NASA has chosen Vast, a company from California, for its sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission is set to launch in summer 2027 from Florida. It’s an exciting move for Vast as they work towards developing their own space station, called Haven-2.
Meanwhile, Axiom Space, another pioneer in commercial space travel, is preparing for its fifth mission to the ISS in early 2027. Both companies are part of NASA’s effort to shift from government-run space stations to commercial ones.
Vast’s upcoming mission will last two weeks and is a big step towards their goal of establishing Haven-2. According to a recent NASA statement, this is a great opportunity for Vast to learn about human spaceflight. Max Haot, the CEO of Vast, expressed gratitude for NASA’s support, noting that these missions are vital for advancing the commercial space economy.
While Vast isn’t among the first companies focusing on commercial space stations, they are eager to catch up. Their Haven Demo spacecraft, which launched with SpaceX in 2025, set the foundation for future projects. Vast aims to have a permanent human presence in space by 2030, with the first module of Haven-1 launching in 2027.
On the other hand, Axiom Space has already proven its capabilities. Since its first mission in 2022, Axiom has successfully completed four missions, now focusing on government-sponsored astronauts from countries like India, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia. Jonathan Cirtain, Axiom’s President, highlighted how these missions have broadened the global community of space explorers and enriched scientific understanding in microgravity.
NASA is playing a crucial role in this shift to a commercial space economy. According to Jared Isaacman, the NASA Administrator, private missions introduce new ideas and boost America’s leadership in space. With support from NASA, companies like Vast and Axiom not only conduct missions but also gather valuable data that will inform future explorations beyond Earth.
This trend indicates a vibrant future for private space travel. According to a recent survey from the Space Foundation, nearly 80% of people believe that commercial spaceflight will enhance scientific progress. As more companies venture into space, we can expect innovative breakthroughs, enhancing our understanding of the cosmos.
In conclusion, the collaboration between NASA, Vast, and Axiom highlights a new era in space exploration. With NASA’s backing, these companies are not just chasing the stars; they are laying the groundwork for the future of human activity in space.
For more information, visit NASA’s official statement and Vast’s website.
