Space

1) Historical background: When did the idea of "space tourism" begin? How has it developed? What have been the hurdles and accomplishments? Start in the 1960's - present day.

Space tourism began back in the 1980’s. This was not technically called ‘space tourism,’ at the time. This was a way for the Soviet Union to broaden its pool of cosmonauts. This program was given the name Interkosmos and included cosmonauts from the Warsaw Pact countries. These cosmonauts were fully trained but since they were not Russian or United States employees this gave them the title of space tourist. The United States had a similar program. The position of ‘payload specialist,’ was given to representatives of companies that had a specific payload on that mission. As NASA gained more traction with the shuttle program they decided to allow citizens without scientific or governmental roles to fly. Christa McAuliffe was the first teacher in space, aboard the doomed Challenger shuttle. NASA expected two-three citizens would be able to travel per year. This program was put on haul for 16 years as McAuliffe’s shuttle disengaged on re-entry. Then in 2003, Miles O’Brian was chosen for the first journalist in space. This was canceled in the wake of the Columbia disaster in 2003.

2) Give a brief summary of the rules and regulations that currently govern the commercial space industry. When and why were they developed? Start with the first rules developed in the 1980s. Do you feel that they are appropriate or that the need to be more or less restrictive?

The rules and regulations that govern the commercial space industry are located in Title 14, Volume 4, Chapter 3, Part 400-460.53. Part 461-1199 are reserved for future use. In 1984 congress passed the Commercial Space Launch Act, which facilitated the private enterprise of commercial space and technology. This act let private companies use the launch sites and equipment from the government to help cut the cost for the government. I feel as if there isn’t much in the current FARs. I believe that over time and as commercial space industry grows (just like the aviation industry) more regulations will come out. But just like the aviation industry many of the regulations were made after tragedies.

3) Where do you see space tourism headed and in what time frame? I.e., do you think it will be accessible to the general public, not unlike the commercial airline industry? Do you think it will develop into a means of transportation or do you think that it will perpetually exists as a one-time, bucket list adventure? Why?

I see the space tourism kick headed towards a potential flight to space within the next 10 years (five years because I think it can be done). I do not believe space tourism will be available to the general public for many years. This is due to the high operating cost of a rocket. For example, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket cost $54 million alone (Fernholz, 2013). This is not a lot compared to a Boeing 777 ($320 million) but there’s over 1500 of them out there. There is only a couple Falcon 9 rockets. The Falcon 9 can also be delayed for days on end. For example, a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Spanish communications satellite was supposed to launch on 2/25/18 and has been delayed till 3/1/18 to recheck systems. (Clark, 2018) It could also be delayed even longer as another rocket has been scheduled for the same day and has priority over the SpaceX launch. So as a plane is delayed an hour cost in thousands of dollars. The Falcon 9 sits for days costing millions of dollars in delays.

I believe that one day space travel will be accessible to the general public. Much like the aviation industry was only available to those with money until 1976. In 1976 deregulation changed the airline industry forever. But this will not happen for the space industry for a long time, if ever.

4) What are the qualifications to work in the space tourism industry - either from the pilot or the management perspective? This may require some research, perhaps even making a phone call.

To become a pilot in the space industry (at least for NASA), you need at least a bachelor’s degree. But many astronauts had masters or even Ph.Ds. the higher the degree the better chance of being selected. If you go the bachelor’s degree route, make sure you have three years of “related, progressively responsible, professional experience,” or 1,000 jet hours of pilot-in-command time. (Howell, 2017) Along with those requirements a candidate must have 20/20 vision (naturally or corrected), blood pressure not more than 140/90 sitting, and height of 62 and 75 inches. There are also interviews during selection to determine if you are physically and mentally able to work as an astronaut.

This isn’t the end of the road yet. If chosen you still aren’t an astronaut. Next comes two years of basic training. After graduation, an astronaut is not assigned a flight right away. They are usually assigned as backup on other flights, training and more training are included in this time. Once selected for a flight, usually training is another year of simulation for the mission with crewmates.

All I have to say is, it is not easy to become any sort of pilot.

