Above: Space Development – Hotel in the Stars
From floating hotel suites to lunar gravity cocktails, Above: Space Development is redefining space tourism—one rotating ring at a time.
From Orbital Assembly to Above: A Rebrand Among the Stars
In the crowded cosmos of commercial space ventures, one company is daring to do something a little more... luxurious. Meet Above: Space Development, formerly known as Orbital Assembly Corporation, the brains (and brawn) behind what could be humanity's first true vacation in space.
While companies like Virgin Galactic and Space Perspective are focused on getting you to space, Above is focused on what happens once you’re up there. Their mission? To create space stations that feel less like science experiments and more like luxury resorts. Think: rotating hotels, artificial gravity, and maybe even a zero-gravity mini bar.
Mission: Redefine the Hotel Experience—at 250 Miles Above Earth
Above’s goal is deceptively simple: make space livable. But not just in the basic oxygen-and-water sense. They want space to be comfortable, stylish, and dare we say, fun.
At the heart of their mission is one fundamental innovation: artificial gravity through rotation. Using giant, rotating ring structures, Above plans to simulate lunar and Martian levels of gravity. That’s right—no more awkward zero-G floating while trying to sip your morning espresso.
The Main Attractions: Voyager Station & Pioneer Station
Voyager Station: The Flagship Space Resort
A vast, circular space station gently spinning in Earth’s low orbit. Up to 400 guests lounge in private suites, enjoy gourmet meals at orbital restaurants, and gaze out of massive windows offering uninterrupted views of our blue planet.
Voyager Station, the crown jewel of Above’s portfolio, will be the world’s first space hotel with artificial gravity, making it the Four Seasons of the Final Frontier. Complete with spa amenities, recreational activities, and even live entertainment, this isn’t just an orbital pitstop—it’s an experience.
Pioneer Station: The Boutique Orbiting Getaway
Before Voyager arrives in all its grandeur, Above will launch Pioneer Station, a smaller-scale space habitat designed for 28 guests and crew. But don’t let its size fool you—it’s a fully functional, luxury prototype meant to test, refine, and perfect Above’s modular design approach.
Pioneer will serve researchers, space tourists, and commercial entities, offering short- to mid-term stays in a setting that combines cutting-edge science with… cozy vibes.
How Are They Pulling This Off?
Above’s plan is rooted in a smart blend of innovative robotics, modular construction, and good old-fashioned space engineering. The key technologies include:
Gravity Ring™ design: Rotating structures that generate gravity using centripetal force. (Newton would be proud.)
Semi-autonomous assembly bots like DSTAR™ and PSTAR™, which are designed to build massive orbital platforms in space without a single human welding on the outside.
COTS tech integration (Commercial Off-The-Shelf): Instead of reinventing every bolt and battery, they’re integrating existing aerospace solutions—cutting cost, time, and risk.
Funding, Foresight, and a Few Hiccups
Like any bold cosmic dream, Above's path hasn’t been entirely frictionless. The rebrand from Orbital Assembly to Above came with a renewed sense of focus and a clearer vision—but also amid an ultra-competitive landscape of space startups, all vying for funding and flight manifests.
Despite this, they’ve secured key strategic partnerships and have drawn interest from both private investors and public entities looking for alternatives to the aging International Space Station. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to own a slice of the first space hotel chain?
The Impact: How Above Will Change Space Tourism Forever
Above isn’t just building a hotel in space. They’re building a paradigm shift:
Artificial gravity will make extended stays viable and enjoyable—no more “space face” puffiness or astronaut diapers.
Modular orbital platforms could eventually be repurposed for science labs, movie sets, or international summits with literal space to breathe.
Accessible design means they’re aiming to democratize space—not just for billionaires, but for businesses, educators, and maybe even honeymooners.
The endgame? A future where traveling to orbit is as common as flying to Paris, and where Earth is just one stop on your vacation itinerary.
So, When Can You Book a Room?
Above has targeted the late 2020s for Pioneer Station’s launch, with Voyager slated to follow once the technology is validated and scalable. Booking pages aren't live just yet, but they're getting ready for a world where "room with a view" means Earth, in its entirety, through your window.
So start brushing up on your space etiquette. (Hint: no backflips near the buffet.)
Final Thought: Why the Sky is No Longer the Limit
Above: Space Development isn’t just chasing a sci-fi fantasy—they’re laying the bricks (or, rather, the carbon fiber panels) of the next era of human living. One where space isn’t reserved for astronauts or thrill-seekers, but for dreamers, explorers, romantics, and everyday adventurers.
They’re not just taking us above the clouds—they’re elevating what it means to live beyond them.
Keep your eye on the stars and your suitcase ready—because the future of travel just went orbital.