Since the dawn of space exploration, humanity has been captivated by the idea of venturing beyond Earth for scientific purposes. Now, with a growing interest in space tourism, this fascination has evolved into a commercial venture. If people are willing to travel hundreds of kilometers to enjoy breathtaking views on Earth, why not take a trip beyond its bounds to experience space tourism? The idea of spending a few days in space to view Earth is becoming a reality with the announcement of two space stations designed to offer unique hospitality experiences, known as space hotels. The first phase of this ambitious project is expected to be completed by 2025.
The concept of a space hotel began taking shape in 2019, spearheaded by the company Orbital Assembly Corporation. Their goal is to create a complex that includes office spaces and tourist accommodations. The first space station, dubbed “Pioneer,” is slated to accommodate 28 people and is anticipated to be operational by 2025. The second station, named “Voyager” and planned for completion by 2027, will be larger and capable of housing up to 400 people. Initially announced under the name “Von Braun” in honor of the prominent German rocket scientist who contributed to both the German and NASA space programs, the station’s name was later changed.
The project’s proponents aim to provide a unique living and working experience in space, offering a blend of tourism and research facilities. The “Pioneer” station will serve as both a tourist destination and a research facility, with parts available for rental.
One of the significant challenges anticipated for space travelers is dealing with gravity. To address this, the company has designed both stations with artificial gravity features, resembling a rotating wheel. Each station will have five rotating gravity modules, each with a diameter of 190 meters, allowing guests to move comfortably within the space hotel. This advanced technology, not currently available on the International Space Station (ISS), will offer a hybrid gravity environment. Guests will experience varying levels of gravity, with some areas offering a sensation of weightlessness, while others will have enough gravity to drink from a cup and sleep comfortably without being strapped to a bed, as is the current practice on the ISS. The gravity in the center of the station will be minimal, gradually increasing as one moves towards the outer edges.
While “Pioneer” will be smaller in size compared to “Voyager,” both stations will be designed with luxurious accommodations akin to high-end hotels on Earth, contrasting with the cold, minimalistic designs associated with space travel. Each will feature suites with direct views of Earth, along with amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, restaurants, bars serving gourmet space cuisine (including freeze-dried ice cream), movie theaters, a swimming pool, and recreational activities like basketball, where participants can enjoy the low-gravity environment.
Another potential challenge for this pioneering concept is the cost of space travel and accommodation, which may initially limit access to the wealthy. However, as space travel and accommodation technologies advance, costs are expected to decrease, making space tourism more accessible. The company is also considering a future project called “The Gateway,” which will be significantly larger than the space hotels, accommodating over 1,400 people simultaneously. This facility will serve as a rest stop for travelers journeying between planets, such as Mars, or potentially exploring the entire solar system in the future.
