Vast Readies Historic Launch of First Commercial Space Station

Defense and space manufacturer Vast deployed its Haven Demo satellite in early November, anticipating that the spacecraft will serve as a step toward developing a commercial space station.

Haven Demo?

The uncrewed Haven Demo features flight computers, communication units, as well as propulsion, guidance, navigation, and power systems. The project aims to validate system quality and performance ahead of the Haven-1 launch, scheduled for May 2026, and eventually Haven-2, the proposed successor to the International Space Station following its 2030 deorbit.

Haven-1

Vast expects the Haven-1 to serve as an innovation lab for government missions and private astronauts. The 14,600-kilogram spacecraft will accommodate a crew of four and feature a habitable volume of 45 cubic meters and a 1.1-meter domed window. The company announced in October that it had completed the final weld of the primary structure.

Haven-2

Starting in 2028, Vast plans to launch Haven-2 modules approximately every six months until it completes the station in 2032. The company expects Haven-2 to include 500 cubic meters of habitable space, two docking ports, external payload facilities, and a 3.8-meter domed window for a 12-person crew.

Space.com reported that Haven-1 is privately funded, with its launch secured. However, the design of Haven-2 depends on NASA's Commercial LEO Destinations program.

Image credit: Vast

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