Building Space Hotels: Unique Challenges, Architecture, and Scaling the Business with Tim Alatorre

In this episode of the Radical Hospitality Show, host Zeke Freeman interviews Tim Alatorre, CEO of Above Space Development Corporation (formerly Orbital Assembly Corporation) and a visionary in space habitation design. The discussion delves into the evolution of space architecture, the hurdles in building luxury hotels in space, and the strategies for scaling this ambitious venture. Alatorre’s company aims to make space travel and habitation more accessible and elevate the commercial space industry.

From Terrestrial to Space Architecture: A Journey of Innovation

Tim Alatorre began his career in traditional architecture with DOMUM, a firm he established in 2012 in Northern California. His projects ranged from multifamily housing and commercial spaces to unique establishments like ax-throwing venues. Despite his success on Earth, Alatorre’s interest turned toward space design after being invited to consult on the Voyager Station concept in 2018.

This flagship project, conceptualized by Dr. Tom Spilker, set the foundation for Alatorre’s transition into space development. While Dr. Spilker’s focus was on structural integrity, Alatorre's expertise centered around creating habitable, comfortable environments—spaces where people wouldn't just survive but thrive.

The Key Challenges of Space Habitation

1. Cost of Space Travel

• In the 1960s, the cost of sending 1 kg of payload to space exceeded $8,000.
• Thanks to innovations by companies like SpaceX, costs have dropped to around $2,500 per kg.

2. Limited Market for Space Tourism

• The current ticket price for space travel remains in the tens of millions of dollars.
• Alatorre notes that the infrastructure supporting space travel must expand to lower costs and attract more participants.

3. Technological Readiness

• While the core technology for sustaining life in space has existed since the 1970s, the challenge lies in developing affordable, large-scale systems for comfort and usability.

Building a Space Hotel: The Vision and Design Considerations

The vision for Above Space Development Corporation’s space hotels includes two main stations:

1. Pioneer Station

• A microgravity station that can convert to artificial gravity.

2. Voyager Station

• A station with artificial gravity generated by a slow rotational spin (1.5 RPM) to simulate lunar gravity (~1/6th of Earth’s gravity).

Design Innovations:

• Artificial Gravity: Allows guests to walk, sit, and sleep without floating away.
• Human-Centric Design: Features spacious rooms, colorful aesthetics, and areas for recreation and dining.
• Comfort Enhancements: Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), Voyager is designed for comfort, offering traditional dining experiences and private sleeping areas.

Unlocking the Space Economy

A Shift in Approach

Above Space’s strategy involves creating an ecosystem that supports not only tourism but also research and manufacturing in space. By doing so, they aim to:

• Foster partnerships with companies conducting research on advanced solar panels, plant growth, and material testing.
• Develop cost-effective solutions for life in space, such as sustainable food systems and innovative coatings for spacecraft.

Partnerships and Milestones

• Prometheus Platform: An automated space station designed to support companies’ early-stage research and technology validation.
• Commercial and Defense Collaborations: Contracts with the Department of Defense and partnerships with NASA to fuel technological advancements.
• ISS Missions: Successful missions to the International Space Station to test payloads and gather data for future innovations.

Inspiration from the Past: Lessons from Earth’s Transportation Revolutions

Alatorre draws parallels between the current space race and past transportation revolutions:

• 1800s Railroads: Opened new frontiers for commerce and migration.
• Automobile Industry: Revolutionized personal mobility and trade.
• Aviation: Made international travel and trade commonplace.

Similarly, the commercialization of space aims to unlock unprecedented resources, such as minerals from asteroids and the microgravity environment for advanced manufacturing.

Public Perception and Pop Culture Influence

Alatorre acknowledges the role of science fiction in shaping public expectations of space exploration. He references films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Interstellar as both inspirational and informative in terms of design considerations and public fascination with space travel.

The Future of Space Hospitality

Next Steps for Above Space

1. Expansion of Research Initiatives: Ongoing partnerships with companies developing agricultural and technological innovations for space.
2. Commercial Accessibility: Initiatives like Prometheus Spark allow companies and individuals to send payloads to space for marketing, research, or sentimental purposes.
3. Public Engagement: Offering unique experiences such as sending personal mementos or photos to space, making space more relatable to the general public.

Scaling Through Strategic Investment

Alatorre emphasizes the importance of funding to bridge the gap between prototyping and full-scale implementation. The company seeks investments to accelerate the development of their stations and platforms, aiming to make space travel accessible to a broader audience.

Tim Alatorre and Above Space Development Corporation are at the forefront of redefining space exploration and hospitality. Their ambitious projects, such as the Voyager Station and Prometheus Platform, signal a future where space is not only accessible but also inviting. Through strategic partnerships, technological innovation, and a commitment to making space feel like home, Alatorre's vision for space hotels represents the next frontier of human exploration and comfort.

To learn more or participate in Above Space’s initiatives, visit their official website at above.space.