ASCEND™
The SpaceHospitalityCompany
Pioneering space hospitality from the heart of the GCC.
ASCEND™ is building the world’s first civilian space readiness institute for the commercial space era, combining professional astronaut training with ultra-premium hospitality.
The Macro Shift
A New Category: Space Hospitality
$1T+
Space Economy by 2040
$230B+
Ultra-Luxury Travel Market
The global space economy is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040, while the ultra-luxury travel market already exceeds $230 billion and continues to grow.
A sector that could benefit tremendously is private space travel. Yet today's 'space tourism' is fragmented, purely engineering-driven, and with no hospitality vision.
Existing providers are aerospace contractors, not hospitality creators. No one is building the human-centered experience, interiors or wellness systems that will shape how humans actually live off Earth.
ASCEND™ fills this gap by defining a new category, Space Hospitality, delivering seamless experiences and lasting value for pioneers, nations, and the future of humankind.
The Context
We are at the dawn of a new era of commercial space experiences
Boom in Commercial Space LEO Initiatives
Haven-1, Vast's private LEO station, launching 2026 as first step toward modular orbital habitats. Orbital Reef, a "mixed-use business park" in space, by Blue Origin and Sierra Space (2027).
Suborbital Spaceflight
Blue Origin – New Shepard has resumed commercial flights, taking paying passengers past the 100 km Kármán line (true sub-orbital).
Edge of Space Experiences
HALO Space is testing high-altitude balloon for a six-hour ascent to 35 km in an 8-seat luxury capsule designed by ex-Ferrari stylist Frank Stephenson.
Emergence of Earth-Based Space Hotels
Station Cosmos Hotel simulates space station experience (2023). Moon Dubai — 735-ft lunar-shaped tower with 10-acre "lunar surface" and low-gravity buggies; 4,000 suites and 300 sky-villas.
The Problem
Space travel remains a privilege without a larger purpose
The next era needs a platform that creates value for everyone.
No Cohesion
Today's "space tourism" is scattered across providers (training here, flights there) with no cohesive journey. ASCEND™ aims to unite them into one seamless luxury experience while delivering fully prepared customers to flight partners.
No Hospitality DNA
Existing players are engineering firms, not hospitality leaders. There is no Ritz-Carlton or Aman of space. Nobody designing the emotional journey, cultural resonance, or pride of contribution to space exploration.
No Experience Value
Today's companies focus on launching bodies into space, not on curating legacy or meaning. They make you a passenger; we aim to make you a pioneer. A certificate or souvenir is fleeting. True legacy comes from story, status and contribution.
No Future Tech
Space agencies and station builders design for missions, not travelers. Nobody is creating the experience, interiors or wellness systems that will define how humans live off Earth. ASCEND™ plans to develop this missing hospitality layer, generating IP that benefits partners in space and on Earth.
THE MISSING LINK — ASCEND™ AIMS TO BE THE FIRST TO CLOSE THE GAP BY UNITING HOSPITALITY, TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY AND LEGACY UNDER ONE SEAMLESS PLATFORM.
Our Solution
ASCEND™, The World's First Integrated Space Hospitality Platform
Terrestrial Hotel: earthly gateway to space
Phase One – From 2028*
The ultra-luxury resort features astronaut training, R&D Lab, Longevity Wellness, and high-altitude balloon experiences (cash flow engine)
Orbital hospitality: building the gateway
Phase Two – 2029+
The expansion of space experiences with suborbital and orbital spaceflights, and innovation/R&D in space hospitality technologies to build the foundations of mainstream human presence in space
Lunar experiences: beyond Earth
Phase Three – 2035+
The space hotel, space training, R&D hub, and commercial spaceport establish space-based hospitality and global leadership beyond orbit, laying the groundwork to send the first private space travelers to the Moon.
*Timelines contingent on successful feasibility validation and Series A funding (targeted Q2 2027)
Phase One – 2028+
Terrestrial Hotel: earthly gateway to space
The Space Hotel
Ultra-luxury resort, first hub for space immersion and early revenue.
- 100-Key Resort: Futuristic high-end property showcasing real space technologies
- Longevity & Wellness: Space-medicine regenerative treatments
- Edge-of-Space Experience: Near-space ascents to ~30 km in luxury capsules
- Executive Programs: Astronaut-style retreats and leadership off-sites
Astronaut Training Facility
Prepares guests with certified simulations and trusted programs.
- Zero-G Flights: Parabolic flights for authentic weightlessness
- Neutral Buoyancy Pool: Microgravity training and EVA practice
- Lunar Simulation: Outdoor and indoor regolith surface for rover mobility
- Certified Curriculum: Programs with veteran astronauts and GCC standards
Innovation & R&D Lab
Develops habitats, wellness, and AI-driven space technologies for Earth.
- AI Compute Hub: Core for simulation, training, and open-source innovation
- Space Habitats: Modular luxury interiors and advanced life-support systems
- Lunar Prototypes: Modules and excursion gear for Phase 3 missions
- Tech Transfer: Cross-industry applications creating new revenue streams
3,500–4,000
guests annually by Year 2
55–60%
Contribution margins
10–15%
Guest conversion to Phase 2
Why Now
Right Place. Right Time. Right Backers.
National Prestige
UAE and KSA have already sent astronauts to space — this project builds on that pride and momentum.
Right Time, Right Place
With the Moon Resort and HALO Space in motion, the region is ready for space hospitality to take off.
Economic Impact
Space hospitality fuels diversification, premium tourism, and tech investment in alignment with national visions (e.g. Saudi Vision 2030, UAE 'We the UAE 2031').
Stakeholder Alignement
Designed to be aligned with government, regulators, and mega-funds to back this bold vision.
Built for Space
Desert land, clear skies, and strong infrastructure make the GCC the perfect launchpad.
Key GCC Space Entities
Market Opportunity
$10–20B* opportunity from Earth to Moon
- Audience reach: global pool of 200k UHNWIs and 2M HNWIs; even a 1% conversion yields ~220,000 prime prospects.
- Validation of demand: Virgin Galactic sold 600+ seats at ~$250k before service.
- Price ladder: packages $15k-$250k+ per guest, combining astronaut training, high-altitude experiences and space-medicine wellness.
- Volume & spend: Target ~4,000 guests annually by Year 2 post-opening (≈1,200-1,500 bookings across ~100 keys).
- Addressable pool: a "few thousand" sub-orbital seats + a "few hundred" orbital seats globally, priced $250k–$50M+ over the decade.
- Conversion engine: 10–15% of resort guests upgrade to flights, multiplying Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV).
- Ultra-exclusive market: 1-5 lunar pioneers in early days; long run expands modestly as costs fall.
- Ticket size: Bespoke lunar journeys $100M–$500M+ per guest (non-refundable $10M deposit).
- Cross-phase adjacencies: Corporate retreats, sovereign-funded R&D, and media activations expand TAM.
*TAM estimates based on UHNW/HNWI population analysis and luxury travel benchmarks; seed phase includes market validation through customer research
Business Model
Luxury Cashflows. Space Upside.
Phase 1 — Earth Resort
- 100-key ultra-luxury property, targeting 3,500–4,000 guests annually by Year 2 post-opening
- Contribution margins 55–60%, supported by high-value longevity wellness, astronaut training, and high-altitude balloon ascents
- Anchors the pipeline for spaceflight upgrades, with 10–15% guest conversion into Phase 2 experiences
- Ancillary streams: lab-participation fees, co-branded merchandise, sponsored lounges/naming rights
Phase 2 — Spaceflights
- Suborbital seats: ~$250-350k (cost-plus) + mandatory Phase 1 training for added margin
- Orbital missions: 3–7 day stays at $25–40M, up to $100M for long-duration orbital programs
- Target margins 30–35%, with extra revenue from memberships, sponsorship deals, philanthropic payloads
Phase 3 — Lunar Missions
- Bespoke journeys from $100M–$500M (non-refundable US $10M deposit)
- Partner flight cost ≈ $80M; ASCEND premium + sponsorships/media offsets push margin toward ~30%
- Early cadence: 1-5 pioneers in first years—each sale a nine-figure top-line boost
Cross-Phase Revenue Streams
*Unit economics based on preliminary assumptions; seed phase validates pricing, margins, and conversion rates through customer research
Traction
We build credibility step by step
From UHNW interest to sovereign signals, flight partnerships, and advisors, creating momentum toward ASCEND's first phase.
UHNW Demand Signals
Target- Target validation through customer research: 10-20 qualified deposits ($500k-$2M total) during seed phase
- Market validation: Virgin Galactic's 600+ $250k pre-sales prove demand at our price point
- Next step: establish a closed, verifiable waitlist with soft-deposit commitments
Sovereign Alignment
Target- Initial informal discussions with GCC authorities and sovereign funds
- Target positioning as a GCC flagship project (e.g. Vision 2030-aligned project)
- Next step: secure letters of interest to formalize support before Series A
Flight Partner LOIs
Target- Target partnerships with HALO Space, Virgin Galactic, Vast, and Axiom for Phase 2 operations
- Seed phase focus: No binding agreements yet; timeline discussions are early-stage
- Next step: secure 1-2 non-binding LOIs covering preliminary terms
Advisory Bench
Target- Identify candidates: ex-astronaut, luxury hospitality executive, space infrastructure expert, GCC strategic advisor, and AI/ML advisor
- Informal conversations held, but no contracts signed
- Next step: formalize advisory board appointments as part of the seed raise
*Traction milestones represent seed phase objectives; current status is pre-seed validation stage
Roadmap
Phased, De-risked Execution
Earth
Luxury Resort & Training Hub
Opening 2028 in the GCC, the world's first space hospitality resort blends five-star experiences with astronaut training, longevity science, and an Innovation Lab developing future-ready space technologies.
Space
Suborbital and Orbital Experiences
Guests transition from Earth to orbit through curated suborbital and orbital missions, delivered with partner vehicles and layered with ASCEND's hospitality, concierge training, and personalized certification.
Moon and Beyond
Lunar Journeys & Infrastructure
The ultimate frontier: bespoke lunar missions for elite pioneers, supported by ASCEND's lunar habitats, wellness systems, and proprietary launch facility — establishing the foundation for permanent space hospitality.
Vision-aligned masterplan
Phase 1 flagged as a flagship luxury-tourism project with a 2028 opening that feeds GCC tourism targets.
Space-sector coordination
Early work with national Space Agency to co-draft human-spaceflight rules and future launch licensing while arranging guest logistics to partner pads abroad.
Public-private funding engine
Sovereign "patient capital" plus ASCEND's private-sector execution lowers risk and guarantees infrastructure support.
De-risked delivery roadmap
Modular construction, pre-qualified contractors, and timeline buffers keep Phase 1 on schedule.
Financial Highlights
Strong Unit Economics & Growth*
$330M
Revenue
(by Year 5 Post-Opening)
30-40%
EBITDA Margin
(by Year 5 Post-Opening)
Positive
Free Cash Flow
(from Year 2-3 Post-Opening)
ASCEND's phased model targets early cashflows from the resort, sustainable margins in flights, and multi-billion upside in lunar missions and R&D. Projected growth driven by 4,000+ annual guests, 10–15% conversion into suborbital/orbital seats, and recurring revenue streams from memberships, R&D, and sponsorships.
*Financial projections based on preliminary assumptions validated through seed phase feasibility studies. Year 1 of operations begins Q1 2028; Year 5 represents FY 2032. Figures reflect mature Phase 1 operations blended with Phase 2 contributions.
Funding Plans
De-risked capital strategy
Staged raises unlock resort revenues, flight operations, and long-term space hospitality tech.
We are seeking an investment of
$5M USD
$5M
Convertible note / SAFE with HNWIs + founders
$5M (at $25-35M cap with 20-25% discount)
- Completes feasibility studies, validates unit economics and customer demand, secures 3-5 partner MOUs, seeds core team, and delivers investor-ready Series A blueprint with go/no-go decision at Month 18.
$300M+
- Funds full design-build of ultra-luxury resort, astronaut training facility, longevity wellness center & balloon pads
- R&D Lab with AI compute (scope per feasibility)
- Secure land, permits & EPC contracts
- Working-capital runway to opening (2028)
$500M+
- Expands into suborbital and orbital operations with bulk flight seats, infrastructure upgrades, and global marketing
- Orbital modules are fitted with ASCEND's hospitality layer
- R&D Lab scales into full space hospitality technologies
Seed Round Use of Funds
2x founders full-time, fractional CFO/COO, advisory board (ex-astronaut, hospitality exec, space expert, GCC advisor, AI/ML advisor)
HVS hospitality study, training facility assessment, R&D Lab scope, site evaluation and master planning, regulatory pathway
UHNW/HNW market research, Founders Circle launch targeting 10-20 deposits ($500k-$2M total), brand foundation, customer validation
Fund global travel, legal fees, and workshops to secure MOUs/LOIs with spaceflight, wellness, luxury-brand partners, GCC government relations
Seed round legal documentation, corporate structure, IP protection, and flexible reserve
*Funding amounts and timing subject to successful seed validation and market conditions. Go/no-go decision gates at Month 6, 9, and 18.
Why ASCEND™ is different
ASCEND™ aims to be the hospitality brand of space
Where technology, wellness and community converge from Earth to Moon.
Luxury + Authenticity
High-end hospitality blended with real astronaut training and contribution to innovation.
End-to-End Journey
Seamless pathway from Earth resort to orbit and lunar missions.
Strategic Alignment
Vision 2030 or We the UAE 2031-aligned, with desert as a natural other-worldly stage and target GCC strategic partnership.
Space Hospitality Tech
Innovation Lab + AI compute to develop habitats, interiors, and breakthrough technologies.
Longevity & Space Medicine
Cutting-edge wellness and regenerative science inspired by space medicine.
Exclusivity & Community
Limited capacity for a lifelong club of spacefaring trailblazers and private events.
*Differentiation strategy subject to validation during seed phase
The Team
The Founders Building the First Space Hospitality Platform
Proven track records across aerospace, luxury hospitality, GCC ventures, and frontier technologies.
François Lambert
INTERIM CO-CEO (SPACE)
Space lawyer and complex space infrastructure strategist with two decades in global space programs. Advised Amazon Kuiper, shaped spaceport projects, and serves as a World Economic Forum expert on space. Brings rare expertise across regulation, infrastructure, and government influence to drive ASCEND's space vision.
Ari Matityahu
INTERIM CO-CEO (RESORT)
GCC operator and dealmaker who led WeWork MENA and built deep ties with governments, investors, and sovereign circles. Knows how the region moves and who actually makes decisions. Positions ASCEND for real backing and national-level support.
Corina Goetz
HOSPITALITY & GCC MARKET
Luxury hospitality expert with twenty years shaping ultra-premium guest experiences across the Gulf. Trusted by top hotel groups and tourism leaders. Builds the service model that makes ASCEND feel refined, modern, and culturally fluent.
Cory Lopes-Warfield
BRAND & DIGITAL INNOVATION
Tech founder and brand architect with a sharp eye for UHNW expectations. Blends hospitality tech with bold storytelling and digital fluency. Shapes ASCEND's identity, customer journey, and early adopter community.
Advisory Board
ASCEND's 100-Year Vision
From Privilege to Progress
Today's pioneers make tomorrow's future possible. By channeling the passion and capital of the world's elite explorers into hospitality, technology, and infrastructure, ASCEND™ lays the foundation for sustainable human presence beyond Earth — creating IP, innovation, and experiences that benefit both space and life on Earth.
...from the Planet's most iconic desert to the Moon.