At the same time, Josef Aschbacher considers it necessary to achieve greater commercial returns from the exploration of outer space
PARIS, April 9. / Correspondent of TASS Dmitry Orlov/. The project to build a space station in Earth's orbit, which will function as a hotel, is still reminiscent of science fiction and is unlikely to be implemented in the near future. This opinion was expressed by the Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), Josef Aschbacher, to a TASS correspondent.
"We can definitely say that here we are talking about a project designed for a very long-term perspective. Something from the category of science fiction. We do not have such plans at ESA, but I know that some people are considering such a step for commercial reasons. All this is very interesting, but today it is not an integral part of the program of our agency, " he assured.
At the same time, the Austrian, who assumed the post of ESA Director General on March 1, 2021, said that he believes it is necessary to achieve greater commercial returns from space exploration. According to Aschbacher, the option of flights to the orbit of "commercial participants of expeditions" seems promising. The Russian Federation already has such experience, and the European Space Agency plans to cooperate with Russian colleagues in this area, Aschbacher said. He supports the idea of increasing the number of commercial initiatives in space and on the ISS.
Earlier, the American company Orbital Assembly Corporation announced plans to build a Voyager station in Earth's orbit with an artificial gravity system, which will be created by the continuous rotation of the complex. The station is expected to function as a 400-person luxury hotel with restaurants, cinemas, a gym and even a swimming pool. The company expects to start implementing the project in 2025 and put it into operation by 2027.
