A California start-up is inviting wealthy individuals to secure their place at the forefront of space tourism by making $1 million reservations for hotel rooms on the moon. Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU) aims to establish the first permanent off-Earth hotel by 2032, according to the company’s recent announcement.
The initiative, launched by Skyler Chan, a 21-year-old graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, has already begun accepting deposits of $1,000,000. The booking website went live on January 12, revealing plans for the hotel’s architecture and the technology that will underpin its construction. GRU intends to employ a proprietary system for habitation modules, alongside an automated method for converting lunar soil into durable building materials.
Construction of this ambitious project is projected to commence in 2029, contingent upon regulatory approval. The hotel is expected to attract affluent space tourists, particularly those who have participated in previous commercial space flights and newlyweds seeking an extraordinary honeymoon experience.
Chan emphasized the significance of lunar tourism in fostering a sustainable lunar economy. He stated, “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.”
In addition to the moon hotel, GRU has outlined a broader vision for humanity’s presence on the moon. The company released a white paper detailing a strategy to expand from the luxury hotel into a more comprehensive settlement.
Chan’s inspiration for the moon hotel stemmed from his long-standing fascination with space. He noted, “I’ve been obsessed with space since I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to become an astronaut, and I feel extremely fortunate to be doing my life’s work.”
The project has garnered interest from major investors, including those affiliated with SpaceX and Anduril, a company focused on autonomous defense systems. Chan hopes that GRU can contribute to the vision of a permanent lunar base, an initiative supported by NASA and spearheaded by new NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman with the backing of President Donald Trump.
As interest in space tourism continues to grow, GRU’s moon hotel marks a significant step toward realizing the dream of off-Earth living. The company believes that this venture will not only redefine luxury travel but also play a crucial role in humanity’s quest to become an interplanetary species.
