By Gravriel Shohet, HTN staff writer – 10.17.2024
The 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, witnessed a historic moment in the convergence of space exploration and hospitality: the unveiling of the first fly-through video of the Starlab space station. This groundbreaking project, a collaboration between Hilton, Voyager Space, and Starlab Space, offered attendees an unprecedented look inside the innovative commercial space station currently in its design phase.
But this partnership goes far beyond simply putting a Hilton logo in orbit. As Dylan Taylor, chairman and CEO of Voyager Space, puts it, “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.”
The collaboration, announced in 2022, aims to revolutionize the astronaut experience by bringing Hilton’s renowned hospitality expertise to the realm of space travel. Starlab, a free-flying commercial space station operated by a US-led global joint venture, will benefit from Hilton’s deep understanding of creating comfortable and functional living spaces. The goal is to ensure that every stage of the astronaut’s journey, from pre-flight training and preparation to in-space living and their eventual return to Earth, is infused with the comfort and hospitality that Hilton is known for.
The fly-through video, a captivating showcase of Starlab’s interior, revealed several key areas designed to enhance astronaut well-being and facilitate scientific discovery. These include:
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Crew Communal Areas: Spacious and inviting areas for astronauts to relax, socialize, and dine together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
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Wellness Spaces: Dedicated areas equipped with exercise equipment, relaxation pods, and other amenities to promote physical and mental well-being during extended space missions.
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Advanced Sleeping Quarters: Private sleeping pods designed to provide a comfortable and restful sleep environment, crucial for maintaining astronaut health and performance in the demanding conditions of space.
Larry Traxler, Senior Vice President of Global Design Services at Hilton, expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s progress, stating, “This first-look at the Starlab project is just a sneak peek at the exciting progress we’ve made in research and design over the past two years. Our team is enthusiastic about the future of human space exploration and how hospitality has an opportunity to touch it all—from pre-flight training, to the in-space experience, to our guests’ return to Earth.”
The unveiling of Starlab’s design aligns perfectly with the 75th International Astronautical Congress’s theme of “Responsible Space for Sustainability.” Hilton’s research and design efforts for Starlab are not only focused on creating a comfortable and functional living environment in space but also on driving advancements in sustainability and design efficiency. The company is exploring innovative solutions for resource management, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, with the goal of creating a sustainable and environmentally responsible space habitat. These advancements could also have implications for terrestrial hotels, leading to new innovations and best practices for sustainable hospitality on Earth.
But the implications of this partnership extend far beyond the design of the space station itself. Hilton, with its vast experience in hospitality and its global reach, will play a key role in shaping the overall astronaut experience. The company plans to leverage its expertise in areas such as:
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Architecture and Design: Working with Voyager to create comfortable and functional crew headquarters, including communal areas, hospitality suites, and sleeping arrangements.
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Ground-to-Space Astronaut Experience: Developing programs and services to enhance the astronaut experience from pre-flight training to post-mission recovery.
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Global Co-Marketing and Branding: Leveraging Hilton’s global brand recognition and marketing expertise to promote Starlab and space tourism.
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Tourism, Educational, and Commercial Efforts: Exploring opportunities to create unique and engaging experiences for space tourists, students, and researchers.
This ambitious vision reflects Hilton’s long history of innovation in the hospitality industry. From pioneering the first central reservation system and in-room air conditioning to introducing Digital Key technology and Confirmed Connecting Rooms, Hilton has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in hospitality. Now, the company is taking that legacy of innovation to new heights, literally, by bringing its expertise to the realm of space travel.
The collaboration between Hilton, Voyager Space, and Starlab Space represents a significant step forward in space exploration and hospitality. By combining cutting-edge space technology with world-class hospitality expertise, this pioneering partnership promises to transform the future of space tourism, making space travel more accessible and comfortable for a wider range of people. By setting new benchmarks for comfort, functionality, and sustainability in space habitation, Starlab is poised to become a symbol of human ingenuity and the boundless possibilities of space exploration.