Wealthy individuals now have the opportunity to reserve a stay at a hotel on the moon, with a California-based start-up, Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU), accepting deposits of $1 million for future bookings. The hotel is expected to open by 2032, marking a significant milestone in commercial space tourism.
Founded by Skyler Chan, a graduate from the University of California Berkeley, GRU launched its booking website on January 12, 2024. The company aims to create what it claims will be “the first-ever permanent off-Earth structure.” To achieve this ambitious goal, GRU plans to utilize a proprietary system for constructing habitation modules using lunar soil, with construction anticipated to begin in 2029, pending regulatory approval.
Targeting Adventurous Tourists
The initial clientele for the moon hotel is expected to include individuals who have participated in prior commercial space flights, as well as affluent newlyweds seeking an extraordinary honeymoon experience. Chan emphasized the importance of tourism in fostering a lunar economy, stating that it provides “the fastest path for humanity to become interplanetary.”
In a recent statement, Chan expressed his vision for the project, saying, “We live during an inflection point where we can actually become interplanetary before we die. 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.”
Chan’s Vision and Support
At just 21 years old, Chan has already made a significant impact in the field of space exploration. He developed the concept of the moon hotel as part of his participation in the start-up accelerator Y-Combinator. The project has garnered financial backing from notable investors associated with SpaceX and Anduril, a company focused on developing autonomous defense systems.
The establishment of a permanent lunar base aligns with the broader vision for U.S. space exploration, which is being championed by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, with the support of former President Donald Trump. Chan is optimistic that GRU can contribute to making these plans a reality.
In addition to the hotel, GRU has published a white paper detailing a strategy for expanding human presence on the moon, beginning with the luxury hotel and eventually leading to broader settlement efforts. Chan’s deep passion for space exploration has driven him to pursue this venture, stating, “I’ve been obsessed with space since I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to become an astronaut and feel extremely fortunate to be doing my life’s work.”
As the concept of lunar tourism becomes increasingly tangible, GRU’s endeavors could pave the way for a new era in human exploration and habitation beyond Earth.
