Russian company reveals plans for space hotel

A Russian company has revealed plans for a space hotel, which will accommodate seven guests in four cabins. To reach it will involve a two day journey on board a Soyuz rocket.

For tourists the whole deal would be available at a cost of nearly $1 million.

The ticket will actually cost $942,000. A five day stay at the hotel, designed by Orbital Technologies, is expected to be about $157,000, plus the cost of the trip there, which would be $785,000.

The company promises amazing views of Earth, through portholes, and a comfort level not available in most space accommodation.

''Our planned module inside will not remind you of the International Space Station,'' Sergei Kostenko, chief executive of Orbital Technologies said. ''A hotel should be comfortable inside, and it will be possible to look at the Earth through large portholes.''

The hotel would likely open by 2016.

Visitors would be offered beds that are either vertical or horizontal and showers that will be sealed in order to stop water spreading out in all directions.

Toilets will use air instead of water to flush away waste and air will be filtered to remove any smells and bacteria before being pushed back into the cabin.

Food will be prepared on Earth and reheated in microwaves. On the menu is braised veal cheeks with mushrooms, white bean puree and plum compote.

Alcohol will not be allowed and tourists will be accompanied by experienced crew.