A California-based start-up is now accepting reservations for a unique experience: hotel stays on the moon. Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU), founded by Skyler Chan, plans to open its lunar hotel by 2032. Those eager to be among the first guests must place a significant deposit of $1 million to secure their spot at what the company describes as “the first-ever permanent off-Earth structure.”
On January 12, 2023, GRU launched its booking website, providing details about the hotel’s innovative design. The company stated that it will employ “a proprietary habitation modules system and automated process for transforming lunar soil into durable structures” to achieve its ambitious timeline. Construction is slated to begin in 2029, contingent upon obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.
The initial clientele is expected to include individuals who have previously participated in commercial space flights, as well as affluent couples seeking an extraordinary honeymoon experience. GRU emphasizes that tourism will play a crucial role in establishing a sustainable lunar economy, which they believe will be “the fastest path for humanity to become interplanetary.”
In a public statement, Skyler Chan expressed his excitement for the project, stating, “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.”
At just 21 years old, Chan graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and computer sciences from the University of California, Berkeley. The concept for the lunar hotel emerged while he was part of the start-up accelerator Y-Combinator. He has attracted investments from notable backers, including those affiliated with SpaceX and Anduril, a company focused on developing autonomous defense systems.
The vision for a permanent lunar base aligns with broader goals for U.S. space exploration, as articulated by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and supported by former President Donald Trump. Chan hopes that GRU will contribute to making these ambitious plans a reality.
To further elaborate on their vision, GRU has released a white paper outlining a strategy for expanding human presence on the moon, starting with the luxury hotel and eventually developing a wider settlement. Chan remarked, “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 space tourism industry continues to evolve, GRU’s lunar hotel represents a significant step toward making space travel accessible for more adventurous individuals. With the promise of a unique experience on the moon, the company hopes to inspire future generations to dream beyond Earth.
