A California-based start-up is inviting affluent adventure seekers to book their stays at a planned hotel on the moon, with reservations starting at a staggering $1 million. Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU) aims to create what it claims will be the “first-ever permanent off-Earth structure,” with the hotel set to open its doors by 2032.
Founded by Skyler Chan, a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, GRU launched its booking platform on January 12, 2023. The company revealed architectural plans that include a proprietary system for constructing habitation modules. According to GRU, they will employ an automated process to transform lunar soil into durable structures, a feat they hope to achieve by starting construction in 2029, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
The initial clientele for this lunar hotel is expected to include individuals who have previously participated in commercial space flights, alongside wealthy newlyweds seeking an extraordinary honeymoon experience. Chan emphasized that the success of lunar tourism is critical for establishing a sustainable lunar economy, stating, “Tourism provides the fastest path for humanity to become interplanetary.”
In a statement, Chan noted, “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.” This vision reflects the broader ambitions of the U.S. space program, which aims to establish a permanent human presence on the moon as part of a strategy led by NASA and supported by key political figures.
Chan, now 21 years old, has developed the moon hotel concept as part of his participation in the Y-Combinator startup accelerator. He has garnered funding from high-profile investors associated with companies such as SpaceX and Anduril, a defense technology firm. This backing underscores the growing interest in commercial space ventures and the potential for tourism beyond Earth.
Alongside the hotel project, GRU has published a white paper detailing a roadmap for expanding human presence on the moon. This plan envisions not only the luxury hotel but also broader settlement initiatives that could support a larger population on the lunar surface.
Reflecting on his lifelong fascination with space, 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 GRU moves forward with its ambitious plans, it stands at the forefront of a new era in space tourism, potentially changing the landscape of human exploration and habitation beyond Earth.