Plans for Lunar Hotel Announced
Sometimes, even remote getaways feel too close when one is yearning for complete retreat. But if a group of ambitious entrepreneurs and designers have their way, escaping planet Earth entirely might soon be a possibility.
Skylar Chan, a 22-year-old CEO of Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU), recently shared that they are now accepting reservations for a moon hotel projected to open within the next decade. Chan’s confidence is notable; he’s asking for refundable deposits ranging from $250,000 to $2 million.
The initial version of the lunar hotel will be inflatable, aimed at cutting down on transportation costs from Earth. Chan envisions a luxurious atmosphere with a Greco-futuristic design for a more upscale option in the future.
“The moon is just the start,” Chan remarked, mentioning ambitions to apply similar technology for constructing the first city on Mars.
However, he acknowledges that not everyone may find this luxurious escape appealing. “There’s a lot of skepticism, and, well, different preferences,” he noted. Those who may hesitate, whether due to fear, finances, or selectivity, can opt to stay on Earth.
Regarding the moon stay, it won’t initially feel like checking into a high-end hotel. The lunar hotel can accommodate only four guests, and they won’t be enjoying room service or gourmet meals. Instead, guests will subsist on utilitarian space food akin to what astronauts eat on the International Space Station.
For activities on the moon, guests will need specialized suits and rovers. “I think people will love exploring the surface and maybe even hitting golf balls,” Chan suggested, yet he expressed contentment just gazing at Earth from the lunar surface.
He anticipates guests would stay for five nights, but that would still equate to less than one full lunar day, which spans about 29 Earth days.
Chan expects transport to the hotel to be managed by companies like SpaceX or Blue Origin, expressing optimism about decreasing launch costs. He dreams of more luxury options appearing over time.
His vision for a deluxe hotel is inspired by the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, stating, “We imagine that thousands of years from now, visitors will arrive and think, ‘This is the first man-made structure on the moon.'” It’s quite a monumental thought.
Chan’s idea blossomed during his time at Y Combinator, a startup accelerator created by Airbnb and Reddit founders. He seems genuinely passionate about making space travel accessible to everyone, saying, “My goal in life is to move humanity between planets before I die.”
Chan isn’t alone in his skyward ambitions. A company called Axiom Space, led by billionaire Kam Ghaffarian, aims to operate a commercial space station by 2028. A representative noted that rapid technological advancements might expedite such developments.
Similarly, Jeff Bezos has plans to send large numbers of people to a space station within a few decades, claiming, “Millions will be living in space, and it will be happening faster than we think.”
Christian Davenport, an author who covers these topics, believes that there’s newfound optimism surrounding space exploration. “This conversation has been ongoing, but now we see a genuine potential for tangible developments within about 20 years,” he remarked.
In 2023, Above Space, based in Alabama, announced plans for Voyager Station—an extravagant facility potentially within five years if funded. They expect to spend around $1 billion for its development.
This station aims to replicate Earth-like amenities, including high-end furnishings. Other architects, like India-based Swain C. Shine, have set long-term goals, some targeting a 40-year horizon to build hotels on Mars. Shine suggests his facility could feature explorative dining, with meals produced via 3D printing.
Despite sounding ambitious, Davenport remains hopeful. “The increasing interest in such projects is significant. The progress in commercial space in recent years is undeniable. So who knows? These ideas could become reality.”
