tech
The first commercial space station, Haven-1, is now undergoing assembly for launch
“We have a very strong incentive to send a crew as quickly as we can safely do so.”
TL;DR
- Vast's Haven-1 space station launch is postponed to Q1 2027, a year or more ahead of competitors.
- The primary structure of Haven-1 is complete, with integration of systems like TCS and avionics underway.
- Haven-1 will launch uncrewed on a Falcon 9, followed by a period of monitoring before crewed docking.
- Vast is in negotiations for Haven-1's crew, aiming for a rapid mission turnaround after launch.
- The company plans for subsequent modules (Haven-2) with increased docking ports, power, and volume, leveraging iterative development.
- Vast is considering competing for NASA's CLD contracts with Haven-1 or Haven-2, awaiting clearer requirements.
- Vast's CEO advocates for NASA to release the CLD Phase 2 RFP promptly and require demonstration missions.
- The company aims for continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit post-ISS retirement by 2030.
- Vast believes two commercial station winners are in the country's best interest and emphasizes profitability through international and private customers, alongside unlocking the orbital economy.