Vast Selected by NASA for Sixth Private Astronaut Mission to the ISS

Vast, the company behind next-generation space stations, has been chosen by NASA to conduct the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida, marking Vast’s first private astronaut collaboration with NASA.

“Vast is honored to be selected by NASA for this mission,” said Max Haot, CEO of Vast. “Using the remaining operational life of the ISS for science-driven commercial missions is a crucial step toward commercial space stations and fully unlocking the orbital economy.”

The mission’s crew is expected to spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS. The exact launch date will depend on spacecraft traffic at the station and other logistical factors. The crew will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket.

The mission will provide key insights into the infrastructure and processes needed for safe human spaceflight and will strengthen Vast’s collaboration with NASA and other international space agencies. It also positions Vast as a strong candidate for its proposed follow-up, the multi-module, continuously crewed Haven-2 space station.

Vast plans a comprehensive science and research agenda for the mission, focusing on biology, biotechnology, physical sciences, human research, and technology demonstrations. Last year, the company called for research proposals for a potential private astronaut mission. In partnership with CASIS, Vast will also increase the throughput of high-quality experiments aligned with its research strategy.