A California-based startup is boldly moving forward with plans to construct the first-ever luxury hotel on the Moon, now accepting $250,000 to $1 million deposits for reservations slated to open in 2032 [[2]]. Founded in 2025, GRU Space-short for Galactic Resource Utilization-represents a new wave of commercial ventures aiming to capitalize on the growing interest in space tourism and potential lunar resource extraction [[1]]. The project, led by 22-year-old founder Skyler Chan, signals a notable step towards off-Earth hospitality, though significant engineering and financial hurdles remain [[3]].
Jakarta –
A newly established startup is aiming for the stars – and hoping to attract a clientele willing to pay a hefty price for the privilege. GRU Space, founded in 2025, has begun accepting reservations for a planned luxury hotel on the Moon, with deposits ranging from $250,000 to $1 million.
The ambitious project reflects a growing interest in space tourism and resource utilization, though significant hurdles remain before lunar hospitality becomes a reality. GRU, which stands for Galactic Resource Utilization, envisions a future where lunar and asteroid mining support expanded human presence beyond Earth.
The company’s founder, 22-year-old Skyler Chan, is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and a trained pilot with the U.S. Air Force. Chan initially aspired to become an astronaut and brings a unique background to the venture, including an internship at Tesla focused on electric vehicle software development and a NASA-supported project involving 3D printing experiments launched into space.
GRU Space is currently seeking initial funding from Y Combinator and will participate in a three-month training program this year designed to refine their business model and attract further investment. According to a report from ArsTechnica, construction of the hotel is slated to begin in 2029 with an initial payload of 10 kilograms transported to the Moon via a lunar lander.
The first guests are anticipated to arrive in 2032, initially accommodated in an inflatable structure capable of housing four people. GRU Space plans to subsequently expand and upgrade the hotel, utilizing bricks made from lunar regolith and drawing inspiration from the Palace of the Fine Arts for its architectural design.
The development highlights the increasing commercialization of space and the potential for a new era of lunar exploration and development. The high cost of entry, however, suggests that space tourism will remain exclusive for the foreseeable future.
(vmp/afr)
