Within the next ten years or so, the prospect of the first hotels in outer space may no longer be science fiction. At that time, tourists will not only observe the stars through a window, but will actually live in the harsh environment of space.
According to the Daily Mail, the dream of interplanetary travel is getting closer to reality as GRU Space (Galactic Resource Utilization) – a space technology startup – announced plans to send humans to live on the Moon in less than a decade. This news quickly attracted the attention of the technology and investment world.
The project's initiator is 22-year-old Skyler Chan. Although the company was only founded last year, GRU Space has already raised capital from investors who previously worked at major corporations such as SpaceX and Anduril.
According to Chan, the project's goal goes beyond simply offering tourism experiences; it also aims to establish an economy on the Moon. The young CEO believes humanity is at a turning point, where the prospect of billions of people living on the Moon and Mars is no longer far-fetched if the plans succeed.
To build the hotel, GRU Space did not transport traditional building materials from Earth. Instead, the company opted for an inflatable structure model that combined the use of readily available local resources.
According to the roadmap, in 2029 the company will launch its first test mission through NASA's CLPS program, aiming to demonstrate the technology of transforming lunar rocks into bricks. These bricks will be used to reinforce inflatable modules, creating a protective layer against radiation and extreme temperatures.
The hotel is planned to be located in a crater on the lunar surface to take advantage of the more stable temperature compared to the surrounding area. The first version, expected to be operational in 2032, will only serve a maximum of 4 guests at a time.
GRU Space has begun accepting reservations for this project. Refundable deposits range from $250,000 to $2 million per unit. However, this is only the initial reservation fee.
The total cost of the stay is estimated to exceed $10 million, targeting a clientele of billionaires who have flown into space or those seeking unique experiences that Earth cannot offer.
The initial experience of staying on the Moon will be more about challenges than luxurious relaxation. The structures will utilize inflatable materials to reduce transportation costs – one of the biggest hurdles for space projects – and this is a solution that many experts have previously proposed for extraterrestrial bases.
In terms of food , travelers will be served freeze-dried meals similar to those eaten by astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), instead of high-end restaurant service. Former NASA astronaut Clayton “AstroClay” Anderson once jokingly advised thinking twice before choosing teriyaki tofu on the space menu.
When participating in activities outside the hotel, guests are required to wear specialized astronaut suits and use vehicles specifically designed for the lunar environment. Each stay is expected to last approximately 5 nights, although this is still less than a full day on the Moon, as a day-night cycle there lasts approximately 29 Earth days.
In the future, Skyler Chan aims to expand with larger and more luxurious versions. According to the concept drawings, GRU's future luxury hotel will be inspired by the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, combining Greek and futuristic styles.