Haven-1 marks a big leap in space operations as the first commercial space station on the planet. This station takes on several roles in low Earth orbit and pushes forward space research and manufacturing.
Vast came up with Haven-1 to fill the gap between government-run space stations and private space exploration. They’re aiming to launch in May 2026 on a SpaceX Falcon 9, kicking off operations in low Earth orbit.
With NASA’s Commercial LEO Destination contract, Haven-1 wants to step in after the International Space Station. The station opens up new possibilities for private astronauts and government missions.
It holds four crew members on two-week missions. Vast built Haven-1 as a single pressurized module, 4.4 meters wide and 10.1 meters tall.
There’s a 1.1-meter domed window for stunning 180-degree views of space and Earth. Haven-1 also features Starlink connectivity and a communal table that folds out for crew use.
Haven-1 acts as a microgravity research lab, orbiting at 425 kilometers. The team set it up for advanced science experiments, research, and in-space manufacturing.
Specialized equipment supports payload missions, with non-stop data and video monitoring. Crews can run missions or let the station operate autonomously for different research goals.
Key specs:
The trace contaminant control system clears toxic pollutants from the air and gear. Eight waste tanks handle crew waste for five days each.
Haven-1 opens the door as the first private space station for commercial customers. It welcomes government astronauts, private astronauts, and payload operators.
Government missions give flight chances to U.S. and international astronauts. These trips often team up with local industries and tap into microgravity research.
Private astronaut missions let civilians join two-week space adventures. Crews pitch in with science while living on the most advanced commercial space habitat out there.
The station extends Dragon spacecraft missions from short hops to stays up to a month. SpaceX handles crew rides and docking with Dragon.
Vast locked in several mission contracts with SpaceX, plus options for more human spaceflights beyond the first Vast-1 crew rotation.
Vast Space moved from concept to flight readiness in just three years. Haven-1 is on track for a May 2026 launch. The company wrapped up critical structural tests in January 2025 and brought SpaceX on board as launch partner for this commercial space station project.
Vast announced Haven-1 in May 2023 with fewer than 140 employees and no dedicated facility. They set a bold goal: launch by August 2025, giving themselves just over two years to build everything.
By early 2025, Vast shifted the timeline to match manufacturing realities. Now, they’re aiming for a Haven-1 launch no sooner than May 2026.
The updated plan calls for the primary structure to be done by July 2025. Vehicle integration runs from July to December 2025, then environmental testing takes place from January to March 2026.
Launch campaign operations kick off in April 2026 at SpaceX’s site. Haven-1 should ride a Falcon 9 in May 2026, with uncrewed commissioning through June.
The first crewed mission will bring four astronauts for a two-week stay aboard Dragon. Vast wants to be the first company in the world to run an operational commercial space station.
Vast built the first U.S. space station primary structure in over 20 years. The team manufactured a pathfinder article from November 2023 to June 2024 to get the tooling and processes right.
They started the qualification article in July 2024 and finished it six months later. At Mojave, the structure faced tough tests with 36 hydraulic actuators and 64 strain gauge channels.
On January 31, 2025, Haven-1 passed its primary structure qualification proof test on the first try. The team pressurized the vehicle to 1.8 barD for five hours—no visible changes.
The leak rate beat requirements at 1.2 standard cubic centimeters per minute. Vast originally picked stainless steel but switched to aluminum in March 2024 after hands-on manufacturing.
They can now produce space station hulls in under six months. That’s fast, and it puts Vast ahead in the race for commercial space stations.
SpaceX is Haven-1’s main launch partner, providing Falcon 9 launches and Dragon crew rides. This partnership links Haven-1 to SpaceX’s proven human spaceflight chops.
NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destination program shapes much of Haven-1’s strategy. Vast wants to show real operational experience before other companies even finish their designs, aiming for the Phase II contract.
They’re gunning to be up and running before the ISS retires in 2030. Vast figures NASA will need at least two years of overlap between the ISS and its replacements.
