A California-based start-up is inviting wealthy adventurers to reserve their stays at what it claims will be the first permanent hotel on the moon. Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU) announced on January 12, 2024, that potential guests can secure a spot by placing a deposit of $1 million. The hotel is expected to open its doors by 2032.
Founded by Skyler Chan, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, GRU aims to construct the lunar hotel using a unique system designed to transform lunar soil into durable building materials. The company plans to begin construction in 2029, contingent on receiving necessary regulatory approvals.
The hotel is targeting a clientele of affluent individuals, including those who have previously participated in commercial space flights and adventurous couples looking for an extraordinary honeymoon. GRU believes that lunar tourism will play a crucial role in establishing a sustainable economy on the moon, stating that it represents “the fastest path for humanity to become interplanetary.”
Chan, who developed the moon hotel concept during his time at the start-up accelerator Y-Combinator, expressed his vision for the future: “We live during an inflection point where we can actually become interplanetary before we die.” He believes that if GRU succeeds, it could lead to billions of humans living on the moon and Mars, enjoying the unique beauty of these celestial bodies.
As part of their innovative approach, GRU has created a white paper outlining a strategy for expanding human presence on the moon, starting with the luxury hotel and eventually evolving into broader lunar settlements. Chan has secured funding from investors affiliated with SpaceX and Anduril, a company known for developing autonomous defense systems.
The vision for a permanent lunar base aligns with the broader goals of U.S. space exploration. Under the leadership of Jared Isaacman, the new NASA Administrator, and with the support of former President Donald Trump, efforts are underway to expand human activities beyond Earth.
Chan, at just 21 years old, has been passionate about space since childhood, stating, “I’ve always wanted to become an astronaut and feel extremely fortunate to be doing my life’s work.” As GRU prepares to embark on this ambitious project, it remains to be seen how the realities of lunar construction and tourism will unfold in the coming years.
As interest in space tourism grows, GRU’s initiative represents a significant step towards making lunar exploration accessible to the public, highlighting a potential future where leisure travel includes journeys beyond our planet.
