MarsDrive

"Anousheh Ansari is the co-founder and chairman of Prodea Systems, Inc and a spaceflight participant with the Russian space program. Her previous business accomplishments include serving as co-founder and CEO of Telecom Technologies, Inc. (TTI). The Ansari family is also the title sponsor of the Ansari X Prize. On September 18th, 2006, a few days after her 40th birthday, she became the first private female citizen in space. Ansari is the fourth overall self-funded space tourist, and the first self-funded woman to fly to the International Space Station".

Recently MarsDrive CEO Frank Stratford conducted a wide ranging interview with space traveler Anousheh Ansari.

When you viewed the Earth from space for the first time can you describe how it made you feel?

When I was finally able to take a look outside the International Space Station and see the Earth for the first time, tears started rolling down my face. I could not catch my breath. Here it was this beautiful planet turning graciously about itself, under the warm rays of the Sun… so peaceful…so full of life… no signs of war, no signs of borders, no signs of trouble, just pure beauty…

 The only boundaries were those between water and land. The only change was from day to night and back again. I wish that leaders from all around the globe could have the same experience that I did. This experience opens your mind to a bigger perspective on our home planet, the universe and the role we play in this equation. Seeing the Earth from the Space Station changed my perception of the planet and made me feel much more protective of this precious gift that we have to look after.

What is the daily routine like on the International Space Station and what sort of activities interested you the most

On board the International Space Station, we had a daily schedule provided to us.  We awoke at 4am GMT each morning and were scheduled for bed each night at 19:30 GMT. We had scheduled time for morning and night hygiene and a scheduled time for each meal.

 During the day everyone is pretty busy with specific tasks assigned to each crew member by Mission Control in Moscow and Houston. The schedule is uplinked to the station with specific instructions for the activities as needed. There is a crewmember call with command centers in the morning to make sure everything is clear, and another one at the end of the day to see what progress was made and to talk about the activities for the next day. Even weekends are not really weekends up there. The workload may be a little less, but there are still tasks to be done and systems to be repaired and educational programs to be completed.

At about 6:30 pm everyone gathers around the dining table in the Russian segment Service Module (SM). This was the only time that the crew members could gather up for a few laughs and share some space stories.

I participated in experiments with the European Space Agency (ESA) which required that I record information each day.  The experiments involved investigating the physiological changes experienced by the human body in a microgravity environment and the lower back pain that most astronauts suffer during their first few days in space due to the lengthening of their spines.  In another experiment I investigated the survival and spread of microbial life on board the space station.

 I loved the night time on the station.  As everyone went to sleep and we turned the lights off the space station was quite and I would stare out the window and watch the world go by.  As darkness took over evey 90 minutes, I would gaze at the millions of stars out the window and wonder what was it like on the surface of each one of these shiny celestial objects.

Do you believe that personal space travel will be achievable in our lifetimes and if so, when do you think it might be affordable for the general public?

Yes, I do believe personal space travel will be achievable in our lifetime. There are companies like Virgin Galactic and Space X who are making some progress in this area and others are working to do the same.  I believe that sub orbital space flights could be as low as $10,000-$20,000 per trip within 10 -15 years but orbital flight will take longer and would cost a lot more at least for another 20-30 years.

What are some of the obstacles you see preventing the opening of space flights for all people right now and what would you suggest people do in trying to overcome those obstacles?

Cost is definitely an inhibitor at this time.  We need established, sustainable businesses in the private industry using space flights to bring down the per flight cost.   Also the regulatory and insurance requirements is another hindrance for the industry. 

 I think we need new technology to be able to lower the cost of orbital flights.  There should be greater collaboration between private industries and the regulatory bodies to be able to come up industry friendly regulation that will at the same time encourage passenger safety.

Can you describe some of the benefits you believe will come from sending more people to live and work in space?

The benefits range from the ability to perform a greater degree of research and scientific developments  to lower cost of launch that would result in other space related investments such as Solar Powered Satellites that could address our energy needs on earth.

 If you had the chance to visit Mars would you, and when do think the first humans might visit there?

I would love to visit Mars.   I have high hopes for humans visiting Mars in my lifetime now that there is a renewed worldwide interest in doing so.

What is your advice to women about why they should be interested in the subject of space travel?

I think the importance of space is not gender specific.  We live in an exciting time, where the doors to the “final frontiers” have been kicked open to the public.  There are many new developments and opportunities in the space industry right now.  Just four years ago the successful flight of the Ansari X Prize vehicle provided the first glimpse into commercial space possibilities.  Recently, NASA announced that it would pursue development of a moon base which could have potential commercial applications in future.  The possibilities are endless for people who are interested in space and you don’t have to just be a pilot or rocket scientist to pursue your interest in space.  Our future as a species depends on our safe and effective use of space. 

Do you have anything new to report on any of the projects you are working on for the near future in regards to helping open space access to all people?

At this time I’m not personally working on any specific new projects but I continue to support some key organization which are working towards opening up space access.  I am an active member of the X Prize Foundation’s Vision Circle, as well as its Board of Trustees.  I try to bring awareness to the world-wide public and try to encourage students of all ages through my frequent speeches where I talk about  the benefits wide spread space exploration.  And lastly I am working on my memoirs through a co-authorship with Homer Hickam , the author of October Sky/Rocket Boys to explain how I achieved my dream to go into space.  I hope to have that complete and published next year.

Do you have any final words of advice to MarsDrive members about achieving their dreams?

I hope that my trip was an inspiration for many to follow their dreams, wherever they take you.  I tell everyone to keep dreaming, dream big and dream the impossible.  There may be obstacles in your path to your dreams but never lose sight of your dream.  I like to quote Pasteur who said “Chance favors a well prepared mind.”  Give yourself the opportunity to achieve your dreams by staying prepared for the opportunities that may arise to help you achieve them.