Space-tour marketers see growth potential

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Fewer than 500 people have traveled to space throughout history. But space tourism advocates want that to change as soon as possible.

Advocates of private space travel say it could open up a new commercial space industry that would provide job and economic-growth opportunities as well as the possibility for space-based solar power. They also say it is the next step in adventure travel, such as African safaris or trips to Antarctica.

"Humans like to go to new and unique places and have unique experiences," said John Spencer, founder of the Space Tourism Society, which aims to promote the space tourism industry. "We have seen that throughout history."

Mr. Spencer described the "overview effect" of space travel, which advocates say would lead people to feel more unified despite differences among countries.

The commercial space industry can create various entrepreneurial opportunities, said Jeff Krukin, the executive director of the Space Frontier Foundation. Founded in 1988, the Space Frontier Foundation, which ends its four-day annual conference in Arlington County's Crystal City today, is a group composed of space activists, scientists, engineers, politicians, entrepreneurs and others devoted to opening to the private sector space travel and even potential space settlement.

"One industry leads to new opportunities in other industries," he said.

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Commerce have offices devoted to the regulation of commercial space travel and business.

The commercial space industry is rapidly expanding.

Overall, 21 commercial orbital launches occurred worldwide in 2006, which made up 32 percent of all launches for the year, according to the FAA's Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

Several state governments also are joining the commercial space movement, Mr. Krukin said.