Jean-François Clervoy, ESA astronaut and science centre advocate
Space is sexy again. So say leading scientists who’ve seen a resurgence in interest following recent blockbusters like Gravity, Interstellar and The Martian. That’s led to renewed interest in real-life astronauts and inspired thousands to engage in space-related activities.
Jean-François Clervoy, of the European Space Agency, is one of the world’s most experienced astronauts. A veteran of three NASA Space Shuttle missions and 28 days in space, the 57-year-old was advocating the importance of space exploration for science centres and STEM education at the Ecsite Annual Conference in June.
“Space programmes motivate engineers and scientists to find solutions to problems that can be spun off on Earth,” Clervoy told Attractions Management. “The lessons we are learning in space, we’re then teaching to the next generation via our science centres and planetariums.”
Clervoy, who carried out his first space mission in 1994, says he used part of his time in space to inspire those thinking about following in his footsteps.
“The ISS [International Space Station] airs live links with astronauts to schools, science museums and planetariums,” says Clervoy. “Tim Peake is a recent example. Every astronaut does this several times within the course of a six-month mission.”
STEM students Clervoy believes the success of NASA has a direct effect on the number of students who pursue science and engineering.
“The NASA budget correlates with the number of PHDs earned in STEM subjects,” he says. “The inspiration for young people to take up science is clearly demonstrated. When you have an attractive programme and good promotion, it can get a lot of people invested in science.”
A 2015 report by NASA highlighted the fact that it creates the demand for aeronautic research and development which persuades graduates to choose these subjects. “As the funding for aeronautics has decreased by more than half over the last decade, the number of younger faculty and graduate students decreased,” it says.
Space tourism Much has been touted about the rise of space tourism. Clervoy, however, says the costs of such a trip will continue to limit the experience to a select few. “We will see more space tourism in the coming years, and by the 2020s, we’ll also see some kind of outpost for space tourists.”
While space tourism is unobtainable for most, Clervoy proffers cheaper alternatives.
“If you want to experience the feeling of being in space, sub-orbital flight is an option,” he says. “It’s far less energetic than orbital flight and far less expensive. It costs a few hundred thousand euros – and the market says there are thousands of people ready to pay for that.”
If several hundred thousand is still outside your space budget, Clervoy suggests the best alternative on Earth.
“If you cannot go to space yourself, watch IMAX movies made by astronauts,” he says. “Space Station 3D and Hubble 3D are great options. And I think thanks to new entertainment technology like VR we will soon be able to give people a sensation that feels close to the real thing.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2016 issue 3
Editor’s Letter: Place-Shifting
Technology is giving us the
power to Place-Shift experiences
to create on-demand, immersive
attractions in any location
Promotional Feature: EAS - Beautiful Horizons
The attractions industry is set to descend upon one of Europe’s
most inspiring cities – Barcelona. And if it’s inspiration
you’re looking for, the Euro Attractions Show is the place
Theme Parks: Desert Operations
On the brink of an entertainment revolution, Dubai looks forward to three major theme park openings. Attractions Management caught up with key decision- makers from the upcoming attractions
Mystery Shopper: Disney Delights
Disneyland Shanghai is the company’s first new theme park resort since 2005 and its biggest investment to date. TEA president-elect David Willrich went undercover to find out what Disney’s doing differently
Analysis: Part 3 - Benchmarking
Consultant David Camp asks how we measure success as he focuses on benchmarking and market penetration rates in part three of the series
Opinion: Media Frenzy
Is it time for media-based rides to raise their game? Gavin and Jason Fox, creative directors from Oscar-winning special effects studio Framestore, believe Hollywood-standard content is the next step for the industry
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
Jean-François Clervoy, ESA astronaut and science centre advocate
Space is sexy again. So say leading scientists who’ve seen a resurgence in interest following recent blockbusters like Gravity, Interstellar and The Martian. That’s led to renewed interest in real-life astronauts and inspired thousands to engage in space-related activities.
Jean-François Clervoy, of the European Space Agency, is one of the world’s most experienced astronauts. A veteran of three NASA Space Shuttle missions and 28 days in space, the 57-year-old was advocating the importance of space exploration for science centres and STEM education at the Ecsite Annual Conference in June.
“Space programmes motivate engineers and scientists to find solutions to problems that can be spun off on Earth,” Clervoy told Attractions Management. “The lessons we are learning in space, we’re then teaching to the next generation via our science centres and planetariums.”
Clervoy, who carried out his first space mission in 1994, says he used part of his time in space to inspire those thinking about following in his footsteps.
“The ISS [International Space Station] airs live links with astronauts to schools, science museums and planetariums,” says Clervoy. “Tim Peake is a recent example. Every astronaut does this several times within the course of a six-month mission.”
STEM students Clervoy believes the success of NASA has a direct effect on the number of students who pursue science and engineering.
“The NASA budget correlates with the number of PHDs earned in STEM subjects,” he says. “The inspiration for young people to take up science is clearly demonstrated. When you have an attractive programme and good promotion, it can get a lot of people invested in science.”
A 2015 report by NASA highlighted the fact that it creates the demand for aeronautic research and development which persuades graduates to choose these subjects. “As the funding for aeronautics has decreased by more than half over the last decade, the number of younger faculty and graduate students decreased,” it says.
Space tourism Much has been touted about the rise of space tourism. Clervoy, however, says the costs of such a trip will continue to limit the experience to a select few. “We will see more space tourism in the coming years, and by the 2020s, we’ll also see some kind of outpost for space tourists.”
While space tourism is unobtainable for most, Clervoy proffers cheaper alternatives.
“If you want to experience the feeling of being in space, sub-orbital flight is an option,” he says. “It’s far less energetic than orbital flight and far less expensive. It costs a few hundred thousand euros – and the market says there are thousands of people ready to pay for that.”
If several hundred thousand is still outside your space budget, Clervoy suggests the best alternative on Earth.
“If you cannot go to space yourself, watch IMAX movies made by astronauts,” he says. “Space Station 3D and Hubble 3D are great options. And I think thanks to new entertainment technology like VR we will soon be able to give people a sensation that feels close to the real thing.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
View contents of Spa Business 2016 issue 3
Editor’s Letter: Place-Shifting
Technology is giving us the
power to Place-Shift experiences
to create on-demand, immersive
attractions in any location
Promotional Feature: EAS - Beautiful Horizons
The attractions industry is set to descend upon one of Europe’s
most inspiring cities – Barcelona. And if it’s inspiration
you’re looking for, the Euro Attractions Show is the place
Theme Parks: Desert Operations
On the brink of an entertainment revolution, Dubai looks forward to three major theme park openings. Attractions Management caught up with key decision- makers from the upcoming attractions
Mystery Shopper: Disney Delights
Disneyland Shanghai is the company’s first new theme park resort since 2005 and its biggest investment to date. TEA president-elect David Willrich went undercover to find out what Disney’s doing differently
Analysis: Part 3 - Benchmarking
Consultant David Camp asks how we measure success as he focuses on benchmarking and market penetration rates in part three of the series
Opinion: Media Frenzy
Is it time for media-based rides to raise their game? Gavin and Jason Fox, creative directors from Oscar-winning special effects studio Framestore, believe Hollywood-standard content is the next step for the industry
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
