Just as Neil Armstrong once took that historic first step on the Moon, etching his name into history and opening a new chapter in humanity’s journey into space, a new dawn is rising. Who would have imagined that the next milestone after that giant leap would be a hotel on the lunar surface?
Yet here we are, a US-based space startup has begun accepting advance reservations for what it calls a future hotel on the Moon, marking an early step toward a permanent human presence beyond Earth.
Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU Space) has announced plans to develop a habitable facility on the Moon by 2032, pending regulatory approvals. According to information shared on its website, the company estimates the following accommodation costs per guest:
Rs 2.2 crore (approximately $250,000)
Rs 9 crore (approximately $1 million)
GRU Space also cautions that the total cost of a full lunar tour could exceed Rs 90 crore (around $10 million).
On January 12, GRU Space began accepting reservations, encouraging affluent individuals and adventure-seeking travelers to apply for what it describes as the inaugural permanent human habitation facility outside of Earth. On its booking page, the company stated: “This is not space tourism as we know it. Only twelve humans have ever walked on the Moon, and by taking part in this early stage, you join us as we lay the foundations for life beyond Earth.”
Prospective participants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $1,000 and place a deposit of up to $1 million to secure a reservation. GRU Space said applicants will undergo a rigorous screening process before final evaluation.
“We may require you to provide additional personal, medical and financial information and documents to verify your ability to travel and maintain your spot. We’ll guide you through the process. There is a $1,000 non-refundable app fee to apply,” the company said.
Chan was quoted by The Observer as saying that lunar travel represents the most practical “first wedge to spin up the lunar economy.” As part of its preparations, the startup also plans to test techniques for converting lunar dust into construction material. These bricks would be used to shield the habitat from radiation and extreme temperature extremes on the Moon’s surface.
GRU Space, founded in 2025 by 22-year-old Canadian-American entrepreneur Skyler Chan, aims to advance off-Earth habitation. The company plans to begin construction in 2029, building an inflatable lunar habitat on Earth and transporting it to the Moon via a heavy lander. The structure is designed to host up to four guests for multi-day stays and is expected to operate for about 10 years.