A US-based space startup has announced plans to develop what it claims will be the world’s first permanent hotel on the Moon, with construction targeted to begin in 2029 and commercial operations expected by 2032.
California-headquartered Galactic Resource Utilisation Space (GRU) said the project has progressed into an execution phase, with investor interest and early customer commitments already in place. The company was founded by 21-year-old engineer Skyler Chan and has attracted backing from investors associated with SpaceX, Nvidia, Y Combinator and defence technology firm Anduril, according to company disclosures.
GRU has opened advance reservations for the proposed lunar hotel, requiring a deposit of $1 million per booking. Industry estimates cited by the company suggest room tariffs could start at approximately $410,000 per night, positioning the project firmly in the ultra-luxury segment of the emerging space tourism market.
The company plans to conduct a test mission in 2029 to demonstrate its ability to construct durable structures on the lunar surface. Subject to regulatory approvals and successful technical validation, GRU expects to complete the first phase of the hotel by 2032.
Construction is planned to rely on a proprietary in-situ resource utilisation system that converts lunar regolith into building materials, significantly reducing the need to transport supplies from Earth. The hotel is expected to be assembled using automated and modular systems, allowing for phased expansion over time.
GRU said the underlying technology is designed to support broader applications, including lunar research facilities and long-term extraterrestrial habitation, with potential future use in Mars-based infrastructure.
The company expects initial demand to come from high-net-worth individuals, space tourism participants and commercial spaceflight customers. While pricing is currently positioned at the top end of the market, GRU said it anticipates costs declining over time as space construction and transport technologies mature.
Image and Story Source: The Register
