The Physiology of Recreational Space Travel

Recreational space travel is an emerging industry that is serving a growing number of travelers. These customers enjoy a unique experience that provides unsurpassed views of the planet Earth and a thrilling introduction to weightlessness. However, space also has effects on the human body that can be uncomfortable and may pose health risks. The current wave of recreational travelers has a broader age range, lower fitness levels, less-defined health status, and far less training than professional astronauts. Commercial firms are conducting a grand experiment in human physiology. Recreational travelers will broaden our understanding of human physiology in space and may identify new limits. We are indebted to recreational travelers for advancing the commercial space industry and expanding the body of knowledge on space physiology.