Risky tourism to remote and unexplored areas of the Earth and even outer space is becoming increasingly popular. The recent rescue mission for the Titan submersible, led by the US Coast Guard, serves as an example of the challenges and high costs associated with saving individuals in these extreme environments. However, the logistics and funding for a rescue mission in the event of a commercial space flight emergency are still unclear.
While the search and rescue mission for the Titan ultimately ended after debris from the submersible was found, it highlighted the difficulties and expenses involved in rescuing people from the deep ocean. In comparison, a rescue mission for a troubled commercial space expedition could be even more complicated.
Traveling to space presents its own unique set of challenges, particularly in safely transporting individuals to an environment that is inherently incompatible with human life. Nonetheless, space tourism ventures, such as Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceX, have been successful so far. However, the question arises: what would happen in the event of a disaster?
Leroy Chiao, a retired NASA astronaut and International Space Station commander, has raised concerns about the management of rescue missions for commercial space flights. In an op-ed for CNN, Chiao emphasized the need for a plan in case a spacecraft loses the ability to return home, and questioned who would bear the cost of a space rescue. Should taxpayers be expected to cover the expenses?
Chiao explained that crew rescue is one of the most challenging aspects of extreme travel. Following the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, NASA adopted a new protocol for potential rescue missions. The agency implemented “Launch on Need” missions, which were fully prepared to rescue astronauts from a space shuttle that was unable to safely return to Earth. However, these contingency plans were never put into action.
Nowadays, NASA relies on the Russian Soyuz spacecraft or private companies like SpaceX to transport astronauts to space. As for the likelihood of being “stuck” in space, Chiao clarified that this scenario is primarily relevant to orbital flights. Suborbital flights, offered by companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic, go up and down in an arc and are unlikely to get stranded in space.
Orbital flights, on the other hand, could potentially end up stranded if they launched into a different orbital plane. However, by launching directly to the International Space Station or into the same orbital plane, astronauts have the option to dock at the station if needed and use it as a safe haven until rescue. Chiao believes that companies like SpaceX would always ensure their flights align with the ISS or the same orbital plane.
Nevertheless, if a spacecraft experienced guidance or navigation problems, they could find themselves in the wrong plane. Furthermore, the possibility of additional spacecraft being readily available for rescue operations is uncertain. It’s also a matter of who would initiate and finance such missions. Chiao stated that if a SpaceX vehicle was involved, the responsibility would likely fall on SpaceX to launch another vehicle for rescue, raising the question of why NASA should have to bear the cost.
Unlike on Earth, where the Coast Guard provides free rescue services in US waters, there is currently no equivalent agency or territorial jurisdiction operating in space. With more companies venturing into space tourism, the question of who would assist in the event of a rescue becomes more pertinent. However, companies like Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceX did not respond to inquiries for comment on this matter.
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