Charting the Course of Space Tourism toward a Sustainable Future. A cross-cluster thematic analysis

Where is space tourism heading for? This elusively simple question is what drives this article. The answer is less straightforward. While the interest in space tourism in all its forms has been steadily growing since 2000s, and the research outputs in the discipline multiplying, there is to date no clear unidirectional way forward, one that has the potential to be sustainable even less. Fault lines have emerged, making an overall evaluation of the sector a complicated feat.

Building on a comprehensive review of more than two decades of academic research, this study identifies critical gaps and conceptual roadblocks, proposing a conceptual framework with four key dimensions of future investigation. It highlights the need for a new theoretical paradigm defining the sector, together with environmental sustainability measures, risk mitigation strategies, and affordable improvements within the industry. By addressing critical challenges, this research aims at steering the space tourism industry towards mainstream accessibility, an ethical and responsible approach, long-term environmental and social viability.