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Hilton Is Building the First Space Hotel for Astronauts on Starlab

Space tourism is inching closer to becoming a reality, though not yet in the immediate future. What was once the wildest dream – that of a man traveling to space as if on holiday – will become a reality for future generations. Hilton Hotels is helping with making that happen.
Hilton Hotels joins Starlab development, will build the first space hotel for astronauts 6 photos
Photo: Nanoracks
Illustration showing the Starlab commercial space stationIllustration showing the Starlab commercial space stationIllustration showing the Starlab commercial space stationIllustration showing the Starlab commercial space stationIllustration showing the Starlab commercial space station
The International Space Station (ISS) will cease operation in 2030, and NASA is already working on a replacement, with investments in the private Starlab, a “free-flying” commercial station by Voyager Space, Nanoracks, and Lockheed Martin. NASA has already granted early funding for the development of this space station. Hilton is now part of the deal as designer and builder for the crew suites.

Hilton Hotels is a name that hardly needs any introduction, but if it does, this should suffice: it’s a leading hospitality company with an impressive international portfolio that includes 18 brands and over 7,000 properties. This one will be the only one in space, both for Hilton and the hospitality industry in general.

That said, this isn’t Hilton’s first brush with space exploration, as it’s also the first hospitality brand to bake food in space. This was possible thanks to a 2020 research, which included the world’s first space oven and a batch of the DoubleTree by Hilton cookies, one of which may even end up on display at the Smithsonian.

While Starlab will eventually render itself to business and tourism purposes, its initial purpose will be for research. It will offer accommodation for up to four astronauts at a time and include a laboratory called George Washington Carver Science Park.

“Starlab will be more than just a destination, it will be an experience made infinitely more unique and artful with the Hilton team’s infusion of innovation, expertise, and global reach,” Dylan Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Voyager Space, says in a statement. “Voyager and Hilton are acutely focused on creating innovative solutions for the future of humanity and this partnership opens new doors to what is possible for comfort-focused space exploration and habitation.”

Hilton and Voyager are working together to design the sleeping quarters, the hospitality suites, and the communal areas. Hilton is also working on a “ground-to-space astronaut experience” and branding opportunities in tourism, education, and commerce.
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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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