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Study Shows Large Space Tourism Market

Posted by timothy on from the las-vegas-effect dept.

HobbySpacer writes: "A serious market study has finally been done on space tourism and it shows a substantial market, even for brief sub-orbital flights. The Futron/Zogby study of high income individuals found that 19% would pay $100k for a sub-orbital flight. Furthermore, 7% would pay $20M to go to the Space Station (if they had the money.) The percentages go up if the prices could come down, especially with availability of private orbital facilities. With around 30 million high-net-worth households ($500,000+) in the US, this indicates a market of several million for suborbital on the short term and eventually for orbital. We can hope that like previous expensive luxuries, e.g. jet travel and ocean cruises, the wealthy will pull the prices down to a level reachable by the rest of us."

10 of 189 comments (clear)

  1. But How? by drinkeycrow · · Score: 2, Funny

    would one open those little bottles of booze they give you in 0-G??

  2. If only I had the money... by seanadams.com · · Score: 5, Funny

    Furthermore, 7% would pay $20M to go to the Space Station (if they had the money.)

    If I "had the money", I'd pay $3B for my own private space shuttle. Duh.

  3. Hmmm... by TheQuantumShift · · Score: 4, Funny

    Was this study perchance done by the Center For Figuring Out Really Obvious Things? People want to see space? Whouda thunk it...

    --

    Shift happens. Fire it up.
  4. Who will pilot the ships? by dosun88888 · · Score: 4, Funny

    The same Captain Obvious who came up with this earth-shattering observation?

    I'm sure Admiral No Fucking Shit has his own 2 cents to contribute. Maybe he'll figure out now that people think that it would be cool to go back in time too.

    I'd give my left nut for a space ship. More interesting would be a study of which body parts people would be willing to trade for the ability to take a weekend excursion to Mars.

    ~D

    1. Re:Who will pilot the ships? by CaptainCarrot · · Score: 5, Funny
      I'd give my left nut for a space ship.

      And if I had a space ship, I wouldn't take your left nut (or anyone else's) in exchange for it. I strongly suspect that I don't value your nuts anywhere near as much as you do.

      --
      And the brethren went away edified.
  5. Flawed methodologies. by NoMoreNicksLeft · · Score: 2, Funny

    Report fails to mention that 43% of those who responded favorably also thought that a trip to the planet where Kirk banged the green chick was part of the package.

  6. market study by doubtless · · Score: 4, Funny

    in the form of /. polls

    How much are you willing to pay for a sub-orbital flight?

    o Up to $10,000
    o Up to $50,000
    o Up to $100,000
    o Pay? I didn't even pay for my OS!
    o I wanna fly with CowboyNeal!

    --
    geek page at KY speaks
  7. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  8. Launch the rich! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Do we have to bring them back?

    Let's take up a collection and send Senator Hollings.

    What you mean they have to come back? Oh, never mind.

  9. sub-orbital flight for $1000 by neurojab · · Score: 2, Funny

    That's right, I'm selling sub-orbital flights for only $1000. Please line up, I can only fly one at a time. You may get a little dizzy, and your arms and legs may be a little sore, but I guarantee the ride of a lifetime. Please no one over 150 lbs... my back is a little sore this week.