Hilton leaders joined the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, to explore the future of space hospitality. Discussions centered on creating comfortable accommodations, developing sustainable food options and enhancing the astronaut experience.
Space Living: The Final Frontier
Since announcing their collaboration in 2022, Hilton and Voyager Space have worked toward a shared vision for Starlab, a next-generation, free-flying commercial space station.
Designed for groundbreaking research and innovation, Starlab will also benefit from Hilton’s expertise in hospitality, ensuring that every stage of an astronaut’s journey—from ground preparations to life in orbit and return to Earth—is as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
The Starlab project is part of a U.S.-led global joint venture that includes Voyager Space, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation and MDA Space. Hilton’s involvement is set to transform the concept of space living, blending cutting-edge technology with years of industry-leading design and service.
During the International Aeronautical Congress, a distinguished panel featured Hilton leaders Larry Traxler, SVP of Global Design Services, and Emma Banks, VP of F&B Strategy & Development, EMEA, alongside Tim Kopra, CEO of Starlab; Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center; Alexander Gerst, ESA astronaut and geophysicist; and Dr. Sian Proctor, astronaut, geoscientist, and space artist.
The panel discussed innovations in space travel, sustainable food solutions and the integration of hospitality to enhance life aboard Starlab. As part of the event, Hilton and Voyager Space unveiled the first fly-through video of Starlab, showcasing key areas such as communal spaces, wellness zones and advanced sleeping quarters.
This groundbreaking collaboration is poised to redefine space habitation, blending hospitality with innovation to set new standards for comfort, sustainability and exploration in the final frontier.
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