Is Space tourism going to be India's
next Adventurous Venture?

Can the space tourism industry become commercially viable in India? A question that comes to mind when India has already taken major strides in this area. A new bi-national team of researchers ask this important question as they conduct the first study on the subject of space tourism ever undertaken in or about India. The interdisciplinary study involves students and faculty members at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) in India directed by Prof. Ram Jakhu of the Institute of Air and Space Law (IASL) at McGill University in Canada. This academic activity is being carried out pursuant to the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding between the UPES and IASL regarding academic cooperation.

"Space tourism is the latest venture in which space faring nations are actively getting involved," explains Prof. Jakhu. "India is an acknowledged space power; the international status which is critical for its economic and strategic position in a globalized world. Therefore, it is imperative for India to do what is expected of a space power."

While India may be far from actually sending tourists into space, it is recognized that they must sow some seeds now so that the industry can evolve in the future without hitting major roadblocks. They will be assessing the industry's business viability along with several technical and regulatory aspects that are critical to the industry's success. The four month project, which began in July, is expected to yield a report that could serve as an infrastructure, investment, laws and policies handbook for the space tourism industry in the future.