Haven-1 operations will feed critical data into Haven-2, Vast’s proposed ISS replacement. The plan is to roll every lesson from Haven-1 into their NASA proposal.
By the mid-2026 contract selection, Vast expects to launch Haven-2’s first module by late 2028. That should keep an American presence in low Earth orbit while the ISS is phased out.
Haven-1 brings a fresh approach to commercial space station design. Its 4.4-meter diameter and 10.1-meter height pack in 45 cubic meters of habitable space. The station combines advanced life support systems, 13.2-kilowatt deployable solar arrays, and human-focused design to keep crews comfortable.
Haven-1’s aluminum cylinder measures 4.4 meters across and 10.1 meters tall. Inside, there’s 45 cubic meters of habitable volume and 80 cubic meters of total pressurized space.
The whole thing weighs 14,600 kilograms and orbits at a 51.6-degree inclination, 425 kilometers up. It’s set up for up to four crew on missions that last about two weeks.
Key Structural Features:
The forward and aft bulkheads connect with precision-welded aluminum. Each piece goes through qualification tests to make sure it holds up during launch and in orbit.
Haven-1’s power system churns out 13.2 kilowatts using deployable solar arrays from DHV Technology. Each of the twelve panels generates 1.1 kilowatts, relying on triple-junction solar cells to soak up sunlight.
The environmental control system keeps a breathable atmosphere with oxygen valves and trace contaminant systems. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center checked the air purification tech, confirming it removes toxic stuff from crew and equipment.
Life Support Components:
Power units distribute electricity from solar arrays and batteries to avionics, propulsion, and comms systems.
Haven-1 really leans into human-centered design, unlike older research-only stations. The crew gets a fold-out communal table for meals or group work.
A 1.1-meter domed window gives a sweeping view of Earth and space, perfect for observation and photography. Interior surfaces use rounded edges and circles, aiming for a more welcoming vibe in microgravity.
Comfort Features:
Dragon spacecraft will ferry crew to and from Haven-1, docking at the pressure-sealed hatch. The design supports both government and private astronaut missions, with always-on data monitoring and autonomous payloads.
Haven-1 is set to host up to four crew members for missions around 30 days. SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft will handle transportation and docking. The station runs on set rotation schedules with strict safety protocols for all crew actions.
Haven-1 maxes out at four astronauts per mission. The 45 cubic meters of living space gives everyone enough room to live and work without feeling too cramped.
SpaceX Crew Dragon will bring astronauts to and from the station. The first crewed mission, Vast-1, will fly four astronauts for about 30 days, possibly as soon as June 2026.
Vast plans three to four crew rotations for Haven-1, with several months between each. That spacing lets them prep and maintain systems between visits.
This rotation system keeps experiments and station upkeep running smoothly. Professional astronauts and private crew will team up on research during their stay.
Most Haven-1 missions last about 30 days. That’s enough time for crews to do real research without overcomplicating supplies and life support.
The life support system can handle four people for the full mission. Eight trash tanks each hold five days of wet waste from the four-person crew.
SpaceX takes care of logistics with their Crew Dragon. The spacecraft docks right to Haven-1, making crew swaps and emergency evacuations straightforward.
Mission planning covers research, maintenance, and crew downtime. The station’s 13,200 watts of power keeps everything running during crewed missions.
Every Haven-1 crew member goes through a comprehensive training program before heading out on a mission. The training covers spacecraft operations, emergency procedures, how to use scientific equipment, and the basics of daily life in microgravity.
Drew Feustel, who used to be a NASA astronaut, leads Vast’s crew operations and helps shape the training protocols. He brings firsthand experience from several space missions, which really guides the safety standards and daily routines for Haven-1 teams.
Safety systems on Haven-1 include backup pressure seals in the main hatch and shielding against micrometeoroids and orbital debris. The big domed window? Engineers tested it extensively to make sure it can handle hundreds of pounds of force—just in case a crew member bumps into it.
