From September 28 to 30, the Space and Underwater Tourism Universal Summit took place in Marbella, Spain. Among other revelations, the U.S. company Orbital Assembly presented the latest plans for its pioneer-class space station, the first private and habitable facility in space with artificial gravity.

Room with an endless view

The pioneer-class space stations are to be launched in just a few years, welcoming their first guests as early as 2027. The habitable structures will travel in an orbit between the moon and the earth. The goal is to build a business park with for-rent areas. Long term, the company aims to create a space (no pun intended) for private, academic, business, scientific and industrial purposes.

First renderings illustrate the vision of working, living, researching and living in space. Artificial gravity should facilitate all of this. © Orbital Assembly Corporation

Orbital Assembly is also working on the larger voyager stations, which are designed to comfortably accommodate 400 people each. And offer all the amenities of a luxurious hotels on earth. One major advantage is the approach to gravity. On one hand, a number of space tourists love the benefits of zero gravity and enjoy floating around unbound by a gravitational pull. "What they find less appealing is how microgravity affects bodily functions, such as eating, drinking, sleeping and going to the bathroom," said Tim Alatorre, vice president of habitation and chief operating officer of Orbital Assembly. The company is therefore working on hybrid gravity, which will offer both weightless areas and those with gravitational pull.

The view certainly promises to be magnificent. © Orbital Assembly

The construction for vacations in space consists of two rings. The suites, which measure around 30 square meters, are located in the inner ring. There will also be luxury villas for up to 16 people. The outer ring will contain a cinema, a gym and restaurants. The planned price for the extraordinary trip is still kept tightly under wraps. However, it's rumored to be upwards of 5 million euros for a three and a half day getaway. One things for sure: the view will be absolutely breathtaking.

High, higher, Hilton

Few companies have more experience in the hotel industry than Hilton. Together with Voyager Space, they'll soon be working to improve hospitality in outer space. As the official hotel partner of Starlab – the Voyager Space flagship project – Hilton's task is the development of the hospitality crew headquarters aboard the Starlab. This includes the common areas, hospitality suites and sleeping arrangements for the astronauts.

Smaller in size, but adhering to the highest scientific standards: the Starlab will succeed the International Space Station ISS. © 2022 Hilton

Starlab is designed to replace the International Space Station. With its capacity for up to four astronauts, it will also house a state-of-the-art laboratory system and the first science park in space. "Voyager and Hilton are deeply committed to creating innovative solutions for the future of humanity, and this partnership opens new doors to what's possible for comfort-oriented space exploration and habitation," said Dylan Taylor, chairman and CEO of Voyager Space. The next step? Vacationing in space!