Exploring Motivations of Potential Space Tourists

Abstract

While there have been several quantitative studies about potential motivations for space tourism, there is a lack of qualitative research which explores these motivations in greater scope and depth. This chapter, based on the data gathered from face-to-face, telephone, and online interviews of potential space tourists, identifies nine likely motivations for space tourism, with hedonic examples such as thrill-seeking or risk-taking; eudaimonic examples such as challenge, curiosity, spirituality, and nostalgia; and extrinsic cases such as seeking distinction or a desire to motivate and assist others. Suggestions are made for marketing future space tourism experiences, as well as recommendations for succeeding research.