Earth orbiting, space station hotel no longer science fiction
An Earth-orbiting hotel could open in the next five years with US based space company Orbital Assembly planning to open two new space stations with tourist accommodation by 2025.
The company has revealed new concepts for its space hotel idea.
What was once science fiction, could soon become fact as the concept would see myriad modules connected by elevator shafts that make up a rotating wheel orbiting the Earth.
The original idea, which was called the Von Braun Station, was premiered in 2019 by Gateway Foundation, but has been taken over by Orbital Assembly Corporation and renamed Voyager Station.
It will accommodate 400 people and is set to open in 2027.
The smaller concept named Pioneer Station, would house 28 people and could be operational in just three years.
Orbital Assembly’s goal is to run a space “business park” home to offices as well as tourists.
According to former NASA astronaut Jeffrey A Hoffman, who now works at MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the big hurdle will be patron safety.
However Hoffman says the experience will be one in a lifetime.
“I am excited about the idea that many, many more people will be able to experience being in space, and hopefully bring back to Earth a new sense of their relationship with our planet,” said Hoffman.
“When the word gets back and these initial travellers tell their tales - you’re not going to be able to keep people away.” he said.
Irit Jackson, 11th May 2022
