Brendan Murphey
Pronouns: he/him
Research Mentor(s): Vyta Pivo
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Architecture / AUP
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 7 (4:40pm – 5:30pm)
Authors: Brendan Murphey, Vyta Pivo
Abstract
The space race began in the 1950s with the launch of Sputnik, the first man-made satellite to orbit Earth. Since then, the United States and the Soviet Union were in constant competition for technological advancement and military dominance until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, which paved the way for the emergence of space tourism. This research project aims to explore the rise of space tourism and its significance within the broader scope of the space industry. Specifically, the project examines the business models of major players in the space tourism market, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic, and evaluates their focus on profit, exploration, and their relationship with Earth. Through analysis of third-party interviews with the owners of the largest space companies, press releases, and media coverage, this project highlights the significance of space tourism in driving innovation and exploration. Historical texts accessed from the U-M Library Database, as well as modern historian review, were used to consider the shift in the mindset of the American people from militarization to exploration, and how this shift has influenced the development of the space industry. Such reviews revealed the large influence of the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent rise of the private space industry on the outlook of the space industry in the United States. As a result, the market for space tourism has emerged, characterized by the “Billionaire Space Race”, a competition between wealthy individuals seeking personal profit and goals. Overall, this project aims to provide a deeper understanding of the emergence of space tourism and its implications for the future of space exploration.
