Price tags of up to euro 245.000 for so-called ‘space tourism’ appear deterrent enough for mere mortals musing on infinity and beyond.
But as firms finalise plans for long-awaited leisure flights into orbit, scientists are wondering whether tougher health and safety checks might now be necessary.
Some experts say GPs should expect an influx of patients curious whether their bodies could withstand the exhilaration of becoming an astronaut for the day.
Scientists told the Metronewspaper otherwise-fortunate space tourists risk unconsciousness, back pain, temporary loss of vision, premature ageing and possible aggravation of health disorders.
Astronauts’ bones are weakened by being in space, meaning those on the International Space Station were restricted to no more than six months apiece.
What remains uncertain is how well non-professionals’ bodies could cope with the disorienting g-force inflicted by take-off and space travel – difficult to predict, according to Dr Jon Scott, a member of a UK Space Agency working group.
Read more: Want to join the space race and blast into orbit? Beware of side effects | Metro News
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