GRU Space has begun accepting applications for future guests at its proposed lunar hotel, inviting wealthy space tourists to express interest by placing a deposit of $1 million.

The company aims to open the hotel as early as 2032, technology news site Gizmodo reported.

The development underscores the growing commercialisation of the Moon, as private space startups increasingly compete to establish a foothold on lunar soil. GRU Space plans to begin testing its technology on the Moon by 2029, including the deployment of inflatable structures and experiments to convert lunar regolith into building materials, according to the report.

The announcement comes as global interest in lunar exploration intensifies, led by renewed government missions and expanding private-sector ambitions.

NASA prepares for Artemis II launch

NASA is just days away from launching its next mission to the Moon, marking humanity’s return to the lunar neighbourhood for the first time in more than 50 years.

The mission, Artemis II, will be the second under NASA’s Artemis programme and the first to carry astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit since the Apollo era.

“Artemis II will be a momentous step forward for human spaceflight,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a statement. “This historic mission will send humans farther from Earth than ever before and deliver the insights needed for us to return to the Moon — all with America at the helm.”

Isaacman added that the mission represents progress toward establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon and advancing NASA’s long-term goal of sending astronauts to Mars.

“I could not be more impressed by our NASA team and the Artemis II crew, and wish them well. Boldly forward,” he said.

Why the Artemis campaign matters

According to NASA, the Artemis programme is central to its plans for lunar exploration, scientific discovery and technology development, as well as understanding how humans can live and work on another world. Lessons learned from Artemis missions are expected to play a crucial role in preparing for future crewed missions to Mars.