US company Bigelow Aerospace said it plans to run a fully operational space hotel and is selling the experience for $25m a time.

The company will build a 36-person space station in Earth’s orbit by 2015, building on test modules that are circling the planet.

Bigelow’s spartan design, which is based on a cancelled NASA programme, is constricted by the physical demands of spaceflight, according to the company.

Once in orbit the modules expand to a maximum volume of 11,700 cubic feet and will be fitted with small windows.

The $25m, 30-day space vacations are now up for sale, the company said.