Private Space Station Haven-1 Set to Launch in 2026, Paving Way for Larger Orbital Outpost
HOUSTON – Vast, a space technology company, is preparing to launch its first private space station, Haven-1, in 2026. This mission marks a significant step toward commercializing low Earth orbit and establishing a long-term human presence in space, ultimately aiming to succeed the International Space Station (ISS).
Haven-1 will serve as a crucial testbed for vast’s more ambitious plans: Haven-2. While Haven-1 offers a functional space habitat,Haven-2 is envisioned as a modular station capable of replacing the ISS,which is currently scheduled for deorbiting in 2030. Haven-2’s design incorporates a second docking port, increased volume, fixed solar arrays, and an additional window, allowing for expanded capabilities and future additions.
“Haven-1 will be stretched in length, add another docking port, and become more modular. We can attach cargo supply while the crew is there,” explained former NASA astronaut and Vast associate Pamela Melroy. The expansion relies on SpaceX‘s launch capabilities, with Haven-2 modules requiring the Falcon Heavy rocket with elongated fairings for transport. A central node for Haven-2, however, is designed specifically for launch via SpaceX’s Starship megarocket, currently under development.
Vast’s long-term goal extends beyond simply replicating the ISS. The company envisions Haven-2 as a stepping stone toward developing artificial gravity and enabling long-duration space habitation. “We were founded for long-term living in space,so artificial gravity,” stated Eva Behrend,Vast’s vice president of communications. “But we realized we needed stepping stones. So we saeid, ‘let’s just build it and prove we can do it.'”
Currently, Haven-1 is fully funded through private investment.The development of Haven-2, though, is contingent upon NASA’s Commercial LEO destinations (CLD) program and its defined requirements. “once we certainly know the expectations, we can head down with full focus – our architecture is flexible enough to adapt,” Melroy added. Vast ultimately aims to create accessible “destinations in space – places for people to live, work and look back at Earth,” according to Behrend.
