From: joe@strout.net   
      
   In article ,   
    Fred Hapgood  wrote:   
      
   > I'm unclear on the rationale for space tourism (at least in the near to mid   
   > term).  When you're in orbit, all you are looking at is a window, aka a   
   > display surface.   
      
   A window is not a display surface.   
      
   > In fact, you will probably not even be looking at a window in the   
   > sense of a transparent body at all, but a pixelated screen just like the one   
   > in your rec room at home.   
      
   What makes you think that?  Spacecraft windows are real windows,   
   transparent bodies through which you can see far more, in far more   
   detail, than any display screen.   
      
   >  No doubt in a few years you will be able to watch as many feeds from   
   > space as you like from your EZBoy.  Why spend all that money   
   > just to look at the same image?   
      
   Because in space you're not looking at an image; you're looking at the   
   real thing.  Also, you are weightless, which is more or less impossible   
   to achieve on Earth for more than a few seconds.  Finally, you have the   
   satisfaction of knowing that, in your own small way, you are   
   participating in the transformation of humankind from a planetbound   
   civilization to a space-faring one.  None of that is available in your   
   EZBoy.   
      
   > The only objective differences will be weightlessness and risk.   
      
   No, the view is also objectively different.  Somewhere you've gotten the   
   incorrect idea that spacecraft don't have windows.   
      
   > And will weightlessness be such a draw?   
      
   Absolutely.   
      
   > Of course there is the subjective sense of 'being there,'   
   > but the kinds of dollar estimates that being thrown around in discussions   
   > of this sector seem like a lot of money to pay for something that isn't real.   
      
   Then don't go.  Those who do want to go think it's a good deal (and   
   there are good studies to back that up).   
      
   > Nothing I'm going to be investing in, for sure.   
      
   Suit yourself.  You probably wouldn't have invested in computers in the   
   1950s either, but again, that's your business.  Makes no difference to   
   me.   
      
   Best,   
   - Joe   
      
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