DENVER, Co. and MCLEAN, Va. — Hilton has become the official hotel partner of Starlab, Voyager’s planned free-flying commercial space station.
Voyager and its operating company Nanoracks were awarded $160 million in NASA funding in 2021 for the Starlab space station, which is set to replace the International Space Station. Starlab is planned to have the capacity to continuously host up to four astronauts and house the George Washington Carver (GWC) Science Park, a laboratory system and first science park in space.
The first-of-its-kind venture builds on Hilton’s effect in new and emerging markets. Voyager and Hilton will partner in the areas of architecture and design to develop communal areas, hospitality suites and sleeping arrangements for the astronauts. The research and design work being dedicated to Starlab could also lead to advancements and driving sustainability and efficiencies for future hotel owners in space and on Earth. Additionally, the teams will explore longer-term efforts including the ground-to-space astronaut experience, global co-marketing and branding and other tourism, educational and commercial efforts.
“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,” says Dylan Taylor, chairman and CEO, Voyager Space. “Voyager and Hilton are acutely focused on creating innovative solutions for the future of humanity and this partnership opens new doors to what is possible for comfort-focused space exploration and habitation.”
“Hilton has been innovating to improve the guest experience and pioneering new destinations for travel for more than a century. We are thrilled to partner with Voyager to bring that expertise to Starlab,” says Chris Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. “For decades, discoveries in space have been positively impacting life on Earth, and now Hilton will have an opportunity to use this unique environment to improve the guest experience wherever people travel. This landmark collaboration underscores our deep commitment to spreading the light and warmth of hospitality and providing a friendly, reliable stay – whether on the ground or in outer space.”
