It’s inevitable, we’ll all eventually end up in space one day, and that one day may be sooner than you think. In fact, our money says a hotel in space will happen long before any fast-food joint can actually place your burger in the center of the bun. Just sayin…
NASA announced that it has selected Axiom Space of Houston to provide at least one habitable commercial module to be attached to the International Space Station (ISS) as the agency continues to open the station for commercial use.
This module will attach to the space station’s Node 2 forward port to demonstrate its ability to provide products and services and begin the transition to a sustainable low-Earth orbit economy. In other words, this module is going to be a space hotel.
What’s included in the space hotel?
Go ahead and say what we’re all thinking. Space butlers! And why not, they’re already the cats meow in those luxury London hotels. But at ISS, that might not be on Axiom’s agenda. According to an Axiom Space statement, they are planning to launch in the latter half of 2024.
World-Class Space Suites
The startup envisions this hotel in space as a “nest-like cabin” with unobstructed views of Earth, and other amenities you’d expect in a space hotel.
- Each private guest berth provides a zero gravity-friendly, nest-like cabin
- Observation module with extraordinary, unobstructed views of Earth
- High-bandwidth communications back to home
The famed interior and industrial designer Philippe Starck will be designing the crew cabins. If you’ve watched Gravity with Sandra Bullock, you’ll know padding inside your module is a very good thing.
His work includes Tokyo’s Nani Nani Hotel, Saint Martin’s Lane in London, and the super-yacht, Venus.
What will this cost?
Currently, the travel booking websites limit you to Earth (what a rip), but when that day comes you’ll most likely be putting US$50 million on your AMEX to book your flight (although your room, meals, and air will be included) according to Axiom CEO Mike Suffredini. We’re paraphrasing, there was no mention of air.
From World-Class Suites To World Class Suits
Of course, you’ll want to be styling in the latest spacewear fashion, and “that guy” who never seems to age has got your back. Yep, Sir Richard Branson.
Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson and Under Armour CEO and Founder Kevin Plank announced a collaboration that saw Under Armour become Virgin Galactic’s Technical Spacewear Partner.
Together they unveiled the collaboratively designed spacewear system for Virgin Galactic astronauts comprising of a base layer, spacesuit, footwear, training suit, and Limited Edition astronaut jacket. It is the first such collection ever created specifically for private astronauts.
If these space suits come with a cape, we are SO in!
Spacesuits will be personally tailored for each astronaut, immediately identifying wearers as astronauts and as part of a mission.
The spacesuits also provide differentiated features. This includes country flags and name badges built on traditions of the past.
The suit pockets dedicated to personal effects include an inside transparent pocket for photographs of loved ones, who will literally be close to the heart. But where do we keep our space pen?
And Then There Were Three-Reebok Joins In
Now Reebok is joining the ranks of these private space enterprises by introducing The Reebok Floatride Space Boot SB-01. Pretty cool giving it a robot name. Astronauts are now testing this space boot and are the first evolution in space footwear in over 50 years!
In partnership with David Clark Company, Reebok has developed an innovative space boot providing lightweight protection and support while optimizing comfort and performance. We’re guessing that means a quicker, more comfortable bunny hop across the moon.
Since most of the shoe looks like one of our high-end sneakers, this could definitely be a contender in our top 5 list of expensive sneakers.
It’s kinda odd how they put so much effort into reducing the weight of the show when the gravity on the moon is 1/6 that of Earth. But that style rocks! This boot would be the star of any hotel in space that happens to orbit our heavens.
