The Future of Space Travel

Ten years ago, the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded on re-entry over Texas, killing seven astronauts. While the shuttle program continued for some years thereafter, state-funded space flight dwindled in the decade that followed. Now, space is becoming more of a private industry. This hour on Focus, we’ll talk about the future of space travel. Michael Lopez-Alegria, a former astronaut and President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, will be here to talk about his experiences in space and what needs to happen for commercial space tourism and research to become a reality. We’ll also talk with Philippe Geubelle, a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the UIUC and the Director of the Illinois Space Grant Consortium about funding for aerospace education for next generation, and Jonathan Card, Executive Director of the Space Frontier Foundation.

Guests: Michael Lopez-Alegria (former astronaut; President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation), Philippe Geubelle (Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois; Director of the Illinois Space Grant Consortium), and Jonathan Card (Executive Director of the Space Frontier Foundation).

Did you ever dream of being an astronaut? If you could plan a vacation to space, would you? Join our conversation on Facebook or Twitter.