Space tourism has a lot of positives and can help inspire humanity to protect their planet, says UN space chief Simonetta Di Pippo.<\/p>\n
The director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, Ms Di Pippo said increased access to space would make it 'a part of our lives'.<\/p>\n
The comments were made days after Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, suggested saving the Earth should come before space tourism. He told the BBC: Great brains and minds should be trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live.<\/p>\n
Ms Di Pippo, who was visiting the Italian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on Monday, told The National that space tourism could benefit humanity in many ways.<\/p>\n
It's really the attempt of bringing space closer to humanity and humanity closer to space.<\/p>\n
\"Space would become something thats outside, dark, cold and far away, but part of our lives.\"<\/p>\n
The New Shepard rocket carrying 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner launches from West Texas. AFP <\/p>\n
On October 13, Star Trek actor William Shatner became the oldest person to go into space aboard a Blue Origin tourism flight.<\/p>\n
Richard Branson and Elon Musk are also working on businesses that would take humans to space recreationally.<\/p>\n
When asked about space tourism flights by billionaires Ms Di Pippo said she sees a lot of positives to the progress being made in space exploration, and that it will allow people to look back on Earth and recognise its fragility.<\/p>\n
So, we have to work a lot in terms of the sustainability in space, but also on earth. We have [to] try and work on issues related to climate and help the planet survive in the best way possible.<\/p>\n
We can really improve the quality of life for people on Earth, thanks to space.<\/p>\n
\"I believe that if we have more and more people experiencing what space means, it can also help in policy and decision-making processes towards supporting space.<\/p>\n
Science experiments could also become a regular part of space tourism flights.<\/p>\n
Sirisha Bandla, an aeronautical engineer, took a plant experiment with her when she flew on board a Virgin Galactic space tourism flight in July.<\/p>\n
The experiment helped to measure how well passengers would be able to perform scientific activities during the 90-minute flight.<\/p>\n
Bandla will activate three plant-filled tubes to release a preservative at critical data-collection stages during the flight: at 1g (Earth gravity level) before the rocket boost, just before entering microgravity, and after the conclusion of microgravity, Nasa said.<\/p>\n
Ms Di Pippo also believes space tourism could help inspire people to create more spin-off technologies.<\/p>\n
With countries investing billions in space exploration, 'The National' looks at 10 inventions on Earth made possible because of space research and technology. Courtesy: US space agency Nasa <\/p>\n
Space research and tech have helped advance many vital sectors, particularly in medicine and science.<\/p>\n
From vaccine development and purifying water to improving baby formula, space technologies and research have been a huge benefit to life on Earth.<\/p>\n
Since 1976, Nasa has recorded more than 2,000 space-related projects that have been commercialised and brought to the market.<\/p>\n
These include creations such as invisible braces, water purification systems, ear thermometers and wireless headphones.<\/p>\n
The number of satellites that each of us is using every day is really huge - when we check the weather in the morning, access the Global Navigation Satellite Systems to move from point A to point B, develop smart agricultural procedures, do telemedicine or biodiversity everything [involves] space, said Ms Di Pippo.<\/p>\n
Updated: October 20th 2021, 9:10 AM<\/p>\n
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Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk's space adventures aren't a waste of cash, says UN space chief - The National<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Space tourism has a lot of positives and can help inspire humanity to protect their planet, says UN space chief Simonetta Di Pippo. Continue reading