Haven-1 is on track to be the first commercial space station in orbit. It could be key to NASA's plans beyond the ISS.
NASA is looking ahead to the post-International Space Station era. The US space agency plans to replace the iconic outpost with a fleet of commercial space station s. It is racing against the clock, as recent reports show that the ISS is set to be decommissioned within five years.
One ISS successor, Vast Space’s Haven-1 outpost, was due to launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket this year. As Ars Technica reports, that launch date has now been pushed back to 2027. However, the company has confirmed that assembly is underway.Vast Space’s compact Haven-1 outpostNASA has publicly stated it will rely on the public sector to build a fleet of space stations and spread a human footprint throughout Earth’s orbit. Companies building ISS successors include Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, Voyager Technologies, Axiom Space, and Vast Space.NASA has not formally published rules and requirements for the ISS successors that will make up “phase two” of the space agency’s commercial space station program. It is expected to select one or two firms later this year, though, for funding to support their space station development.An artist’s impression of Haven-1 in orbit. Source: Vast SpaceVast Space is the closest to sending a real space station to orbit. This is due to the company’s compact, modular design. The company is also in a strong position, having hired many former SpaceX and NASA employees. Its strong partnership with SpaceX means Haven-1 will fly to space in a single Falcon 9 launch. Once in space, it will draw oxygen and energy from SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. This integration with proven technologies results in a surprisingly short development timeline when compared with other space station companies.However, in an interview with Ars Technica senior editor Eric Berger this week, Vast Space CEO Max Haot confirmed the company is moving the launch of Haven-1 to the first quarter of next year. “That’s the date right now that we are confident we will meet. We’ve been tracking that date, without slip, for quite a while,” Haot explained. “And that’s still a year, probably two years or even more, ahead of anyone else. It will be building the world’s first commercial space station from scratch, from an empty building and no team, in under four years.Private space stations race to orbitUntil the delay announcement, Vast Space had a public launch date set for mid-2026. As Haot pointed out in the interview, the company is still making steady progress. Earlier this month, on January 10, Vast fully completed the primary structure for Haven-1.The firm is now starting clean room integration. To begin with, it will start with the thermal control system , before moving onto propulsion, interior shells, and finally avionics. Once this is completed, Vast will perform a full test campaign with NASA at the end of the year. If all goes to plan, it will then launch the world’s first private space in Q1 next year.Since the launch of the ISS in November 2000, NASA and its international partners have sustained a continuous human presence in Earth’s orbit. With the space station set to be decommissioned in 2030, the race is on to test its successors. If these successors are not ready by 2030, it would be a serious setback to US space superiority, as China continues to innovate and challenge NASA.
NASA Orbit Space Station US USA
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nebraska Targets Elite 2027 Offensive LinemanJordan Agbanoma is currently ranked as the No. 5 IOL in the 2027 class and Geep Wade isn't taking his time in building a relationship with him.
Read more »
Redesigned 2027 Kia Niro Desperately Wants To Be An EV3New nose with grille-less look brings Kia’s combustion crossover into line with models like the EV3 and EV5
Read more »
Social Security Update: 2027 COLA Estimates RevealedThe Senior Citizens League said this week that it predicts the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment will be 2.5 percent.
Read more »
Fast & Furious Franchise Refueling In 2027, But It's Not For Fast 11Universal Studios announces new Fast & Furious roller coaster attraction, Hollywood Drift, set to open in 2027 at Florida and Hollywood parks.
Read more »
Milan Fashion Week: Menswear Fall/Winter 2026-2027 Showcases Diversity and InnovationMilan Fashion Week highlighted the Fall/Winter 2026-2027 menswear collections, featuring diverse approaches from established and emerging designers. Key themes included sustainability, innovative accessories, and the reflection of global trends in fashion. Dsquared2 presented an Olympic-inspired collection, Prada focused on streamlined silhouettes, and Zegna emphasized timeless wardrobe pieces. The week underscored the industry's adaptation to societal shifts and evolving consumer preferences.
Read more »
Mercedes Says 2027 S-Class Isn’t A Facelift, It’s Practically A New CarMercedes teases its new flagship S-Class, calling it one of the biggest updates in model history
Read more »