NASA has signed an order with Vast, a privately-held American aerospace company, for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The mission is targeted to launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit.
This selection represents Vast’s first private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory. The company joins a growing community of commercial partners working with NASA to foster a dynamic space economy and advance research capabilities beyond traditional government-led programs.
Mission Details and Timeline
The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days aboard the space station. Vast has contracted with SpaceX as the launch provider, meaning astronauts will travel aboard a Dragon spacecraft launched by a Falcon 9 rocket. The specific launch date will depend on overall spacecraft traffic at the orbital outpost and other planning considerations.
Vast will submit four proposed crew members to NASA and its international partners for review. Once approved and confirmed, the astronauts will undergo training with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX in preparation for their flight.
Commercial Services and Scientific Focus
The company will purchase mission services from NASA, including crew consumables, cargo delivery, storage, and other in-orbit resources for daily use. In exchange, NASA will purchase the capability to return scientific samples that must remain cold during transit back to Earth.
According to Max Haot, CEO of Vast, utilizing the remaining life of the space station with science and research-led commercial missions is essential for transitioning toward commercial space stations and expanding the orbital economy. The mission will prioritize biology and biotechnology research, physical sciences experiments, human research studies, and technology demonstrations.
Vast has already invited research proposals and signed an agreement with CASIS to enhance scientific output aligned with its long-term strategy.
Haven-1 Commercial Space Station
Beyond this ISS mission, Vast is developing Haven-1, expected to launch in 2027 and positioned to become the world’s first commercial space station. Additional Haven modules are planned to enable a permanent human presence in orbit by 2030.
The upcoming ISS mission will help Vast gain critical insights into infrastructure, safety systems, and operational procedures required for future human spaceflight missions. This experience will directly inform the design and operation of Haven-1 and subsequent commercial space stations.
NASA’s Vision for Commercial Space
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized that private astronaut missions represent more than access to the International Space Station. They create opportunities for new ideas, companies, and capabilities that enhance American leadership in low Earth orbit and open doors for future exploration.
Dana Weigel, manager of the International Space Station Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, noted that the station plays an essential role in shaping the future of low Earth orbit. By hosting private astronaut missions, the station helps accelerate innovation, opens new commercial pathways, and advances research that strengthens the foundation of a thriving space economy.
Selection Process and Broader Impact
NASA made the selection from proposals received in response to its March 2025 NASA Research Announcement. Missions aboard the International Space Station, including private astronaut missions, help advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies in the unique microgravity environment.
These commercial efforts in low Earth orbit are helping develop capabilities and technologies that could support NASA’s long-term goals for missions beyond low Earth orbit, including deep space exploration to the Moon and eventually to Mars through the agency’s Artemis campaign.
Global Expansion Plans
Vast is also exploring opportunities beyond the United States. CEO Max Haot attended the Global Space Exploration Conference focusing on collaborations in human spaceflight and space station development, with particular interest in the Indian market.
This agreement highlights growing private sector participation in space exploration and signals a shift toward commercially operated space stations in the coming decade. As the International Space Station approaches the end of its operational life, private companies like Vast are positioning themselves to fill the gap and expand commercial activities in orbit.
