The first commercial space station, Haven-1, is now undergoing assembly for launch
Ars Technica • • general
Key Points:
- NASA faces a tight timeline to replace the International Space Station (ISS), set for decommissioning within five years, but has yet to release formal rules for commercial space stations under its program.
- Vast Space, led by CEO Max Haot, is developing Haven-1, a smaller interim commercial space station initially planned for mid-2026 launch but now delayed to Q1 2027, with a focus on short-duration, uncrewed missions before crewed flights.
- After launch, Haven-1 will undergo uncrewed testing before SpaceX potentially docks a crewed Dragon spacecraft, with mission durations expected around two weeks and options for longer stays.
- Vast plans to build a follow-on station, Haven-2, with enhanced capabilities
