--- title: "We’re in Awe of this Absolutely Deranged “Nuclear-Powered Sky Hotel”" description: "It's definitely not a bird, but it is sort of a plane — it's the non-existent but admittedly very cool Sky Cruise, a fantastical nuclear-powered sky hotel." date: "2022-06-25" modified: "2022-06-25" authors: - name: "Maggie Harrison Dupré" job_title: "Senior Staff Writer" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/mharrison" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/deranged-nuclear-powered-sky-hotel" categories: - "Energy" - "Nuclear Fusion" - "Renewable Energy" - "Science & Energy" tags: - "air travel" - "engineering" - "hotels" - "the digest" --- # We’re in Awe of this Absolutely Deranged “Nuclear-Powered Sky Hotel” ![It's definitely not a bird, but it is sort of a plane — it's the non-existent but admittedly very cool Sky Cruise, a fantastical nuclear-powered sky hotel.]() *\Image: Hashem Al-Ghaili via YouTube\* ## Howl's Nuclear Castle It's definitely not a bird, but it is sort of a plane. Specifically, it's a non-existent but admittedly very cool concept called the Sky Cruise, a fantastical nuclear-powered sky hotel. The [impressively-detailed video rendering]() visualizes a hulking airborne vessel, allegedly designed to house over 5,000 guests in nearly nonstop flight. Alongside magnificent views of nature — including a close-up look at the Northern lights – there are seemingly endless things to do: fancy restaurants, a massive shopping mall, gyms, theaters, pools, wellness and medical services, event spaces, and more. The narrator even points out that getting married above the clouds would be a pretty awesome way to say "I do." But, as one YouTube commenter pointed out, there seems to be one very important amenity missing. "I'd still want an old-fashioned arcade where I can turn my tickets in for cheap-azz prizes," they wrote. Honestly, fair. ## Far Out The conceptual skycraft boasts 20 electric engines, powered solely by a "small nuclear reactor" that "uses highly-controlled fusion reaction," And because it wouldn't need to be refueled, it would rarely need to land. Guests would fly to and from the sky high hotel on commercial or private jetliners, and all repairs would be done in-air. Many commenters, however, were quick to call out design flaws — not the least being that practical nuclear fusion [doesn't actually exist yet](). And even if it did, there would be other immense engineering challenges to surmount. "If physics and aerodynamics didn't exist, then this vessel might actually be able to take off," remarked another YouTuber. Harsh! But the biggest caveat of all? The narrator claims that the design "combines the features of a commercial plane, while offering the epitome of luxury." Seeing as how commercial plane and luxury do not belong in the same sentence, that feels like a major plothole. As another commenter so elegantly put it: "I bet I still end up next to someone else's screaming three year old for the entire trip." **More on the future of sky travel:** [*The Future of Air Travel Is Apparently the Final Circle of Hell*]() ## Author At Futurism, I've reported extensively on the rise of AI as a cultural and business force shaping the media industry, and more broadly how those dynamics are changing how we all consume and share information and relate to one another. I'm also fascinated by public health policy and ethics, the role of emerging tech in politics and governance — and the powerful people and forces at those intersections — climate change, and the environment. My investigation on Sports Illustrated's use of AI-generated authors with fictional biographies won a 2024 Mirror Award for "Best Story on Media Coverage of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and the Media" from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School, I contributed to Niemen Lab's 2025 Predictions for Journalism series, and I've discussed my work for Futurism during appearances on NPR, CNN, the BBC, the CBC, and more. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I played Division I field hockey for the Minutewomen as a midfielder. Since then, I've lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Manhattan, New York. I spend my free time running, reading, perusing archival fashion, and searching for the world’s best negroni. I also have a debonair tuxedo cat, Westley, who's named after "The Princess Bride." ### Author social links [Bluesky]()