NASA has tapped Vast, a California-based company, to conduct the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled to launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida, this mission marks a significant step in Vast’s ambition to develop its own space station, Haven-2.
The announcement comes as Axiom Space, a key player in the commercial spaceflight sector, prepares for its fifth private mission to the ISS in early 2027. Both Vast and Axiom’s missions are part of NASA’s efforts to transition from government-operated space stations to commercially run platforms.
Vast Eyes Space Station Development with NASA’s Support
Vast’s mission to the ISS will help the company gain insights critical to its long-term plan of building the Haven-2 space station. This mission, which is slated to last two weeks, will provide valuable experience in human spaceflight operations. According to a statement from NASA, Vast CEO Max Haot stated that the mission is an essential learning opportunity.
“Vast is honored to have been selected by NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.” he added that, “Leveraging the remaining life of the International Space Station with science and research-led commercial crewed missions is a critical part of the transition to commercial space stations and fully unlocking the orbital economy.”
While Vast is not part of the initial wave of companies tasked with building commercial space stations, it is determined to catch up. The company’s Haven Demo spacecraft, launched with SpaceX in 2025, laid the groundwork for future missions. With plans to introduce the first module of Haven-1 in 2027, Vast aims to establish a permanent human presence in space by 2030.
Axiom Space Continues to Lead Private Missions to the ISS
Meanwhile, Axiom Space is solidifying its role as a pioneer in private space missions. Since its first mission in 2022, Axiom has completed four successful private astronaut missions to the ISS, with plans for a fifth mission set for early 2027. The company has shifted its focus from individual space tourists to government-sponsored astronauts from countries like India, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia.
Axiom’s President and CEO, Jonathan Cirtain, emphasizes that each mission has expanded the global community of space explorers while generating invaluable scientific data.
“All four previous missions have expanded the global community of space explorers, diversifying scientific investigations in microgravity, and providing significant insight that is benefitting the development of our next-generation space station, Axiom Station.”
NASA: Shaping Tomorrow’s Space Missions
NASA’s collaboration underscores the agency’s growing role in fostering a commercial space economy. As noted by the NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, private astronaut missions open doors to new ideas, capabilities, and commercial ventures that enhance the United States’ leadership in space.
“Each new entrant brings unique strengths that fuel a dynamic, innovative marketplace as we advance research and technology and prepare for missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond,” Isaacman explained.
Companies like Vast and Axiom are essential for NASA’s move towards commercial space. NASA supplies things like food, storage, and resources for private missions, while these companies provide crucial data and help with future missions beyond Earth.
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