Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences Technology

This paper investigates the feasibility of sustaining planetary habitation while supporting space tourism through advancements in technology, environmental systems, and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). By utilizing resources like lunar regolith and Martian soil, as demonstrated in recent research, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) has the potential to minimize dependency on Earth for constructing habitats and producing essential resources like oxygen and water. Technologies such as closed-loop life-support systems, as exemplified by ESA’s MELiSSA project, highlight innovative solutions for long-term sustainability. However, environmental challenges such as radiation shielding, energy reliability, and extreme temperatures remain unresolved, presenting obstacles to accommodating tourists in extraterrestrial settings. Augmented reality (AR)-based tools, as discussed in the Purdue RASCAL Report, provide intuitive solutions for resource management and task guidance, offering ways to enhance experiences for both astronauts and tourists. By integrating sustainable technologies, intuitive interfaces, and scalable solutions, space tourism can play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable planetary life while opening new frontiers for human exploration and commercial ventures. However, as commercial space operations expand, new threat vectors such as cyberattacks, kinetic assaults, and orbital terrorism pose significant risks, drawing parallels to potential "Space 9/11" scenarios. This study proposes a hybrid economic and security framework, advocating for international regulatory oversight, AI-driven cybersecurity measures, and radiation-shielded habitat designs to ensure both financial sustainability and operational safety. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on space tourism viability, regulatory challenges, and technological innovations necessary for sustained human habitation in extraterrestrial environments.