Between exploring Mars and smashing asteroids, NASA’s got their sights on a space hotel. And after outsourcing the concept with a design competition for university-level students, it looks like we have our first look at what that space hotel might look like.
Designed by five MIT grad students, the modular “Managed, Reconfigurable, In-space Nodal Assembly” (MARINA) is a commercially owned and operated space station concept in which half of the complex is devoted to a luxury hotel; the other half turn over to NASA on a 10-year lease.
NASA Hotel (2 images)
The build — which would cost NASA $360 million per year — would have standard exterior connections that would allow outside entities to create extensions and other platforms. which could connect to, and generate money for, the space station by offering exclusive services to hotel guests.
“Just like a yacht marina, MARINA can provide all essential services, including safe harbor, reliable power, clean water and air, and efficient logistics and maintenance,” said designer George Lordos. “It will incent customers to lease space inside and outside MARINA’s node modules and make MARINA a self-funded entity that is attractive to investors.”
As of now, the space oddity is still pie in the sky.
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