In 2026, a group of astronauts is floating inside a gleaming white cylinder, positioned hundreds of kilometers above the Earth.
They gaze down at our planet through a 1.1-meter dome window and rest in an inflatable bed engineered for zero gravity, while conducting experiments focusing on human physiology, plant development, and protein crystallization.
Yet, this isn’t the International Space Station (ISS). It’s not managed by NASA, Roscosmos, or the China National Space Administration. This is Haven-1, the world’s inaugural commercial space station constructed by a private company named Vast.
Set to launch in May 2026 aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9, Haven-1 signifies transformative shifts in how we live and work in space.
“If you can achieve this prior to securing a NASA contract [to replace the ISS], using our funds, we have numerous CEOs,” says Max Haot to BBC Science Focus. “We will not only be the first commercial space station but also the sole predicted bidders to accomplish this.”
Minimum viable space station
Vast’s strategy is quick, concentrated, straightforward, and practical. Rather than constructing an extensive orbital laboratory, they designed a carefully constrained system that prioritizes safety and quality.
With a volume of 45m3 (1,590 feet)3, Haven-1 provides roughly the interior space of a small tour bus. Its life support system operates on a simpler “open loop” model, adapted from previous NASA technology and utilized during the space shuttle era.
The crew will stay for shorter durations compared to the ISS. Instead, four astronauts will visit for approximately 10 days, arriving aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Over Haven-1’s projected three-year orbital lifespan, only four such missions are planned.
“As a demonstration of a minimally viable product space station, safety is our top priority,” Haot states. “The second priority is achieving this within an unprecedented timeline. A swift timeline leads to reduced costs.”
Simplifying processes enables Vast to accelerate progress. The main structure is already assembled and will undergo testing this summer after completion in July. By early next year, the entire system should be integrated, and final tests will commence.
Stations that look like the future
Aesthetically, Haven-1 is a remarkable departure from its predecessor. While the ISS is an engineering marvel, it often resembles a floating plumbing workshop. Haven-1 is designed with a science fiction aesthetic. Its interior is clean, functional, and sleek for space habitats.
This aesthetic reimagining is not solely for show. It’s about functionality. “We go to space to work,” Haot explains. “It’s straightforward to understand that better rest, well-being, and communication lead to increased productivity.”
Here, Vast’s Human Factors team plays a crucial role, led by veteran NASA astronaut Drew Feestel.
For instance, sleep is facilitated using an inflatable bed that applies gentle pressure, mimicking the physical sensations astronauts crave in microgravity.
“Astronauts have various preferences for sleeping on the ISS,” says Haot. “Many opt for pressure against their bodies while they sleep.”
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What occurs aboard the ship?
Each mission to Haven-1 will be shorter yet packed with activities. Scientists can engage approximately 40 crew members throughout the station’s lifespan, given the limited opportunities for human time in orbit.
“Humanity has limited time to learn about space habitation and test technology,” notes Haot. “We believe that you can be incredibly productive within that time.”
Already lined up are research projects addressing human biology, drug screening, plant development, and protein crystal formation. Vast has established partnerships with Redwire Space (USA), Yuri (Germany), and Exobios Fair (Luxembourg).
A French company, Interstellar Lab, is investigating plant growth in microgravity.
Between missions, the station will be utilized to experiment with artificial gravity systems. This is an early step toward enhancing safety and feasibility for long-duration space travel.
Strategic moves in the post-ISS era
Haven-1 is more than just a research platform; it’s a strategic maneuver in a much broader competition.
NASA intends to retire the ISS around 2030 and is currently reviewing bids for the next-generation orbital platform. Haot aims to secure that contract, and launching Haven-1 early with private funding is a bold way to leap ahead of competitors.
“Our goal is to present the most compelling strategy among all contenders,” Haot explains. “We’ve already achieved this by being ahead in technology development, teams, facilities, and certification processes.”
However, winning the race is not guaranteed. A competing spaceflight company, Axiom Space, has already secured a $140 million contract from NASA to connect at least one module to the ISS. Work is ongoing at Axiom, with the inaugural launch slated for late 2026.
Other companies, including Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, and Starlab, are also in the running.
If successful, the Vast team will be well-positioned when NASA makes its decisions in 2026. If NASA’s objectives do not come to fruition, they may explore opportunities with foreign governments and private entities interested in utilizing the station.
“We remain optimistic about the future of Vast, but our primary focus is internally,” affirms Haot. “Winning this opportunity is of pivotal significance—it’s the largest market opportunity currently in the space station sector.”
From Haven-1 to a comprehensive orbital hub
Haven-1 is just the beginning. Vast’s subsequent venture is Haven-2, a more advanced module adhering to the same philosophy. Starting in 2028, the company plans to launch new modules every six months, ultimately assembling a complete commercial station by 2032.
This modular future facilitates more frequent crew missions, civil research programs, and, ultimately, a broader orbital economy.
Thanks to a partnership with SpaceX, Haven-1 will also become the first space station connected to Starlink, providing ORBIT Gigabit Speed Internet.
“If you want to operate Haven-1 and communicate continuously, you can,” Haot asserts. “This will significantly change how the public and crew interact.”
Redefining space
Haven-1 may not be the largest or the most sophisticated station in orbit, but it will be the first entirely constructed, funded, and operated by private enterprises. That’s the crux of its significance.
Vast aims to reshape the landscape of low Earth orbit, illustrating that space infrastructure can be efficient, elegant, and commercially viable. Whether in science, exploration, or industry, HAOT believes the future of space belongs not to nations, but to those who reach the stars first.
“The goal isn’t to erect luxury hotels in space to attract tourists,” emphasizes Haot. “The aim is to create a robust environment that supports exploration.”
“It’s not without risks. We need to observe what transpires in reality.”
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About our experts
Max Hat is an entrepreneur with a background in aerospace, appliances, and the internet. He currently serves as the CEO of Vast.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
