A California-based start-up is inviting wealthy adventurers to make history by booking rooms at a hotel on the moon. Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU) announced on January 12, 2024, that it is accepting reservations with a staggering deposit of $1 million for what it claims will be the “first-ever permanent off-Earth structure.” The hotel is projected to open by 2032, with construction slated to commence in 2029, pending regulatory approval.
Founded by Skyler Chan, a recent graduate from the University of California Berkeley, GRU aims to revolutionize space tourism. The company unveiled its booking website and architectural details, highlighting a proprietary system for constructing habitation modules from lunar soil. According to GRU, this innovative approach will enable the creation of durable structures on the moon, facilitating human habitation.
The initial clientele is expected to include participants from previous commercial space flights and affluent couples seeking unique honeymoon experiences. Chan emphasized that lunar tourism is vital for establishing a sustainable lunar economy, which he believes is essential for humanity’s future in space. “We live during an inflection point where we can actually become interplanetary before we die,” he stated. This ambitious vision aims to pave the way for billions of humans to thrive on the moon and Mars.
Investment and Vision for Lunar Expansion
Chan, only 21 years old, developed the concept for the moon hotel during his time at the Y-Combinator start-up accelerator. He has secured funding from notable investors affiliated with SpaceX and Anduril, a firm specializing in autonomous defense systems. His aspirations align with broader U.S. plans for space exploration, championed by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and supported by government officials.
GRU has also published a white paper outlining a strategic plan for expanding human presence on the moon, beginning with the luxury hotel and envisioning future settlements. “I’ve been obsessed with space since I was a kid,” Chan remarked. “I’ve always wanted to become an astronaut, and feel extremely fortunate to be doing my life’s work.”
As interest in space tourism continues to grow, GRU’s initiative represents a significant step toward making lunar travel a reality for those who can afford it. The company’s success may set a precedent for future ventures beyond Earth, potentially transforming the landscape of tourism and habitation in space.
