A California-based start-up is offering wealthy adventurers the chance to reserve a stay at a hotel on the moon, with bookings starting at a striking $1 million. Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU), founded by Skyler Chan, aims to establish what it claims will be “the first-ever permanent off-Earth structure” by 2032.
On January 12, 2023, the company launched its booking website, outlining plans for the lunar hotel’s design and construction. According to GRU, they will utilize “a proprietary habitation modules system” and an automated method to convert lunar soil into durable structures, facilitating the ambitious timeline. Construction is slated to commence in 2029, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
The initial clientele for this lunar venture is expected to consist of both participants from prior commercial space flights and affluent couples seeking an extraordinary honeymoon experience. The founders believe that lunar tourism is crucial to developing a sustainable lunar economy, describing it as “the fastest path for humanity to become interplanetary.”
Chan articulated this vision, 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.” His enthusiasm for the project stems from a lifelong fascination with space.
At just 21 years old, Chan holds a degree in electrical engineering and computer sciences from the University of California Berkeley. He conceived the moon hotel concept while participating in the start-up accelerator Y-Combinator. Funding for the project has come from investors affiliated with notable companies such as SpaceX and Anduril, which develops autonomous defense systems.
The establishment of a permanent lunar base aligns with broader U.S. ambitions in space exploration, a vision supported by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the government. Chan hopes GRU can play a pivotal role in realizing these plans.
In addition to hotel accommodations, GRU has published a white paper detailing strategies for expanding human presence on the moon, starting with high-end tourism and moving towards larger settlements.
“I’ve been obsessed with space since I was a kid,” Chan said. “I’ve always wanted to become an astronaut, and I feel extremely fortunate to be doing my life’s work.” With such aspirations, GRU is clearly aiming to redefine the boundaries of human experience and exploration.
