effects led by this phenomenon. Generally, urbanite, especially youngsters, are enthusiastic about the latest style of costume as it ca ...
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• Some people think it is no longer necessary for children to go to school because they can do all their learning online. Others believe learning in schools is essential. Recently, there are several discussions about schooling and deciding to choose children's study options between online or offline. This essay will present two both views, and I strongly agree that children should learn in schools. On the one hand, there is no doubt in terms of online learning for s ...
• Some people believe that studying for University degree is better for individual's career than gaining work experience immediately after High School. In recent years, a number of people support the opinion that proper guided higher education is adequate for the overall development of an individual, while others prefer to think that expertise through various works is highly important in a competitive world. In my opinion, I strongly believe that q ...

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Burlington English – AC Volume 1 Test 2 (9 Band Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 (C2 Level))

• June 18, 2023 May 25, 2024

Website Navigation: Home / Resources / IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay)

WRITING TASK 2 (ESSAY WRITING)

Burlington english – ac volume 1 test 2, you should spend about 40 minutes on this task. write about the following topic:.

As technology advances, traveling to space is likely to become an option for holidaymakers in the future. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of space tourism?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

As technological breakthroughs continue to unfold, the possibility of space travel becoming a vacation option for tourists in the future is within reach. This essay aims to explore my belief in delving into the kind of unique opportunities space tourism will offer linked with significant challenges.

Firstly, one of the significant advantages of space travel is it drives scientific advancements. to brief, the revenue generated from commercial space travel can be reinvested in research and development, steering to new discoveries and innovations that can benefit society in multiple ways. space tourism companies like virgin galactic, for instance, have partnerships with research institutions, allowing scientists to conduct experiments in microgravity, which can contribute to medical advancements and materials science. additionally, adventurous individuals are offered one-in-a-lifetime experiences that allow them to witness the vastness of space, observe the celestial bodies, and experience weightlessness., however, the extravagant cost associated with space travel makes it an exclusive and elitist activity, accessible only to the affluent. to elaborate, this exclusivity could worsen socioeconomic inequalities by thickening the line between those who can afford it and those who cannot. furthermore, the extreme weather conditions of space pose detrimental health hazards, including exposure to radiation and the physiological impact of microgravity. as a result, meticulous planning, advanced technology, and stringent regulation are demanded for ensuring the safety and well-being of tourists, in conclusion, i concur the advent of space tourism not only presents a distinctive experience to witness the wonders of space but also potentially fosters scientific interest; nevertheless, the high cost involved, as well as safety to the tourists are the predicaments associated with a cosmic vacation., interested in mastering ielts essay writing, click here to sign up for a free demo session now, join the conversation cancel reply.

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A review of perception technologies for berry fruit-picking robots: advantages, disadvantages, challenges, and prospects.

1. Introduction

2. mechanism of berry fruit-picking robots, 2.1. principle.

• Approaching the object: The end-effector is open, and the robot system positions the end-effector close to the object.
• Coming into contact: The end-effector is in contact with the gripping object.
• Increasing gripping force: The end-effector outputs a certain amount of gripping force to ensure the object is gripped.
• Securing the object: When the gripping force meets the object, the gripping force should be adjusted to stop increasing once it securely grips the object.
• Lifting the object: The end-effector grips the object, moving it to the desired position, combined with the robot system moving the object to the desired position.
• Release the object: The end-effector releases its grip, separating from the gripped object.
• Monitoring the grasp: the gripping process is monitored by sensors to judge the end-effector’s contact with the gripped object and the effectiveness of the grip.

2.2. Picking and Gripping

2.3. structures, 2.3.1. mobile platform, 2.3.2. manipulator, 2.3.3. end-effector, 3. an overview of perception technologies for berry fruit-picking robots.

• Visual Perception
• Tactile Perception
• Distance Measurement
• Switching Sensors

4. Methods and Analysis

4.1. visual perception, 4.1.1. methods, 4.1.2. analysis, 4.2. tactile perception, 4.2.1. methods, 4.2.2. analysis, 4.3. distance measurement, 4.3.1. methods.

Click here to enlarge figure

4.3.2. Analysis

4.4. switching sensors, 4.4.1. methods, 4.4.2. analysis, 5. discussion and prospect, 5.1. the technical characteristics of the perception technology.

