Qualifications for Private Astronauts and Space Tourists visiting the ISS

As the concept of commercial space travel and private astronaut missions becomes a reality, many are wondering about the qualifications required for space tourists to visit the International Space Station (ISS). NASA is currently developing a comprehensive training program for private astronauts, which will be a subset of the rigorous training provided to professional astronauts.

Training Flow for Private Astronauts

The training flow for private astronauts will include essential safety measures, location coding, food preparation, and hygiene. Additionally, it will involve learning how to use computers to perform necessary communication and payload tasks. It's important to note that private astronauts will not be trained for any ISS maintenance or operational tasks. This training is similar to but more complex than the training provided to Spaceflight Participants who flew on Soyuz. The private astronauts will be U.S. segment-based, which adds an additional layer of complexity to their preparation.

Medical and Vetting Requirements

While the physical and mental ability to undertake such a strenuous mission is a significant requirement, the primary qualification is financial. The cost for private astronaut missions is considerable, with estimates ranging from $35 million to a million dollars for a single flight. Additionally, private astronauts will need to meet the qualifications previously set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for spaceflight participants/tourists. This includes the successful completion of a training program and a thorough medical examination. Apart from financial resources, the vetting process will likely consider candidates' suitability for the mission, which may include psychological assessments and background checks.

Role of Space Tourists in Missions

Bluntly stated, space tourists are merely "ballast" in the context of a mission. They do not add new knowledge or contribute directly to the science and operations on the ISS. However, their contributions can be indirect, as their significant investment in the mission can help funded the essential aspects of the expedition. A major part of their responsibility will be to ensure they do not interfere with the work of the professional astronauts and to remain silent during critical mission phases.

Space Tourism: Luxury for the Wealthy

Space tourism remains a distant dream for the majority. The exorbitant costs and stringent requirements make it a luxury reserved for the wealthy. With the retirement of the NASA Space Shuttle program and the current reliance on Russia's transport services, the USA segment of the ISS will continue to operate with private astronauts and professional astronauts supporting each other. Space tourism will be a playground for the very rich, with the common man unable to afford such a trip. The application process for private astronauts will require a visit to Russia, which presents its own set of challenges. Therefore, space tourism is a long way from being accessible to the general population.

In conclusion, while the journey to space tourism is still in its early stages, private astronauts and space tourists must meet stringent qualifications and requirements to participate in these pioneering missions. These include financial stability, successful completion of a training program, and rigorous medical evaluations.