A California-based start-up is making headlines by offering wealthy adventure seekers the chance to reserve hotel rooms on the moon. Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU) has announced that it will begin accepting reservations for lunar accommodations, requiring a substantial deposit of $1 million to secure a spot for its projected opening in 2032.
The company, founded by Skyler Chan, a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, aims to establish what it claims will be “the first-ever permanent off-Earth structure.” The launch of their booking website on January 12, 2024, revealed intricate details of the hotel’s design and the technology that will be employed in its construction.
Innovative Plans for Lunar Accommodation
According to GRU, the hotel will utilize a proprietary system of habitation modules along with an automated process to convert lunar soil into durable structures. The company has stated that construction is set to commence in 2029, contingent upon obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.
The initial guests are expected to include participants of previous commercial space flights, as well as affluent newlyweds seeking a unique honeymoon experience. Chan emphasized the potential of lunar tourism as a catalyst for the burgeoning lunar economy, suggesting it could serve as “the fastest path for humanity to become interplanetary.”
“I believe we live during an inflection point where we can actually become interplanetary before we die,” Chan expressed. “If we succeed, billions of human lives will be born on the moon and Mars and be able to experience the beauty of lunar and Martian life.”
A Vision for Space Expansion
Chan, only 21 years old, developed the moon hotel concept while participating in the start-up accelerator Y-Combinator. He has successfully attracted investors from prominent firms, including SpaceX and Anduril, which is known for developing autonomous defense systems. His ambition aligns with broader U.S. goals for space exploration, which have gained momentum under the leadership of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and support from former President Donald Trump.
GRU has also published a white paper outlining its strategy for expanding human presence on the moon, starting with the luxury hotel and ultimately progressing to a more extensive settlement. Chan’s passion for space exploration, sparked in his youth, drives his commitment to this groundbreaking venture. “I’ve been obsessed with space since I was a kid,” he stated. “I’ve always wanted to become an astronaut, and I feel extremely fortunate to be doing my life’s work.”
As GRU prepares to take reservations, the prospect of vacationing on the moon transforms from science fiction into a tangible opportunity for those with the means to travel beyond Earth. The company’s bold vision not only aims to redefine luxury travel but also seeks to pave the way for future generations to explore the cosmos.
