Travel Tuesday: Could space travel really be in our future?

As SpaceX Crew Dragon launches, space travel becomes a bigger possibility.

While science fiction shows endless space travel options, the reality of the normal person stepping into a capsule and soaring above the Earth’s atmosphere could be in the realm of possible. As SpaceX Crew Dragon looks to blast off in the first manned launch since 2011, more people dream of the day where that next travel adventure goes beyond the clouds.

When people look to the sky, there is a sense of wonder. For people who live on the Space Coast of Florida, SpaceX, Blue Horizon and even the real Space Force are part of their daily lives. From the rumble of the ground to the streak in the sky, space travel is not a dream, but reality.

Although rockets soar, sending astronauts into space hasn’t happened in United States for many years. After the Space Shuttles were retired, U.S. astronauts had to hitch a ride via launched in Russia. Even as the International Space Station has had many guests, there could be even more people spending time in the stars.

As more rockets blast off from the Kennedy Space Center, one question remains tied to the ground, is this method of travel a possibility for the normal person? After this week’s manned space launch, the conversation takes a definite step forward.

The fascination with space seems to be growing by the day. From Netflix’s comedic take on the Space Force to Walt Disney’s World’s Star Wars themed hotel, many people are looking to explore the next great frontier. Even though traditional vacation travel has seen a decline due to health concerns, the appeal of going into space grows.

In some ways, space becomes the ultimate travel envy. While the cost will be extreme and the limitations are many, those people who can venture above the Earth are the new adventurers. Not only will they be pushing their bodies to the extreme, they are willing to accept the risks of travel.

By strapping into a seat on the rocket, there are some inherent risks. Instead of that face mask, flotation device, exit location reminder video, one mistake could bring ultimate peril. Anyone who has watched a rocket launch understands the science behind the propulsion is extreme. By accepting that seat, you accept the risks and the reward.

Still, many people have wanderlust and the untapped travel locations are few. Safaris have become commonplace. Reaching the summit of Mount Everest is no longer a select few. For the next great adventure, travelers will need to go where few have gone before.

Although the SpaceX Dragon Crew are two men who have trained for this mission, the power of Elon Musk could see that space capsule transformed into something more. Everyone watched in awe at the previous test flight of the Telsa soaring past the moon. Although it might not be another nine years till a U.S. based manned space flight, it could be less than nine years for the normal traveler to book her ticket to outer space.

With rocket launches happening on almost a weekly basis and more companies taking to the launch pad, space travel might be another item to add to that bucket list.

Are you ready to go where few men have gone before? Do you think that space travel will become a reality?