Vast, a company focused on developing next-generation space stations, has been selected by NASA for its sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida, marks Vast’s first foray into privately-funded crewed missions to the orbiting laboratory and underscores NASA’s commitment to fostering a growing commercial space economy. The agreement builds on existing partnerships with companies like Axiom Space, signaling a continued shift towards commercializing low Earth orbit.
Leveraging the ISS for Commercial Space Development
The mission will see a crew of four astronauts, selected by Vast and approved by NASA and its international partners, spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS. Launch will be facilitated by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, as previously announced. This isn’t simply a tourism venture; it’s designed to gather crucial data and experience for Vast as it develops its own planned space station, Haven-2. This experience will be invaluable in refining the infrastructure and processes needed for safe and reliable human spaceflight.
According to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, private astronaut missions “create opportunities for new ideas, companies, and capabilities that further enhance American leadership in low Earth orbit and open doors for what’s next.” The selection of Vast highlights NASA’s strategy of utilizing the remaining operational life of the ISS for both scientific research and commercial ventures, paving the way for future, fully commercial space destinations.
Haven-2: A Future Commercial Space Station
Vast’s long-term goal is to establish a permanent human presence in space with its Haven-2 space station. The upcoming ISS mission serves as a critical stepping stone in achieving this ambition. The data collected during the mission will inform the design and operation of Haven-2, a multi-module, continuously crewed station. Vast has already demonstrated some operational capabilities with Haven Demo in 2025, making it the only commercial space station company to have flown and operated its own spacecraft.
The company anticipates Haven-1 launching in 2027, positioning it as the world’s first commercial space station. Subsequent modules will be added to create a permanently inhabited facility by 2030. Vast’s approach to space station development is characterized by an incremental, hardware-rich, and cost-effective strategy.
Science and Research Opportunities
Vast is planning a robust science and research portfolio for the ISS mission, with a focus on biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, human research, and technology demonstrations. Last year, the company announced a call for research proposals for a potential private astronaut mission (PAM). This initiative, coupled with a current agreement with the CASIS (the operating organization for the ISS National Laboratory), aims to increase the throughput of high-quality science aligned with Vast’s research strategy.
Researchers interested in submitting proposals can find more information at https://www.vastspace.com/science-rfp-eligibility. The mission aims to leverage the unique microgravity environment of the ISS to conduct experiments and develop technologies that are difficult or impossible to replicate on Earth.
Vast’s Growing Infrastructure and Investment
Vast currently employs over 1,000 people at its headquarters in Long Beach, California, and has secured over a billion dollars in private capital investment. This funding has enabled the company to build the facilities necessary to manufacture and operate its space station infrastructure. Beyond Haven-2, Vast has plans to develop future habitats for the Moon and Mars, as well as dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems to support the expanding long-term space economy.
The company’s success in securing this NASA order demonstrates the growing confidence in the commercial space sector and the potential for private companies to play a significant role in the future of space exploration. The collaboration between NASA and Vast represents a key step in the transition to commercially operated space stations, a shift that is expected to drive innovation and reduce costs in the long run.
The specific launch date for the mission will depend on overall spacecraft traffic at the ISS and other logistical considerations. However, the commitment from both NASA and Vast signals a clear path forward for this ambitious project, and a significant advancement in the commercialization of low Earth orbit.
