Are you tired of traveling around the world and looking for something exciting? Why not have the experience of the life of an astronaut while enjoying the extraterrestrial luxury? Orion Span has exactly the same plan for you. The Houston-based startup plans to launch the first luxury hotel in space in late 2021.
Aurora Station
Dubbed as “Aurora Station” this luxury hotel is basically planned as a 35-by-14-feet module, which will house six people at a time, and two crew members. It will orbit 200 miles high, circling the Earth every 90 minutes.
Prior to launch, potential guests will have to undergo a three-month training regime, starting with online courses and progressing to a four to six-week training in Houston, Texas. The final phase will take place on board the Aurora Station. Travelers will get a certification upon completion, which they can use for future trips.
Image Credit: Orion Span
Beyond luxury
What comes to your mind when you hear about a luxury hotel? The answer definitely includes high-quality suites, roof deck infinity pools, a well-equipped minibar etc. however, when it comes to extraterrestrial luxury, it’s something else. At Aurora Station, guests will be able to enjoy zero gravity, watch around 16 sunrises and sunsets per day, rejoice in a virtual reality experience on the holodeck. Using the high-speed wireless internet access, they can also have a live video chat with their less fortunate loved ones. Moreover, guests will take part in research experiments such as growing food while in orbit, which they can take home as a souvenir. Lastly, on return to Earth, the guests will be greeted with a specially arranged hero’s welcome.
Image Credit: Orion Span
“We’re not selling a hey-let’s-go-to-the-beach equivalent in space,” CEO Frank Bunger told Bloomberg. “We’re selling the experience of being an astronaut. You reckon that there are people who are willing to pay to have that experience.”
This authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experience will cost $9.5 million per person, or about $791,666 a night, for a 12-night stay. If you are willing to experience the extraterrestrial luxury, make your reservation by depositing a fully refundable $80,000 on the company’s website.
