Space travel has rapidly developed over the last several decades. Once the domain of governments, space travel is now in the private sector. Currently, more than 625 people have signed up for sub-orbital space flights with Virgin Galactic. However, there still are significant barriers in making space travel a reality for the general public. This paper examines problems of conventional propulsion system. Building upon these analyses, several alternative propulsion sources are discussed as new solutions. Moreover, presentation was performed in front of general public and surveys were conducted to assess the perceived accessibility of space travel. Results indicated that study participants considered space travel to be more feasible when cost, safety, and convenience problems were resolved.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Seo, Bo Rim

Subject

• Infrastructure
• Sustainability
• Industry
• Innovation

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-083013-150019

Mot-clé

• Science--Study and teaching

Advisor

• Popovic, Marko B.

Year

• 2013

Date created

• 2013-08-30

Emplacement

• Worcester

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright