Space Hotel

Today, Reuters made quite a splash with their story of a proposed Space Hotel. Set to open in 2012, a three night stay will cost $4 million and include all the necessary training and transportation. Considering that the current price tag for space tourism is around $20 million, it sounds like a bargain to me.

According to the article, the company estimates there are about 40,000 people in the world who could afford a trip to the Space Hotel. Guests will stay in pod-like rooms and will be able to observe the sunset 15 times a day. Designers have been working on tricky issues like bathroom design and how to facilitate weightless "intimate activities" by guests.

I just wonder if any of the potential guests have read Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. In any case, I'm sure the space hoteliers have got some kind of Vermicious Knid infestation contingency plan.