Thanks to Above Space Development, the universe’s very first space hotel is slated to open as early as 2025. The company proposed two space hotels, Voyager Station and Pioneer Station.
The hotels could be operational in under two years. In order to begin testing and developing its vision, Above Space Development signed an Umbrella Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA, granting permission to test and validate its technology and gravity-capable space stations.
How do you travel to the space hotels?
The hotel would operate in cislunar space which translates to “this side of the moon” or the side adjacent to earth. To travel to Voyager and Pioneer Stations, would be via a tiny docking rocket ship and guests would inhabit an artificial gravity environment.
Will there be gravity?
The architectural and design teams work to offer amenities found on earth like restaurants, spacious lodging, enjoying your meal at a table, while juxtaposing with the main event-the weightlessness of space. The hotels will include a mix of artificial gravity in areas and Zero-G in others.
“Artificial gravity functionality informs the overall layout of the station and the engineering of the structural members,” Tim Alatorre, Above Space Development’s COO and architect, told Architectural Digest. “As we are generating artificial gravity through rotation, this introduces new structural scenarios that are unique to the space environment.”
How big are the space hotels?
The Voyager Station proposes space for 440 guests, in addition to 44 emergency return vehicles and lifeboats whereas the Pioneer Station would house just 28 guests total. The two hotels look like Ferris wheels from the outside with docking stations for travel vessels, and rooms that overlook the moon and earth.
How long can you stay?
Rhonda Stevenson, Above Space Development CEO, predicts stays to range from four days to two weeks depending on budget and ability to “acclimate to the environment.”
How much does a space hotel room cost?
The prices have yet to be determined. According to AD, “the space hotel isn’t commenting on its room rate, but comparing it to other proposed public space missions, it will likely come at a steep cost. For example, Virgin Galactic plans to launch ordinary passengers into space at $450,000 per person, per trip. The team at Voyager and Pioneer Station, however, has already assured the public that as space tourism becomes more commonplace, they hope to eventually make a stay at the hotel something similar to buying a cruise ticket.”
With the slogan” space is for everyone” the goal of Above Space Development is to make space travel accessible and realistic for humankind.