Horizon Season 2006 Episode 1 Space Tourists

Horizon season 2006 episode 1, named "Space Tourists," takes an in-depth look at the world of space tourism. For the first time, it is no longer just astronauts who are going to space, but civilians who are willing to pay top dollar for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The episode begins by introducing Anousheh Ansari, an Iranian-American businesswoman who was the first female space tourist. She paid $20 million to travel to the International Space Station and spent eight days orbiting Earth. The show follows her journey as she trains for her mission and eventually launches into space.

From there, the episode explores the past, present, and future of space tourism. We learn about the history of space travel and how it has evolved to include civilian passengers. We also see how the industry has grown in recent years, with companies like Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin promising to take paying customers to space.

The episode discusses the challenges and risks of space tourism, including the physical and mental stress that space travel puts on a person. We hear from experts in the field who weigh the pros and cons of sending tourists to space, and we see how the industry is working to ensure the safety of their customers.

In addition to Ansari, the episode features interviews with other space tourists, including Dennis Tito, the first-ever space tourist who paid $20 million in 2001 to travel to the ISS. We also hear from experts in the fields of space engineering and travel who explain the science behind how space tourism works.

One of the highlights of the episode is when we get to see the view from space through the eyes of the space tourists. We see the Earth from a new perspective, and we hear how life-changing the experience can be for those who have been lucky enough to go.

The episode concludes by looking to the future of space tourism. We hear from those who are working on technologies that will make it more accessible and affordable for everyday people to travel to space. We also see how space tourism is inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers, who are working to improve space technology for the future.

Overall, "Space Tourists" is a fascinating look at the world of space tourism. It goes beyond the sensational headlines to explore the science, engineering, and human experience behind this growing industry. Whether you are a space enthusiast or curious about the possibilities of space travel, this episode is a must-see.