ONLY 12 people — all white males — have ever set foot on the Moon. So why not build four mini-Moons on planet Earth so 10 million people can visit a mock-up lunar surface each year? That’s the visionary idea behind “Moon,” a truly spherical 224-meter-high construction designed to be a unique and luxurious destination resort. Primed to cost US$5 billion to construct, it’s the work of Moon World Resorts Inc. (MWR), a Canada-based architectural design and intellectual property licensor. It’s designed for everything from luxury vacations and wellness breaks to events and conventions, but there’s one main attraction; a lunar surface to explore. “It’s aimed at those who wish to participate authentic space tourism at an affordable price point,” said Michael R. Henderson, co-founder of Moon World Resorts. “Moon can accommodate 2.5 million annual guest astronauts onto its lunar surface.” It will be free to enter “Moon,” but the main experience will cost US$500. The 90-minute tour to the 10-acre lunar surface will include a visit to “an authentic working Lunar Colony.” When on the surface guests will be able to explore the lunar surface. “As you can appreciate much of this remains under wraps,” said Henderson. “However, imagine yourself in a real time authentic environment ... it’s not augmented or virtual reality ... you will actually believe you are on the Moon.” To get to the lunar surface, guests will take a ride in a shuttle, which will move within the void area of the inner sphere of the building. “Once guests enter the shuttle facility they will have a quick medical check, security screening, suit up, safety briefing, exploration briefing, then they board our unique shuttle system,” said Henderson. “Guests will experience the lift-off and entire journey to the Moon.” Neither were involved with “Moon,” but it’s inspired by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry — most well known for his Guggenheim Bilbao museum in Spain — and late British Architect Richard Rogers. “Moon will be the world’s largest true spherical building,” said Henderson. “Many buildings claim to be spheres when in fact they are simply buildings with domes.” Naturally, the “Moon” sphere will be lit-up at night to mimic the phases of the actual Moon. “A myriad of lighting effects will be available including beamed across the entire MOON sphere,” said Henderson. “If ground was broken in 2023 it could open around 2027-28,” said Henderson. There are tentative plans for four “Moon” resorts in the U.S., United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Spain. (SD-Agencies) | 