Crews prepare for emergencies like medical issues, system failures, or the need to evacuate quickly using the docked Crew Dragon. Before any mission starts, everyone really drills on these emergency procedures.
Haven-1 depends on SpaceX’s trusted Falcon 9 rocket to reach low-Earth orbit. The station uses reusable launch technology to keep costs down and fly crews more often.
The Falcon 9 acts as the main launch vehicle for Haven-1. With its two stages, it can lift up to 22,800 kg into low-Earth orbit, which is more than enough for the Haven-1 module.
SpaceX created custom integration steps for launching Haven-1. The station fits inside the Falcon 9’s payload fairing, which measures 5.2 meters wide and 13.1 meters tall.
Launch Specifications:
Falcon 9 has racked up over 200 successful missions. That kind of track record makes it a go-to choice for commercial space station launches.
SpaceX’s team manages everything from payload integration to launch day operations and orbital maneuvers for Haven-1. They really cover the whole process.
Mission prep starts months before launch day. Haven-1 goes through final checks and gets integrated at SpaceX’s Florida facilities.
The launch sequence sticks to Falcon 9’s standard playbook. Fueling kicks off about 35 minutes ahead of liftoff, using RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen.
Pre-Launch Timeline:
First stage separation happens around 2 minutes and 30 seconds after launch. The second stage then fires to put Haven-1 into its target orbit.
Mission controllers at SpaceX’s Hawthorne facility track the deployment. They keep in touch with Haven-1 as soon as it separates from the second stage.
SpaceX’s reusable first stage cuts launch costs for Haven-1 flights. The Falcon 9’s first stage lands itself back on a drone ship or landing pad after each launch.
Lower launch costs mean crews can rotate more often. Expendable rockets run $60-90 million per launch, but a reused Falcon 9 booster brings that down to about $50 million.
The Block 5 Falcon 9 can fly up to 10 times with only minor touch-ups in between. SpaceX inspects and tests each booster after every flight to make sure it’s safe.
Crew Dragon capsules also use reusable tech. These spacecraft can fly multiple missions to Haven-1, which helps keep commercial station costs manageable.
SpaceX plans to use the same reusable boosters for both cargo and crew flights to Haven-1. That approach keeps things sustainable for the long haul.
Haven-1 comes with a docking port built just for SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The station supports visiting vehicles with advanced docking procedures that make crew transfers safe and let missions last longer.
SpaceX Dragon acts as the main ride for Haven-1 missions. Dragon can bring up to four crew members from Earth to the station.
Once docked, Dragon lets the crew stay up to 30 days—way longer than a solo Dragon flight. The spacecraft also provides backup systems while docked, like life support and an emergency ride home if needed.
SpaceX trains crews thoroughly on Dragon operations. Training covers getting in and out, emergency drills, and complete mission simulations, including docking and undocking with Haven-1.
Haven-1 uses a single docking port at one end of the pressurized cylinder. Dragon connects using tried-and-true docking tech.
The docking process happens in two phases: soft docking for initial contact and alignment, then hard docking for a secure, pressurized seal so crews can move between vehicles.
Automated systems handle most of the docking. The crew keeps an eye on things, but the spacecraft does the heavy lifting.
The port design gives some flexibility for different approach angles. If the main system has issues, backup options exist.
Right now, Haven-1 supports only Dragon spacecraft with its single docking port. The station provides full life support for visiting crews.
Haven-1’s power system delivers 1000 watts to run both the station and any docked spacecraft. That’s enough juice for longer stays without risking system performance.
The station keeps communication lines open 24/7 for visiting vehicles. Crews stay in touch with ground teams through Haven-1’s comms systems and onboard Wi-Fi.
There’s room to grow, too. The docking port design could support other commercial crew vehicles as new options come online.
Haven-1 offers private sleeping quarters that are bigger than what astronauts get on the ISS, plus a 24-cubic-meter common area with a stunning Earth observation dome. High-speed internet comes courtesy of SpaceX Starlink. The inside features safety-tested maple wood veneer and plenty of padded surfaces.
Haven-1 gives each astronaut a private room, set above or below the main corridor. Each one is bigger than an ISS crew quarter.
The sleeping system is about the size of a queen bed and spreads out pressure for comfort. It works for both side and back sleepers, even in zero gravity.
Each room includes storage, a small vanity area, and a custom amenities kit. Padded surfaces keep things safe while floating around.
Room Features:
Astronauts can call or message friends and family on Earth. SpaceX Starlink lets them make real-time video calls and use messaging apps.
The main common area covers 24 cubic meters in the station’s center. There’s a 1.1-meter domed window for panoramic views of Earth.
Crews use this space for meals, exercise, and teamwork. Real maple wood veneer lines the walls, and it passed all the safety checks.
A fold-out table covers 0.9 square meters when open, then tucks away into the floor. This helps keep the area flexible for different activities.
The dome window offers a truly unique view of Earth. Visitors can snap photos and shoot video of the planet below. The design works for both science and just soaking in the view.
Haven-1 stays connected through SpaceX Starlink, with gigabit-speed internet. That means real-time chats with Earth and mission control are always possible.
Astronauts use video calls, messaging, and streaming services for entertainment or to stay in touch. The connection also allows for remote monitoring of station systems.
The lab compartment runs through remote commands when needed. Scientists on the ground can track experiments and operate equipment from afar.
Connectivity Features:
Station displays show live data like temperature and system performance. Astronauts adjust lighting and environment controls through simple interfaces.
Haven-1 will host the first commercial microgravity research lab, featuring 10 payload slots for pharmaceutical projects, biotech experiments, and advanced manufacturing. The station works with top space tech companies like Redwire to keep research running in low Earth orbit.
The Haven-1 Lab has 10 Middeck Locker Equivalent slots, each about the size of a microwave and able to hold up to 30 kg of gear.
Each slot gets 100 watts of power and high-speed Ethernet connections. Starlink laser links provide gigabit speeds and low latency for real-time monitoring.
Astronauts operate payloads directly on board. Ground teams can also command and monitor experiments remotely. This setup keeps research moving, whether crew members are there or not.
Return capabilities let researchers bring samples and products back to Earth via Dragon. That’s a big deal for pharmaceutical and biotech work that needs further analysis on the ground.
Pharma companies can use the lab for drug development and bio-crystal growth. The microgravity environment lets proteins form bigger, better crystals, which could mean better medicines.
Biotech research includes stem cell work, tissue engineering, and studies on bacteria. Companies can grow human tissue in ways that just aren’t possible on Earth. Advanced materials manufacturing also benefits from microgravity, producing unique products.
Semiconductor research and edge computing get a boost from the clean environment. Machine learning can process data from multiple experiments at once. The lab supports projects in healthcare, materials science, and tech.
Scientists can run experiments under different gravity levels using a centrifuge. That means they can test under Earth, Moon, or Mars gravity—all in the same facility.
Redwire steps in as a primary payload partner, bringing more than three decades of microgravity research chops to Haven-1. They’ve got the Advanced Space Experiment Processor 4 (ADSEP4) running, which can handle four pharmaceutical research cassettes at once.
Redwire’s BioFabrication Facility has already managed to print human meniscus tissue and even live heart tissue up in orbit. Their Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory system has racked up three successful missions to the International Space Station so far.
Yuri brings the ScienceTaxi incubator to the table, and it can hold up to 38 experiment units called ScienceShells. The system offers temperature control, full automation, and real-time data collection.
Each ScienceShell packs microfluidic systems and phase contrast microscopes. That’s a lot of tech in a small package.
