Well, it seems like the answer is yes! Indeed, it’s not an easy feat, but engineers and scientists have been working tirelessly to make it happen. And they are succeeding!
There are currently two space hotels in development – Voyager Station and Pioneer Station. And we might be able to experience this sooner than we might think! In fact, Voyager Station, Orbital Assembly’s space hotel, is planning on establishing space accommodation for an estimated 400 people by 2025.
At the same time, Pioneer Station is also working on making this possible, also by 2025. However, their structure is intended for a smaller number of people, respectively, 28. And they’re both already taking reservations!
The Orbital Assembly’s COO stated that: “Our vision is to make space a destination people will yearn to visit, with familiar elements provided by the presence of gravity.”
As a space enthusiast, I must admit – the idea of a hotel in space is something out of science fiction dreams! Can you imagine floating in zero gravity while gazing at the stars? Or seeing the curvature of the Earth, the vast oceans and continents, and all right from your hotel room? And in real life! Not just through immersive technologies or any other digitally-powered option.
From business matters to research and even manufacturing! In a microgravity environment, scientists could conduct experiments that are simply impossible on Earth.
After all, the lack of gravity could lead to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements, which could benefit not just the space industry but all of us as a society. Imagine being able to produce goods in space that are lighter, stronger, and, especially, more durable than anything we could create on the ground.
You might be surprised to hear this, but yes. Indeed, they won’t be like those skyscraper hotels that we see here on Earth. Instead, they will be specifically-designed modules to fit the unique conditions of space. What does that mean exactly? A round pod-like structure, with layers of glass to protect us from radiation and a rotating mechanism to provide a simulated gravity.
However, despite the hotel’s unusual appearance, the rooms in themselves on Voyager Station will be quite similar to the ones we’re familiar with. And luxurious! At the same time, guests will also enjoy the same facilities as those in a regular hotel – bars, restaurants, and even swimming pools, why not?
But unlike regular space stations, which are specifically for astronauts, the rooms in these space hotels will not work in zero gravity. There will be, however, a demonstration of artificial gravity – such as spinning a water bottle in a circle. So, we will not have to worry about going through the shock of a changing environment. For this reason, we won’t go through the intensive training that astronauts have.
Believe it or not, such hotels in space will mimic what we have seen in the media. And frankly, I’ve seen a lot of TV shows to fuel my imagination about living in space. If you remember the spaceship from “The 100”, the spaceships will resemble that a lot. The vessel is a cylindrical shape, with a series of modules attached to the sides that provide accommodation, storage, and other essential functions. Additionally, the modules are connected by a series of walkways and corridors that allow people to move between them.
Indeed, this idea might come off as an unimaginable and futuristic concept. After all, what do you mean we could spend a week in space? But long are the days in which this notion only lived in the minds of sci-fi aficionados or movie and TV shows creators. Be ready to embrace space hotels because they are coming faster than any of us could imagine!