Reference

Contributor, E. H. (2017, June 7). How To Become An Astronaut. Retrieved February 25, 2018, from https://www.space.com/25786-how-to-become-an-astronaut.html

Clark, S. (2018, February 27). Atlas 5 launch on track for Thursday, SpaceX mission expected to slip. Retrieved February 27, 2018, from https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/02/27/falcon-9-atlas-5-hispasat-goes-schedule/

History.com Staff. (2010). Challenger Explosion. Retrieved February 27, 2018, from http://www.history.com/topics/challenger-disaster

UAVs

 1) What civilian purpose, if any, are UAVs currently being used for in United States? How are these civilian UAVs currently regulated (if they are regulated)? What are some of the details of the regulations that apply to the commercial use of UAVs?

There are many civilian purposes that UAVs are being utilized for in the United States. For example, Copter Kids use their drone for film. They have used their drone for the movie; ‘Chips,’ Katy Perry’s music video, ’Rise’ and others. Not only can UAVs be used for film purposes, but they can also be used for: search and rescue, pipeline patrol, mapping, and photography. Not just anybody can pick up a UAV and start flying it everywhere. There are some ‘loose’ regulations. CFR part 107. Like you need a certificate, need to be over 16 years old, read and speak English. The one regulation I have noticed being broken is the airspace location. When I was flying a couple months ago, a drone was spotted flying over US23 in Willow run(KYIP). Tower could not see it and therefore put us in a hold on the south side of the airspace. Right now, there is no requirement for UAVs to have a Mode C transponder within the Mode C veil. Also, to go along with that statement, I was tubbing along a river in Ann Arbor and noticed a drone flying above. This was also directly in the Class D of KARB. Both these incidents were probably being operated by your regular personal drone use, but it just goes to show that the current regulations are still trying to work themselves out.

2) Are UAVs being operated commercially in other countries? If so, where and for what purpose? 

Apart from the commercial business for UAVs in the United States, other countries are beginning to offer permits for commercially operated UAVs. In Europe, UAVs are used for industrial purposes right now. There is not a huge market for personal use as of yet. Just like in the United States UAVs biggest market is that of the media and entertainment sector. But within the next few years they believe that construction, inspection and public safety sectors will surpass the entertainment sector. They predict that construction will be worth $147 million in 2018. (Sharma, 2018)

3) Do you foresee UAVs integrating into the NAS? If so, how? Also, what problems do you foresee resulting from this? Be sure to include not only logistical problems, but also potential perception problems.

 I do see UAVs becoming a part of the NAS. This is because they are advancing with technology. Pretty soon UAVs will be flying packages from the warehouse to someone’s door step. There is only a matter of time before the public sees the UAV as a helpful tool and not a conspiracy theory for spying. I do foresee the issue for the line of sight rule and for communication issues. Some more regulations would have to be in place for proper radio knowledge. There would also need to be away for the line of sight rule to be changed. I would think have redundant video cameras mounted on the UAV would be something the FAA is looking into. If the military can fly drones from miles away or even across the globe, I think UAVs at home are on track to becoming part of the NAS.

4) As for the military application of UAVs, how have they transformed military strategy? Has their integration been efficient (consider all aspects - from financial to ethical)?

 In the early stages of UAVs in the military, they were mainly used for reconnaissance. After years of use, it was determined that missiles could be outfitted on them and used for attack missions to keep pilots and ground soldiers safe. This brought up the topic of is it ethical to attack someone without confirming with ground units that the target is the actual target. It also makes for a very stressful job. UAV pilot’s recon for days on end, one target, depicting patterns and people before they attack. Which makes the attack more personal say if they see children playing nearby. This makes it hard for UAV pilots to strike. From a financial standpoint UAVs have been an issue for the military. Up to 500 pilots and ground crew support are required for a 24-hour coverage.

5) Finally, do some research and find out if there are UAV jobs that are advertised for civilians (both flight and management students). If so, include this as your link. If you are unable to locate a job posting, reference your above answers to brainstorm the potential for types of UAV jobs in the future.

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=HUB-Media-Company&t=Drone+Pilot+Camera+Man&jk=2870b859025e745c&q=Drone+Pilot+%2470%2C000&vjs=3

This job is located in, Phoenix, AZ flying for contract. They work with real estate agents, builders and developers. Pay is between $50-$100 and hour. “Must have a killer portfolio and 2 years of drone videography.”

References

Dilbert at war. (2014, June 23). Retrieved February 7, 2018, from https://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21604608-stressful-lives-chair-force-dilbert-war

Palmer, T. (n.d.). Retrieved February 8, 2018, from https://www.copterkidsllc.com/our-work