The lab actually welcomes payload partnerships from companies, governments, and research institutions. Payload end-user programs give smaller organizations a way to partner up with established players for affordable access to space.
This approach finally opens up microgravity research to groups that would never afford their own payloads.
Haven-1 stays in orbit thanks to advanced propulsion technology from Impulse Space. They use non-toxic fuel and precision thrusters to keep the station steady and handle any needed maneuvers.
Impulse Space built the entire propulsion system for Haven-1. They went with nitrous oxide and ethane as fuel, which is a bit different from the usual rocket stuff.
These propellants are non-toxic, so they’re a lot safer for the crew. Traditional fuels make things tricky in a cramped station, but this setup cuts down on risk during refueling and maintenance.
The propulsion setup comes with several parts working together. Propellant tanks store the fuel, and fluid lines deliver it to the engines.
Valves manage the flow with precision. Sensors keep an eye on system performance all the time.
Control electronics run the show automatically. Software ties it all together for smooth operation.
Haven-1 uses Saiph thrusters as its reaction control system. These small engines deliver quick bursts to tweak the station’s position.
They can rotate the station or nudge its orbit just a bit. The station holds a 51.6-degree orbital inclination, which means it passes over most of the world’s populated areas.
Usually, it orbits about 425 kilometers above Earth. Control moment gyroscopes help out too, using spinning wheels to stabilize the station without burning fuel.
That means smooth, precise control for tasks like docking. The attitude control system mostly runs itself, with computers watching the station’s position and making tweaks as needed.
If needed, crew members can step in and take manual control.
The propulsion system lets Haven-1 pull off essential orbital maneuvers. The station can adjust its altitude to stay put, since Earth’s atmosphere creates drag that slowly drags satellites down.
Regular orbit boosts counteract that drag. The thrusters fire, bumping up the station’s speed and raising its orbit.
This keeps Haven-1 where it needs to be. The system also helps with rendezvous operations for visiting spacecraft.
Crew Dragon vehicles will dock with Haven-1 on a regular basis. The station can shift its position to make docking safer and more precise.
Emergency maneuvers are a big deal too. The propulsion system can move the station out of the way if space debris gets too close, or dodge other threats spotted by tracking systems.
Haven-2 really changes the game compared to the aging International Space Station, offering more capabilities and commercial flexibility. The design puts a premium on extra living space, advanced lab facilities, and modular expansion that could totally reshape how people do research and live in low Earth orbit.
Haven-2’s modular approach creates a lot more living space than the ISS. The first Haven-2 module stretches 5 meters longer than Haven-1, and that nearly doubles the livable volume.
By 2032, the station will have 16 windows, including a massive 3.8-meter diameter cupola window. That’s way better than the ISS’s limited viewports and should really help with crew morale.
Advanced life support systems set Haven-2 apart from the older ISS setup. Each new module brings in more efficient tech, so there’s less maintenance and lower costs.
The 7-meter diameter core module gives Haven-2 more internal room and flexibility than the ISS can offer. Bigger space means bigger equipment and more variety in research.
Haven-2 comes with external payload hosting and a robotic arm system. These let the station handle more scientific and commercial manufacturing than the ISS does right now.
NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations program will pick Phase 2 winners in mid-2026. Haven-2 is up against three other commercial station proposals for that contract.
The expansion plan runs from 2028 to 2032. Vast wants to launch the first Haven-2 module in 2028, then add three more modules over the next two years.
Module deployment focuses on keeping costs down. Each module sticks to the same basic design, but adds better features and more payload space.
Between 2030 and 2032, Vast plans to add a larger core module and four additional Haven-2 modules. That should create a fully operational station for NASA, international partners, and commercial customers.
The Haven-2 Lab checks all the boxes for NASA’s Basic Laboratory Capabilities in the CLD program. It’s got more space and power than any ISS lab module.
Haven-2 lays the groundwork for artificial gravity habitations—Vast’s big vision for long-term space living. They’re not just looking to replace the ISS; they want to build permanent space communities.
