Featured Image Source: Forbes
The Nuclear-Powered Sky Hotel is the intersection of:
- Speculative Design, “a design practice that is concerned with future design proposals of a critical nature. The term “speculative design” was popularised by Anthony Dunne and Fiona Raby as a subsidiary of critical design. The aim is not to present commercially
driven design proposals but to design proposals that identify and debate crucial issues that might happen in the future. Speculative design is concerned with future consequences and implications of the relationship between science, technology, and humans. It problematizes this relation by proposing provocative future design scenarios where technology and design implications are accentuated. These provocative design proposals are meant to trigger the debate about future challenges. Speculative design proposals might seem subversive and irreverent in nature as they are meant to initiate discussions not to be market products.” (1). For more, see the work of Syd Mead. - The conclusion amongst foresight strategists and subject matter experts in many scientific disciplines and public policy arenas is that nuclear power is central to an “all-of-the-above” portfolio for the future of energy, the planet, and the transformation of the oil and gas energy subsector. Stuart Brand summarizes the issue here.
As reported by Duncan Madden at Forbes: Would You Take A Sky Cruise In A Nuclear Powered Flying Hotel?:
‘Science communicator and video producer’ Hashem Al-Ghaili has caused quite an online stir with his video spectacularly showcasing a new Sky Cruise concept first created by Tony Holmston – a flying hotel that can carry more than 5,000 passengers in “the epitome of luxury.”
Thanks to its 20 nuclear-powered engines, the ‘Skytanic’ (or ‘Flytanic’ – take your pick as neither inspires much confidence!) doesn’t need to land, instead endlessly cruising above the cloudline offering spectacular sunrises and sunsets, glorious night skies and the promise of the aurora borealis up close and more extraordinary than ever.
Passengers would be ferried up on conventional airliners and private jets that dock with the Sky Hotel and drop them off via an external elevator. Once onboard they would enjoy luxurious living with a 360-degree viewing deck at the tail and a huge concourse with shopping malls, state-of-the-art medical facility and all the usual trappings of a cruise ship at sea in the main body of the ‘plane’.
On the tricky topic of turbulence, the Sky Hotel’s AI system promises to predict in advance and use a technology similar to noise canceling to balance out the bumps so passengers “glide over the vibrations with ease”. Particularly handy if you’re taking a dip in the onboard swimming pool at the time.
In response to his video, Al-Ghaili reiterates it’s just a concept but that he dreams of “a future where such stuff could exist”, going so far as to rebuff detractors with a quote from Albert Einstein, “If at first the idea is not absurd, then there will be no hope for it.”
But he also believes in the science of it: “Small nuclear reactors that can power airplanes are expected to be ready by the 2030s. The UK is working on a Small Modular Nuclear Reactor (SMR) that’s expected to join the grid in 2029, and the US is investing heavily in commercial nuclear fusion research. With just a few tweaks to the design, nuclear fusion and proper aerodynamics, the Sky Cruise could someday take off and carry thousands of passengers above the clouds.”
Reaction has been mixed with some pointing in particular to the cost of such a project, likely to be reflected in ticket prices that make it an elitist opportunity only available to the rich (though they are perhaps getting ahead of themselves here). As one wit put it in the comments, “I’m sure I would be able to afford a ticket for the lowest deck with no leg space and no access to the lounge.”
Although the idea of docking mid-air with a nuclear-powered flying hotel may not sound like the most relaxing way to enjoy a vacation, it’s surely nothing compared to the common hell of cramming yourself into a tiny seat space next to a screaming child for ten hours of torture that is commercial flying today! (2)
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