Abstract
Purpose – The study aims to evaluate the impact of educational programmes on people’s willingness to participate in space travel. It highlights how education influences awareness, interest, and safety understanding in the context of space exploration and tourism. Methodology/Design/Approach – The research is based on a comparative and analytical review of NASA’s educational initiatives, including the SEES High School Summer Intern (HSSFP), GeneLab for High School Students (GL4HS), NASA Internship Programme, the Young Scientist Programme, and the Pathways Programme. Additionally, it examines the activities of commercial companies such as Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, RocketShip Tours, and Space Adventures to determine how educational efforts and public engagement contribute to the growth of the space tourism industry. Findings – The analysis revealed that educational programmes significantly enhance students’ interest and readiness for space exploration. NASA’s initiatives, in particular, play a crucial role in inspiring young people, fostering innovation, and ensuring the sustainable development of space tourism. The study concludes that prioritising educational engagement can accelerate the formation of a favourable environment for the expansion of the global space tourism market. Originality of the research – The study provides an integrated assessment of the interaction between educational initiatives and the commercialisation of space travel, emphasising education as a key driver for the sustainable development of space tourism and the future space economy