Aurora Station space hotel eyes 2021 launch date

Developed by US startup Orion Span, the Aurora Station will be a modular space habitat capable of accommodating four guests and two crew members. For an outlay of $9.5m, would-be space tourists will get to spend 12 days in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). As well as taking in the views from 200 miles above the planet, guests will have access to a virtual reality experience on a holodeck, as well as high speed internet access and the opportunity to grow their own food in zero gravity.

According to Orion Span, the lengthy training regimen traditionally used to prepare people for space travel will be reduced to just three months, with the first part of the certification programme taking place online. Additional training will be carried out at the company’s facility in Houston, Texas, with final certification taking place on board the space hotel.

“Upon launch, Aurora Station goes into service immediately, bringing travellers into space quicker and at a lower price point than ever seen before, while still providing an unforgettable experience," said Frank Bunger, founder and CEO of Orion Span.