Space tourism: Its history, future and importance

This paper sets space tourism in its historic setting, while looking ahead to where it may lead, and it underlines the significance of the new space tourism services to the overall future of the utilization of space, whether for commercial or governmental purposes.

► A summary is provided of aeronautical history.
► A summary is provided of history of space travel.
► It is explained how this led to space tourism.
► Space tourism's distinct segments and future plans are described.
► The importance of space tourism as an enabling technology is described.