A new era of space tourism is on the horizon as plans for the world’s first space hotel, Voyager Station, progress toward a planned launch in 2027. Developed by the Orbital Assembly Corporation (now known as Above Space), this ambitious project aims to transform Earth’s orbit into a luxury vacation destination.
Inspired by the visionary concepts of rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, Voyager Station is designed as a massive, rotating wheel. This unique structure will utilize centrifugal force to create artificial gravity, which will be a key feature for guest comfort. The gravity level will initially be set to mimic that of the Moon, allowing visitors to walk, eat, and sleep in a more Earth-like environment while still experiencing the thrill of low-gravity activities.
The orbital resort is designed to accommodate 280 guests and 112 crew members. Its 24 modules will span a total of 125,000 square feet and will be dedicated to a variety of amenities that rival a high-end cruise ship. Planned features include:
- Restaurants and bars serving space-friendly cuisine.
- A concert venue for zero-gravity performances.
- A gym and recreation space for low-gravity sports.
- A cinema and observation decks with panoramic views of Earth.
While space travel remains a costly endeavor, the developers are optimistic that advancements in launch systems, such as SpaceX’s Starship, will significantly reduce transportation costs over time, making a stay at Voyager Station more accessible to a broader market in the future.
Orbital Assembly Corporation is currently working on smaller prototypes, the Pioneer and Gravity Ring stations, to test the technologies and design concepts before beginning full construction. With a focus on turning science fiction into reality, Voyager Station could redefine the future of holidays and open up Earth’s orbit for sustained human habitation and leisure.