How would you like to travel to space, maybe Mars, Jupiter or the moon for your next vacation? This may seem far-fetched or something which is not likely to happen in our lifetime. If you think this is so, then you have not been keeping up with the happenings in this area. Space tourism seem set to take off and there is no doubt that there will continue to be investments and interest in this area.

The first space tourist entered space in 2001 and since then a number of persons have been paying the hefty price tag required to see the stars up close. For many ordinary citizens of earth, however, there is little likelihood of entering space as a tourist any time soon. This is so because of the high price attached to going to space. The price of tickets have been said to be as much as US$35 million. So far, nine persons have taken the trip to the International Space Station (an artificial satellite) which is used as a research lab in space.

As expected, the experience is unlike any other, not just as a vacation experience but also because of the rigorous preparation required to take the trip and to survive the vacation period. Preparing for the trip involves more than packing a suitcase and sunscreen lotion. It means working closely with experts to ensure that you are healthy enough to survive the experience and that you can also adapt to the conditions in space which includes being weightless.

A new industry continues to develop on the basis of the belief that though man is grounded on the earth, he is meant to explore the stars. Those who are convinced that this is the equivalent of the old gold rush are busy pumping money into space tourism. Investors who have already invested in aviation, travel and aeronautical engineering have spread their investments to this area in the belief that the future pay back will be sound.

Currently, the biggest challenge is said to be the inability of the investors and the scientific world to come up with a vessel that is as reusable as an aircraft, thus leading to a more sustainable means of space transportation. So, when will you go - 2012 perhaps? We already know that there is a Jamaican in every nook and cranny of the earth, so why not space? See you in orbit!

Ann Marie Rodriques

PeaceWater Services.com

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