Although space tourism is certainly a burgeoning entrepreneurial field, the Commercial Space Station is the first venture to offer stellar travellers the option to extend their stay beyond a few hours.
Thus far, attempts to commercialize extra-atmospheric travel have relied on the hook of zero-gravity. I mean, wouldn't you love to float weightlessly through space? Of course you would, but Richard Branson's solution would return you home after only an hour. The Commercial Space Station, being built 217 miles above the Earth's surface, will treat you to a 5-day stay in zero gravity. There won't be room service and it'll cost you over half a million dollars, but at this point, luxury certainly isn't the main attraction.
Scheduled for a 2016 grand opening, the station will be accessed by way of Russian Soyuz rockets. It doesn't sound safe, but then again, outer space is hardly a 5-star hotel...yet.
Upper Orbit Auberges
The Russian 'Commercial Space Station' Doubles as an Atmospheric Hotel
Trend Themes
1. Commercial Space Tourism - The development of extended stays in orbit creates opportunities for established hospitality players and new space tourism entrants alike.
2. Zero Gravity Experiences - The expansion of zero gravity offerings beyond short flights could lead to new partnerships between space companies and luxury brands.
3. Space Transportation Services - The increasing demand for extended space travel experiences may require the development of new modes of transportation beyond rockets.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Established players in the hospitality industry can leverage their expertise to expand their offerings into the space tourism market.
2. Space Tourism - Existing and new space tourism companies can capitalize on the opportunity to offer longer, immersive experiences in zero gravity.
3. Space Transportation - Companies specializing in space transportation can explore new opportunities to meet the growing demand for extended space tourism experiences.