The reading passage claims that space tourism will soon become a major industry with economic, scientific, and recreational benefits. However, the professor in the lecture disagrees, arguing that space tourism presents several challenges that make it less practical than the reading suggests. First, the reading states that space tourism will boost economic growth by creating jobs in the aerospace industry and attracting wealthy tourists. However, the professor refutes this claim by explaining that space travel is currently too expensive for widespread commercial use. He adds that only a small number of extremely wealthy individuals can afford it, which limits its impact on the economy. Additionally, he argues that governments may need to invest heavily in regulating and maintaining space travel infrastructure, which could place a financial burden on taxpayers. Second, the reading suggests that space tourism will advance scientific research by funding new space exploration projects and technological developments. In contrast, the professor argues that private space tourism companies prioritize profit over scientific discovery. He explains that most space tourists are not trained scientists and do not contribute to meaningful research. Furthermore, he points out that frequent spaceflights could damage the Earth's upper atmosphere by increasing pollution, which could have long-term environmental consequences. Finally, the reading claims that space tourism will provide unique and thrilling experiences for travelers, allowing people to see Earth from space and experience weightlessness. However, the professor challenges this idea by stating that space travel carries significant risks. He explains that space tourism is still in its early stages and that accidents or technical failures could result in serious injuries or fatalities. He also mentions that the extreme conditions of space, such as radiation exposure and motion sickness, could make the experience less enjoyable than the reading suggests. In conclusion, while the reading passage presents space tourism as a promising industry, the professor disagrees. He argues that it is too expensive to benefit the economy, does not significantly contribute to scientific research, and poses serious risks to travelers, making it less viable than the reading suggests.