Vast and SpaceX Ink Deal for Two Astronauts’ Private Missions to the ISS

Space exploration just got more exciting with Vast Space’s announcement of a partnership with SpaceX.

They have finalized a deal to send two private astronaut missions to the International Space Station, pending the green light from NASA.

This move is a critical part of Vast’s broader strategy to extend its capabilities in human spaceflight and strengthen collaborations with global space agencies.

Max Haot, CEO of Vast, expressed enthusiasm about the venture. ‘Enabling payload and crewed missions to the ISS is a key part of Vast’s strategy, allowing us to further our collaboration with NASA and global space agencies,’ he said.

This initiative is expected to bolster Vast’s reputation as a prime candidate to provide the next-generation successor to the ISS.

SpaceX’s president, Gwynne Shotwell, also shared her excitement. ‘I am excited to work with Vast as they build more opportunities and destinations for more people to travel amongst the stars,’ she mentioned.

These missions, however, hinge on NASA’s approval. To date, NASA has sanctioned four such missions, predominantly to Axiom Space. Axiom has already embarked on three missions and is gearing up for its fourth in spring 2025.

Vast is poised to face stiff competition from Axiom, which recently updated its plans for assembling its own commercial space station.

Unlike Axiom’s strategy of adding modules to the ISS, Vast is also planning a standalone venture.

Their Haven-1 module, set to launch by late 2025, will facilitate up to four short-duration visits and will serve as a precursor to the more extensive Haven-2 space station proposed to NASA.

Vast continues to engage in discussions with various government space agencies, aiming to secure their participation in these missions.

An interesting development is their recent agreement with the Czech Republic to explore potential flight opportunities for Czech astronauts on Vast missions.

This partnership not only opens doors for Vast but also marks a significant milestone in the commercial spaceflight industry, paving the way for more inclusive access to space travel.

Image credit: SpaceX Dragon vertical ahead of liftoff at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida