Game-Changer in Space: 5 Bold Moves by Vast Space to Replace the ISS with Haven-1 by 2025
VAST Space’s Haven-1: America’s Ambitious Bid to Replace the ISS with a Commercial Space Station
As the International Space Station (ISS) nears the end of its operational life, the global space community is bracing for a major shift in how humanity approaches life and research in low Earth orbit (LEO). At the forefront of this transition is VAST Space, a private American aerospace company that is working to build Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station. Slated for launch in 2026, Haven-1 could redefine human presence in space by lowering costs and increasing access, all while accelerating innovation.
Max Haot, CEO of VAST Space, is leading this bold initiative with a clear goal: to become the first entity—commercial or governmental—to place a fully functional, standalone space station in orbit after the ISS. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Haot provided an in-depth look into Haven-1’s development, its unique approach compared to competitors like Axiom Space, and its implications for global partners such as ISRO.
Commercial Space in the Post-ISS Era
With the ISS expected to retire by the end of this decade, NASA is actively exploring options to replace it. The agency has launched the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destination (CLD) program to foster private sector participation in space station development. NASA is expected to select one or two projects by July 2026 to carry forward this vision. Unlike some competitors waiting on government approval, VAST Space is proactively building Haven-1, aiming to have it in orbit before NASA makes its final decision.
“No one has ever built a commercial space station yet. And we want to build one before NASA makes the decision,” said Haot.
Haven-1: A Compact Yet Capable Orbital Outpost
Haven-1 is a single-module space station designed to support a crew of four for two-week missions. It will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and will integrate directly with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. VAST plans to conduct four missions over a three-year period using this setup.
The station will feature:
- Sleeping berths for four astronauts
- Starlink internet access
- Scientific research facilities
- Life support systems and consumables for two-week stays
This modular and efficient approach allows VAST to significantly reduce both costs and development timelines. Haven-1 will orbit independently and will not rely on the ISS, granting it more operational freedom.
$1 Billion Investment Backed by Private Funding
According to Haot, VAST Space will invest $1 billion in Haven-1’s development through a combination of private capital and customer revenue. The company currently employs about 850 personnel at its Los Angeles, California headquarters.
“We have developed all the facilities and technologies in-house. This vertical integration allows us to reduce costs and accelerate timelines. We can make the next module not only quicker—in two and a half years instead of three—but also at a much lower cost,” Haot explained.
The Bigger Picture: A 9-Module Space Station by 2028
VAST’s long-term goal goes beyond Haven-1. If selected by NASA in 2026, the company plans to build a much larger commercial space station made up of nine modules. Haot estimates that the first module of this larger station could be in orbit by the end of 2028, providing a critical two-year overlap with the ISS before its decommissioning.
This overlap is essential. It would allow NASA and its international partners to validate the new platform and ensure continuity of operations and research.
Strategic Advantages Over Competitors
While Axiom Space is also in the race, with plans to attach its module to the ISS in 2027, VAST believes its strategy offers key advantages.
“They started before us, but their timeline appears slower. Our strategy doesn’t rely on the ISS, which is a significant benefit given its uncertain future,” Haot said.
Being a free-flyer, Haven-1 will operate independently, avoiding delays or dependencies linked to the ISS’s aging infrastructure. This self-reliance could position VAST as a frontrunner in the commercial space station domain.
India: A Partner, Not a Competitor
India has also announced its intent to launch the Bhartiya Antariksha Station, with its first module planned by 2028. Rather than viewing India as a competitor, VAST sees potential for collaboration, particularly in astronaut training and joint missions.
“Absolutely, India might be interested in training astronauts before their own space station is ready. That could be an interesting discussion—to maybe bring an Indian astronaut to Haven-1,” said Haot.
ISRO has been steadily advancing its capabilities, with missions like Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan, and collaborations with NASA and JAXA, all indicating India’s growing role in space exploration.
A New Era in Human Spaceflight
Haven-1 represents more than just a commercial venture; it signals a paradigm shift in space exploration. Until now, orbital outposts like Mir and the ISS have been government-led initiatives with budgets running into hundreds of billions. VAST aims to deliver a station at a fraction of the cost, enabling wider participation from private companies, academic institutions, and even smaller countries.
“We are transitioning from a government-led to a commercially-driven era in human spaceflight. The two key criteria are safety and dramatically lowering costs,” Haot reiterated.
Future of Science and Commerce in Orbit
With onboard internet access and room for four astronauts, Haven-1 is not only a platform for government astronauts but also for private space tourists, scientific researchers, and companies seeking microgravity environments for product development.
From pharmaceutical research to materials science, the opportunities are vast. The cost efficiencies could democratize access to space, allowing emerging economies and startups to conduct experiments that were once the domain of superpowers.
Countdown to 2026
As the scheduled launch date of May 2026 approaches, all eyes are on VAST Space. The success of Haven-1 could shift the trajectory of human spaceflight, proving that commercial players are ready to shoulder the responsibility once carried solely by government space agencies.
Should VAST meet its ambitious timelines, Haven-1 could very well be the space station that marks the dawn of a new space age—one driven by innovation, collaboration, and global participation.
Conclusion
VAST Space’s Haven-1 is more than just a technological marvel; it is a statement of intent. With its free-flying design, early deployment strategy, and vision for a scalable, cost-effective future in orbit, it offers a compelling answer to the question: What comes after the ISS?
Whether it becomes NASA’s chosen replacement or not, Haven-1 is poised to make history as the first commercial space station launched by a private company, ushering in a new chapter in humanity’s journey to the stars.
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