NASA astronaut Frank Rubio reflects on his unexpected 1-year stay on the International Space Station (ISS) after a spacecraft fault doubled his planned 6-month mission. Rubio used the extra time to assess his performance and improve his efficiency in space. He considers himself "incredibly lucky" to have been able to implement lessons learned immediately. Rubio's extended stay was due to a leak in his Russian Soyuz spacecraft, which was later found to be damaged by a micrometeoroid strike. He and his crewmates safely returned to Earth in a replacement craft. Rubio also commented on recent coolant leaks on the ISS and expressed confidence in mission controllers' efforts to ensure crew safety. Despite the challenges, Rubio found support from his community and managed to find humor in the loss of a dwarf tomato during his time on the ISS.
American astronaut Frank Rubio broke NASA's single spaceflight record for continuous days spent in space by an American, spending 371 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to unexpected hiccups, including a coolant leak in the Soyuz capsule that jeopardized his ride home. Rubio reflected on his unexpected year in space, expressing that he would have declined the extended stay if asked upfront. Despite the challenges, Rubio participated in various research projects and will return to Earth on September 27, looking forward to reuniting with his family and enjoying the peace and quiet.
WaterWalk, a hotel chain, is offering travelers the option to book unfurnished hotel rooms, allowing them to bring their own furniture and customize their stay. Guests who choose these accommodations stay for an average of about 400 nights. WaterWalk has 13 locations and plans to expand further. The brand also offers furnished rooms for those who prefer a more traditional experience.
Marriott has launched its 32nd brand, Project MidX Studios, which is expected to be its most budget-friendly extended-stay brand. The brand is aimed at guests staying for 20 nights or longer and who want to pay around $80 per night. The suites will feature single or double queen-size beds as well as kitchens and an abundance of storage areas. The brand already has more than 250 potential development opportunities in the works.
Hilton plans to launch a new budget extended stay hotel brand, which will be at "the lower end of midscale," below Home2 Suites. The new brand will combine the benefits of an apartment and a hotel, and will have an average length of stay of 20-30 days. Hilton's focus lately has been on lower-end brands that are higher margin. The new brand would be lower end than Home2 Suites by Hilton.
Hilton is set to launch a new extended-stay brand that will be officially announced within the next two months. The new brand will be at the "very low end of the midscale" and will likely start opening hotels in 2024 or 2025. Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta said the new brand is not a response to economic uncertainty, but rather because "customers want it" and "owners want to build it." This comes after the company debuted Spark, an economy brand targeting the premium end of budget travel.
