S5 Ep81: Is the Era of Space Tourism Here?

In 2021, the internet reacted as the world’s wealthiest men blew millions of dollars to spend just a few minutes traveling to the edge of space. Right now, space tourism is for the rich and famous, but in the coming years, it may become more accessible to regular travelers. 

We chat with space tourism journalist Valerie Stimac about what it’s like to travel to space, the future of the space tourism industry, equity and representation in space, sustainability concerns, how much space travel will cost, and how to enjoy space from earth.

GUEST:
Valerie Stimac has lived across the globe but spent her formative years in Alaska admiring the northern lights each winter. After living in cities including Seattle, London, and the San Francisco Bay Area, Valerie re-discovered a childhood passion for space and combined it with her professional career as a travel writer. Today, she is an author for Lonely Planet, and a space tourism & dark sky advocate.

Valerie’s website: https://valeriestimac.com/ 
Valerie’s Instagram: @vstimac

Join Valerie’s astronomy-focused Jordan tour: https://spacetourismguide.com/guided-tours/jordan/

RESOURCES:
How the billionaire space race could be one giant leap for pollution 
Rocket Launches Are Shockingly Bad for the Environment 
NASA’s African-American Astronauts 

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CREDITS
Written and Hosted by: Erin Hynes
Producer: Kattie Laur
Music from Motion Array
Logo by Nicole Hall