A California-based start-up is now taking reservations for a hotel on the moon, targeting affluent adventure seekers eager to experience the cosmos. Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU) has announced that guests can secure their spot with a substantial deposit of $1 million, aiming to open by 2032. This ambitious project is touted as the “first-ever permanent off-Earth structure.”
Founded by Skyler Chan, a recent graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, GRU launched its booking website on January 12, 2024. The company provided an overview of its architectural vision, detailing plans to employ a “proprietary habitation modules system” that utilizes lunar soil to create durable structures. Construction is projected to begin in 2029, contingent upon securing necessary regulatory approvals.
The hotel is expected to attract a clientele of seasoned space tourists and wealthy newlyweds seeking an extraordinary honeymoon destination. GRU envisions that lunar tourism will be pivotal in fostering a lunar economy, describing it as “the fastest path for humanity to become interplanetary.” Chan emphasized the potential for future generations to thrive on the moon and Mars, stating, “We live during an inflection point where we can actually become interplanetary before we die.”
Chan, who is just 21 years old, has cultivated support for his moon hotel concept through the start-up accelerator Y-Combinator. He has garnered investment from notable backers, including those associated with SpaceX and Anduril, a company focused on developing autonomous defense systems.
The establishment of a permanent lunar base aligns with broader U.S. ambitions in space exploration, spearheaded by NASA’s new Administrator Jared Isaacman and supported by the previous administration. Chan expressed his desire for GRU to contribute significantly to these plans.
In addition to the hotel initiative, GRU has published a white paper outlining a strategy for expanding human presence on the moon, starting with luxury accommodations and evolving into a more extensive settlement.
“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 GRU prepares to embark on this groundbreaking venture, the prospect of lunar tourism enters an unprecedented phase, captivating the imagination of many.