• Visual perception: the visual sensors exhibit high resolution and can accurately identify the fruit’s location, size, and ripeness. They facilitate real-time monitoring of fruit location and status, enabling the robot to adjust its actions accordingly. Additionally, visual perception can automatically distinguish between different types of fruits, ensuring the accuracy of the robot’s picking operations. Moreover, one of the primary challenges in practical visual perception is the accuracy of perception in different scenes and conditions [ 180 ]. It is, therefore, necessary to adapt visual perception to different light and background conditions in different environments to improve the reliability and accuracy of fruit-picking tasks.
• Tactile perception: The fruit’s shape, hardness, and surface properties enable the robot to grasp precisely. The tactile sensor delivers real-time data feedback, assisting the robot in adjusting its picking actions to enhance efficiency and quality. Additionally, the tactile sensor detects the pressure exerted by the robot upon contact with the fruit, preventing excessive force that could potentially damage it. Furthermore, the tactile sensor adapts to the varying characteristics of different fruit types and sizes, ensuring precise and reliable harvesting.
• Distance measurement: the distance measurement sensor accurately gauges the distance between the robot and the object fruit, ensuring the fruit can be grasped without damage. Additionally, the sensor monitors real-time changes in distance, enabling prompt adjustments to the robot’s movements for a stable picking process. The sensor also detects distances to obstacles, allowing the robot to avoid collisions and ensuring the safety of the robot and its environment. Furthermore, it aids the robot in accurately locating fruit, thereby enhancing the efficiency and precision of the picking process.
• Switching sensors: Firstly, they enable control of the robot’s actions based on detected state information, such as initiating or halting the movement of the manipulator and directing the robot’s movement. Secondly, they provide precise control over the robot’s motions. The switch sensors monitor the status of various robot components, including the opening and closing of the robotic manipulator and overall movement. They can also detect contact between the robot and obstacles, immediately stopping movement upon collision to prevent damage to both the robot and its surroundings. Furthermore, the switch sensors assess the operational status of various components, facilitating timely fault detection, diagnosis, and repair.

5.2. The Advanced Technical of Berry Fruit Picking

5.3. challenges and future opportunities.

• Accuracy: The accuracy of a robot in berry fruit picking hinges on its ability to precisely identify and locate fruits, assess their ripeness, and execute picking actions with minimal damage or errors. Reliable perception technology is essential for correctly identifying different types of fruits. However, current technology often fails to achieve this desired level of accuracy. Challenges such as visual perception errors caused by lighting conditions, occlusion, wind effects, and background interference contribute to omissions and misdetections in optical perception systems. As a result, ensuring consistent accuracy in the berry fruit-picking process remains uncertain.
• Adaptability: Adaptability in robotics refers to the ability of a robot to adjust its operations and techniques in response to varying conditions and situations. This includes accommodating different types of berries, adapting to changes in weather conditions, navigating different soil types, and handling various crop layouts. The goal is to optimize efficiency and effectiveness in harvesting. During berry picking, environmental factors like light, humidity, and temperature can affect sensor performance, impacting perception capabilities. It is essential for perception technology to be adaptable in natural environments, enabling robots to perform tasks such as obstacle avoidance, object recognition, and precise object separation. These tasks can be challenging due to the unpredictable characteristics of natural environments.
• Durability: Durability in robotics refers to a robot’s ability to withstand wear, corrosion, and physical damage in its operational environment. This includes resisting high temperatures, humidity, dust, and the vibrations and shocks encountered during berry picking. Ensuring sensors remain stable and functional over extended periods is crucial for reliable performance in challenging conditions.
• Data processing: Data processing in robotics involves the collection, analysis, and utilization of sensor data. Sensors gather extensive information during operations, such as the location, ripeness, and size of berries. Real-time processing is essential to adjust the robot’s movements promptly. The application of numerical techniques for the acquisition of sensory data may be susceptible to the influence of internal bias [ 184 ]. Additionally, data may contain noise or errors, requiring cleaning and correction. Integration of data from various sensors is vital for comprehensive analysis. Thus, data processing poses a major challenge in perceptual technology.
• Low cost: Low cost is defined as a cost-effectiveness that reduces research and development expenses, thereby making the technology affordable and accessible for farms of all sizes. The sensor is a crucial component of the perception system. However, high-quality sensors with solid performance are still expensive, and they may become faulty or damaged during use, requiring maintenance or replacement. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the cost of sensors while ensuring their quality and performance.

6. Conclusions

Author contributions, institutional review board statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Share and Cite

Wang, C.; Pan, W.; Zou, T.; Li, C.; Han, Q.; Wang, H.; Yang, J.; Zou, X. A Review of Perception Technologies for Berry Fruit-Picking Robots: Advantages, Disadvantages, Challenges, and Prospects. Agriculture 2024 , 14 , 1346. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081346

Wang C, Pan W, Zou T, Li C, Han Q, Wang H, Yang J, Zou X. A Review of Perception Technologies for Berry Fruit-Picking Robots: Advantages, Disadvantages, Challenges, and Prospects. Agriculture . 2024; 14(8):1346. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081346

Wang, Chenglin, Weiyu Pan, Tianlong Zou, Chunjiang Li, Qiyu Han, Haoming Wang, Jing Yang, and Xiangjun Zou. 2024. "A Review of Perception Technologies for Berry Fruit-Picking Robots: Advantages, Disadvantages, Challenges, and Prospects" Agriculture 14, no. 8: 1346. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14081346

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You are looking for a full-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: • introduce yourself • explain what sort of job you would like say what experience and skills you have

The young today spend a large amount of their leisure time in shopping centres. it is feared that this could have a negative influence on the young and society. to what extend do you agree or disagree with this view, some employers offer their employees subsidized membership of gyms and sport clubs, believe that this will make their staff healthier and more effective at work. other employees find no benefit doing so. discuss both views., some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., some people think that living in big cities is bad for people's health. to what extent do you agree or disagree.