Orbite, a premier space training and operations company for space explorers, announced it raised $4 million Series A funding round, backed by existing and new investors.
This new funding will enable Orbite to scale its operations, boost sales and marketing efforts, and advance pre-development for its inaugural Spaceflight Gateway Campus. And the company also revealed a strategic partnership with Accor, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, to support the development and operation of Orbite’s Spaceflight Gateway campus and its plans for international expansion.
Orbite also introduced its “Experience Train Fly Program,” a curated suite of offerings that provide immersive journeys into space exploration within luxurious settings, tailored training for all levels of space readiness, and customized flight missions for adventurers and space enthusiasts.
NASA and other space agencies spend years training their astronaut candidates before they embark on their first mission. Orbite’s immersive astronaut training programs bring this rigorous experience to sophisticated guests, offering a holistic blend of education, training, health, and wellness, creating a unique space hospitality experience that redefines luxury on Earth and in space.
Orbite’s Experience Train Fly Programs provide exclusive space exploration and astronaut training experiences starting in 2025. And customers can now secure their place in the following programs:
— Living in Space: An immersive journey into the future of space habitats, held in Paris, France.
— Space Health: A specialized experience focusing on wellness and the physical demands of space in Curaçao, Caribbean.
— Sea-Space Odyssey: Explore new depths in an environment more uncharted than outer space in Curaçao, Caribbean.
— Additional Experiences and Train and Fly offerings and bundles, will be added to the program schedule in the coming months.
KEY QUOTES:
“You don’t become an astronaut in a day. Astronaut training is a journey that takes time. With the continued support of our visionary shareholders and Accor’s unmatched expertise in hospitality, we are creating a truly holistic experience for our guests – one that seamlessly blends professional space preparation with luxury hospitality – as they embark on their spaceflight journey.”
– Nicolas Gaume, executive chairman of Orbite
“Accor has always been at the forefront of creating transformative hospitality experiences. Viewing Earth from Low Earth Orbit reminds us of our shared responsibility for this planet. We are excited to partner with Orbite to pioneer a new frontier in space hospitality, offering our customers a unique opportunity to explore space while fostering a deeper connection to the well-being of Earth.”
– Agnès Roquefort, head of development for Accor Luxury & Lifestyle
“Our global customers are eager to participate in the growing space economy. Our Experience Train Fly Program and our partnership with Accor offer a unique opportunity for people to experience space today in a luxurious setting.”
– Jason Andrews, CEO of Orbite
