A California-based space startup has revealed an ambitious proposal that sounds straight out of science fiction. The tech firm plans to build the world’s first hotel on the Moon. GRU Space says it is targeting a grand opening as early as 2032, positioning itself at the frontier of the emerging space tourism economy.
GRU Space, short for Galactic Resource Utilization, was founded in 2025 by 22-year-old entrepreneur Skyler Chan. The startup has already drawn backing from investors linked to SpaceX, NVIDIA, and defence firm Anduril.
The company’s core idea is to develop infrastructure that supports long-term human activity on the Moon, starting with adventure tourism.
The proposed lunar hotel aims to cater to ultra-wealthy travellers, particularly those who have already experienced commercial spaceflight, as well as first-time space tourists seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Applications are already open, though entry comes at a steep price. Prospective guests must pay a $1 million deposit just to be considered, underlining the exclusivity of the venture.
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Before hosting tourists, GRU Space plans a series of test missions. In 2029, the company intends to send its first small payload to the Moon under the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
This mission will test inflatable living modules and a technique to convert lunar soil into solid bricks, which could help shield structures from radiation and extreme temperatures.
Success in initial evaluations would lead to a subsequent mission with a bigger building that would be sent to be placed in a lunar pit for extra safety. The third mission, planned for around 2032, will introduce the first commercial model of the Moon hotel that can accommodate four people simultaneously.
If the GRU Space project succeeds, it could signal a great leap towards the commercialization of living in space.