Vast Space, a U.S.-based aerospace startup founded in 2021 by former SpaceX executives, announced significant progress on its Haven-1 project, positioning it as the world's first fully commercial space station. The single-module orbital laboratory is set for launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in spring 2026, carrying four astronauts for a pioneering 10-day mission. This development, revealed on October 17, 2025, underscores the accelerating shift toward private sector dominance in low-Earth orbit infrastructure, following NASA's 2021 decision to retire the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030 and transition to commercial alternatives. Haven-1 represents a milestone in this commercialisation effort, with NASA providing technical validation to ensure safety and reliability, potentially paving the way for sustained human presence in space without government-led operations.

Haven-1's design emphasises simplicity and efficiency, offering approximately 45 cubic metres of pressurised volume—comparable to the interior of a large tour bus. The cylindrical habitat features four compact crew quarters, storage lockers for scientific equipment, and a multifunctional common area for meals, collaboration, and experiments. Crew members will arrive via SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule, docking directly to the station for seamless access. Life support systems draw from proven NASA shuttle technology in an open-loop configuration, recycling air and water while managing waste through established methods. A standout feature is the 1.1-meter domed window, providing panoramic views of Earth and facilitating astronomical observations or psychological well-being during missions. This minimalist approach prioritises rapid deployment over expansive amenities, allowing Vast Space to focus resources on core functionalities like environmental control and power generation via integrated solar arrays.

With the primary hull now fully welded and painted, Vast Space's technicians are integrating critical components, including the station's hatch and advanced filtration systems. Earlier this year, NASA engineers at the Glenn Research Center validated Haven-1's air purification technology, confirming its efficacy in removing atmospheric toxins—a crucial step for crew safety. The 14-tonne module will undergo rigorous vibration and thermal-vacuum testing at the same facility in early 2026 to simulate launch stresses and orbital conditions. These validations align with NASA's Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Destinations programme, which aims to foster a vibrant economy in space by certifying private stations for government and commercial use. Co-founder Jed McCaleb, known for his roles in SpaceX and Stellar, emphasised the project's goal: "Haven-1 is about democratising access to space, enabling research and innovation that benefits humanity."

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The spring 2026 launch via Falcon 9 not only marks a technical triumph but also highlights synergies in the private space industry, with SpaceX handling transportation and Vast focusing on habitat innovation. Post-mission, Haven-1 could serve as a testbed for longer-duration stays or microgravity experiments in fields like materials science and biotechnology. As the ISS era winds down, this venture signals a future where multiple commercial outposts orbit Earth, supporting tourism, manufacturing, and international collaboration. Vast Space plans to expand its fleet, with concepts for larger, multi-module stations in development, potentially transforming low-Earth orbit into a bustling hub by the decade's end.

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