Deciphering Public Perspectives on Space Tourism Sustainability: A Methodical Analysis Using Twitter Data

Abstract

Space tourism represents a significant convergence of technological innovation and societal opinion, and understanding this intersection is crucial as the industry advances. This dissertation utilizes computational models to analyze public sentiment towards space tourism, leveraging Twitter data to capture contemporary views. Through an in-depth analysis of three categories, namely Safety-Related Tweets (SRT), High Impact Tweets (HIT), and General Visualizations (GV) – i.e., unfiltered dataset, the study unearths both shared and distinct narratives that shape public discourse on space tourism. Key findings emphasize the dynamism of public sentiment, albeit generally positively neutral, especially concerning significant events in the space tourism sector. However, notable negative sentiment associated with safety and environmental concerns is observed, highlighting an urgent need for industry leaders to focus on safety, sustainable practices, transparency, and public trust. Additionally, the prominence of discussions surrounding policies, and international regulations underscores the importance of establishing clear and globally recognized guidelines for the sector. The dissertation also offers insights for future research, including exploring sentiment multilayer nuances, comparative studies using contemporary sentiment analysis methodologies, and the potential influence of major content creators on public discourse. As space tourism transitions from fiction to reality, this research underscores the importance of continuous public discourse monitoring and thematic analysis to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities within the domain and inform decision-making for sustainable growth.