A California-based company called Vast has announced its plan to launch the first private space station in two years, with the first tourists flying there soon after. Interested individuals can contact the company to inquire about the cost of one of the four places on board a Dragon capsule and up to 30 days in space. While price expectations are not yet known, Vast aims to send Haven-1 into space as soon as August 2025 with SpaceX before building a 100-meter-long space station with artificial gravity generated by turning.
Vast plans to launch Haven-1 with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, with the Dragon capsule capable of docking to it. Four passengers can stay in space for up to 30 days with 1000 watts of energy and continuous communication with the earth. Vast has promised a payload of 150 kg as well as WiFi and space for exercise and rest. The company recently purchased a space startup called Launcher and has since owned a production facility near SpaceX’s headquarters and rocket factory in Hawthorne.
With the planned space station and the anticipated growth of space tourism, Vast is ambitious about its long-term investment in the industry. By generating interest in private space flights, Vast hopes to participate in the expected boom in space tourism. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space company is reportedly operationalizing the Orbital Reef space station by 2027.
While the announcement of Haven-1 sounds impressive, the schedule remains ambitious. However, Vast is confident in its collaboration with SpaceX and their shared goal of advancing the private space industry. It remains to be seen when we can expect to see the first private space tourists flying with Vast.
