Vast Partners with SpaceX for Groundbreaking Human Spaceflight Missions to ISS

In a landmark announcement, Vast has revealed a collaboration with SpaceX to conduct two groundbreaking human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station (ISS). Utilizing SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, these missions—a part of NASA’s Private Astronaut Missions program—could make history as the fifth and sixth PAMs ever awarded by the space agency.

As Vast gears up for its ambitious project Haven-1, a private space station scheduled for deployment in 2025, this partnership with SpaceX will strengthen its ties with NASA and bolster its bid for the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destination (CLD) Phase II program. This initiative aims to establish a replacement for the aging ISS, with Vast’s Haven-2 design emerging as a frontrunner.

Max Haot, CEO of Vast, emphasized the importance of these missions, stating, "Enabling payload and crewed missions to the ISS is a key part of Vast's strategy. These missions not only enhance our expertise in human spaceflight but also solidify our position as a leader in delivering the next-generation successor to the ISS, advancing human space exploration."

This is not the first time Vast and SpaceX have joined forces; they previously collaborated on plans to launch Haven-1 and transport crew members to the commercial station. Haven-1 is expected to showcase advancements like Starlink’s laser-based high-speed internet connectivity, marking a significant step forward in the capabilities of private space stations.

Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "I am excited to work with Vast to create more opportunities for people to travel and explore space."

The upcoming PAM missions align with NASA's goal of expanding the pool of providers in a burgeoning low-Earth orbit economy. These missions will provide crucial feedback on operational requirements for LEO destinations, touching on aspects such as crew training and mission execution—key elements as the ISS nears its retirement slated for 2030.

Global interest in PAM opportunities is surging, with Vast in active discussions with several nations. Notably, the Czech Republic has signed a memorandum of understanding to explore potential partnerships, indicating widespread governmental support for commercial space initiatives.

By undertaking these missions, Vast will not only showcase its capability in human spaceflight but also acquire invaluable experience that will feed directly into the development of Haven-1 and Haven-2. This experience positions Vast favorably for future competitions for NASA's CLD Phase II contract as well as other commercial space endeavors—marking a new era in the exploration of the final frontier.

Stay tuned, as space exploration might just be on the brink of a major transformation! 🌌