While some dream of vacations at earthly resorts, others are already taking the first step toward a holiday on the Moon. An unusual project has been launched in California: Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU) has announced the start of applications for stays at the first-ever hotel on the surface of Earth’s satellite. To become one of the first guests, you’ll need to place a deposit of one million dollars. It’s a hefty sum, but the offer is anything but ordinary—it’s the chance to spend your vacation somewhere no regular tourist has ever set foot.
The idea belongs to Skyler Chan, a young graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. He not only dreamt of space since childhood but managed to convince investors connected to giants like SpaceX and Anduril to back his ambitious project. According to GRU’s plans, construction of the lunar hotel will begin as early as 2029, with the first guests expected to check in by 2032. The company assures it will use unique modules and automated technologies that turn lunar soil into durable structures. This is not just another space adventure but an attempt to create the first permanent structure beyond Earth.
Lunar Tourism
Potential customers aren’t just seasoned veterans of commercial spaceflight, but also affluent newlyweds dreaming of a honeymoon beyond our planet. GRU is betting that tourism will become the driving force behind the lunar economy. According to Chan, widespread interest in lunar travel will accelerate humanity’s transformation into an interplanetary species. “We live in an era where becoming residents of other worlds within our lifetimes is truly possible,” he says.
The company believes that opening the hotel is just the first step. Plans include expanding infrastructure and developing a full-fledged settlement on the Moon. A detailed document has already been released, outlining a step-by-step lunar development strategy—from luxury tourism to the construction of permanent bases. GRU is confident: if the project succeeds, billions of people could one day be born and live on the Moon and Mars, rather than only dream of space from afar.
Technology and ambition
At the heart of the project is an innovative construction approach: GRU is designing its own habitation modules and automated systems that will allow lunar regolith (soil) to be used as a building material. This not only reduces costs but also makes it possible to build large structures without constant shipments from Earth. The company emphasizes that all work will be carried out in line with environmental and technical standards, and in close cooperation with regulators.
The driving force and leader of the project is 21-year-old electronics engineer and computer science specialist Skyler Chan. His idea originated within the Y-Combinator accelerator, where he managed to attract investors who had previously funded cutting-edge space and defense technologies. GRU expects that their expertise and support will help realize such an ambitious vision within a short timeframe.
Global Prospects
The establishment of a permanent lunar base is part of a broader US strategy for space exploration. The new head of NASA, Jared Isaacman, and President Donald Trump both support expanding American presence beyond Earth. GRU hopes to become a key player in this initiative, offering not just tourism but also infrastructure solutions for future settlements.
The company has already unveiled its vision of the future: from luxurious rooms overlooking Earth to entire districts where people could live and work. GRU believes that private initiative and entrepreneurial spirit are the driving forces that can transform the space industry. And while the project may still seem like science fiction, the interest from investors and potential clients shows that the dream of living on the Moon is coming closer to reality.
RUSSPAIN reminds that Galactic Resource Utilization Space (GRU) is a US startup founded in California by UC Berkeley graduate Skyler Chan. The company specializes in developing technologies for lunar exploration and the construction of permanent extraterrestrial facilities. GRU’s investors include participants from SpaceX and Anduril projects. The lunar hotel project marks the company’s first public step toward implementing an ambitious space program.
