Chompoonek “Chicha” Nimitpornsuko has an extraordinary vision — to make space tourism affordable and accessible for all. In her recent TEDx talk at Brown University, the astronomy and economics student laid out a compelling case for the rapidly approaching era of commercial space travel.
Nimitpornsuko recounted her lifelong fascination with space that began on an ordinary flight as a child, when she “fell in love with exploration and traveling” after watching an in-flight nature documentary. This spurred her to pursue every opportunity to explore, culminating in studying at Marlborough College which had an observatory where she could indulge her passion alongside “like-minded professors who shared in my dream of a commercial space tourism market.”
Her research underscored how the space tourism industry is following a trajectory reminiscent of aviation’s history. Just as “the first commercial flight cost the equivalent of $100,000 in today’s currency” but became progressively cheaper through “economies of scale”, Nimitpornsuko foresees space tourism plummeting from its current “$20 million” price tag to “becoming $100,000 within the decade.”
The benefits extend far beyond realizing a childhood dream. Nimitpornsuko cited research showing an “overview effect” from viewing Earth from space can offer “complex neurological benefits that range from improving cardiovascular health to facilitating group collaboration and even enhancing creativity.”
With entrepreneurial companies like “Blue Origin run by Jeff Bezos”, “Virgin Galactic”, “SpaceX” under Elon Musk, and even “Space Perspective offering balloon rides into space”, a burgeoning commercial marketplace is emerging to drive down costs just as economies of scale did for aviation.
“Space is no longer just for the billionaires, the astronauts or the space companies — this is our time and our era to explore,” said Nimitpornsuko poetically.
In her conclusion, Nimitpornsuko shared an inspiring vision — “imagine it’s decades away in the future, you watch as the Earth revolves around your feet as you sip on a margarita.” By blending her knowledge of astrophysics with economics and entrepreneurship, Nimitpornsuko aims to make that vivid image a reality for all through affordable space tourism in the decades ahead.
Featured image: Credit: TEDx
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