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A startup company called GRU Space has begun accepting preliminary reservations for a hotel it plans to build on the lunar surface, with bookings ranging between $250,000 and $1 million per reservation. The lunar hotel reservations represent an investment in the company’s ambitious vision rather than confirmed travel arrangements, as the firm has yet to establish a concrete timeline for the project. According to the company’s announcements, it intends to launch test flights between 2029 and 2030, with hopes of welcoming guests by 2032.
The proposed accommodation would utilize inflatable rooms similar to the B330 models previously developed by NASA and Bigelow Aerospace. These specialized units would be designed to protect guests from space hazards including small meteorites, radiation, and extreme temperature fluctuations. To enhance safety measures, GRU Space plans to bury these modules beneath bricks manufactured from lunar soil itself.
Lunar Hotel Transportation and Technical Framework
Transportation of visitors to and from the moon is expected to be conducted in partnership with specialized companies in the field, such as SpaceX. The startup’s development plan follows a gradual approach beginning with simple robotic tests and culminating in crewed missions, which provides the project with theoretical technical credibility.
From a technical standpoint, the concept is not entirely removed from reality. Inflatable room technology has been tested previously in space, with Bigelow Aerospace having transported experimental models to lunar orbit before the company later ceased operations. Additionally, the idea of using lunar soil for construction is currently under study by scientists and engineers worldwide and could theoretically be implemented using techniques such as 3D printing.
Infrastructure and Timeline Challenges
However, realizing this vision faces enormous obstacles. Currently, no regular tourist flights to the moon exist, and the infrastructure there lacks the most basic necessities of life, such as electricity and communication networks. Furthermore, the company’s timeline appears highly ambitious, particularly when compared to major governmental space programs like NASA’s Artemis program, which remains in early stages despite its substantial resources.
Industry experts have expressed skepticism about the company’s actual intentions. Many consider the current reservation system a method to attract attention and test the market rather than a project ready for execution. The startup does not currently possess rockets or landing vehicles, lacks experience in space life support systems, and has not obtained necessary licensing approvals.
Investment Risks for Moon Hotel Bookings
The refund policy in case of project failure or delays remains unclear, making these reservations a high-risk investment according to industry observers. GRU Space has not provided transparent information about financial protections for early reservation holders. Meanwhile, the company lacks the fundamental infrastructure and partnerships required to deliver on its lunar tourism promises within the proposed timeframe.
The company has not announced specific deadlines for securing transportation partnerships or completing initial robotic testing phases. Whether GRU Space will provide updates on project milestones or refund terms for reservation holders remains uncertain as the venture progresses through its preliminary stages.