The station design supports international collaboration with dedicated modules or labs for partner nations. That keeps the spirit of ISS cooperation alive.
Commercial manufacturing is built right in, supporting the growing LEO economy. With more room and power, Haven-2 can handle bigger production jobs than the ISS ever could.
It’s got EVA airlock capabilities and berthing for visiting vehicles. That’s good for both research and commercial work, while keeping the crew safe.
Vast wants Haven-2 to be a stepping stone to permanent space settlements. The modular setup means they can keep expanding and upgrading as tech improves.
Vast’s push for a commercial space station brings together seasoned aerospace leaders and NASA expertise. Their fast-paced schedule depends on smart partnerships with SpaceX and advice from former astronauts.
Jed McCaleb started Vast in 2021, moving from technology entrepreneurship to the space world. He’s used to scaling up tough technical projects under pressure.
The company grew from fewer than 140 employees at Haven-1’s announcement to over 700 people. That kind of rapid growth shows how ambitious the timeline is for launching the first commercial station.
Vast’s leadership team includes aerospace engineers and ex-NASA folks. They manage nearly 200,000 square feet of operational space spread across 16 acres for manufacturing and testing.
The executive team keeps things vertically integrated. They develop crucial subsystems—like avionics, life support, and propulsion—in-house instead of farming everything out.
NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations program shapes Haven-1’s development schedule. The agency plans to pick partners to replace the ISS before it retires in 2030.
Drew Feustel, a former NASA astronaut, acts as an advisor for Vast. He’s flown three times and done spacewalks, so he brings a lot of practical know-how to Haven-1’s design and crew procedures.
Feustel’s background covers ISS operations and Hubble servicing missions. That experience helps Vast nail down what’s really needed for long-term missions.
NASA’s safety standards set the bar for Haven-1’s testing. The main structure follows NASA-STD-5001 requirements, so it’s up to snuff.
NASA’s timeline creates pressure for commercial station development. Vast wants to make sure there’s at least two years of overlap before the ISS is gone.
SpaceX is Haven-1’s launch and crew transport partner. The Falcon 9 rocket will take the station to orbit in May 2026.
SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will carry the first four-person crew for a two-week stay. This partnership connects Haven-1 to proven systems already trusted by NASA.
The collaboration isn’t just about transportation. SpaceX’s experience with crewed missions helps Vast design docking systems and emergency procedures.
Vast works with reliable suppliers for key subsystems. These partnerships help them stick to the aggressive six-month build schedule for each station structure.
Managing the supply chain is crucial for Haven-1’s May 2026 launch. The company switched from stainless steel to aluminum because of real-world manufacturing limits and what suppliers could actually deliver.
The Haven space station series marks a big shift in commercial space operations. Haven-1 is aiming for a May 2026 launch as the world’s first privately-run orbital lab.
These stations bring in advanced human-centered design and will eventually grow into larger facilities for longer missions.
The Haven stations are meant to create the first sustainable commercial space station network for research, manufacturing, and long-term human stays. Vast designed them for both private astronauts and government missions in low Earth orbit.
Haven-1 works as an innovation lab where crews run advanced science experiments and try out in-space manufacturing. The station can support up to four astronauts for missions lasting two weeks.
Vast wants to use Haven-1 as a stepping stone to win NASA’s Commercial LEO Destination contract. That would put them in line to build the successor to the International Space Station.
Haven-1 stands out with its human-centered design focused on crew comfort and usability. There’s a 1.1-meter domed window offering a sweeping 180-degree view of Earth and space.
Inside, there’s 45 cubic meters of livable space within the 4.4-meter diameter structure. A deployable communal table gives the crew a spot for meals and meetings.
Starlink connectivity, engineered by SpaceX, keeps the station in touch with Earth at all times. Haven-1 also includes waste management systems with eight trash tanks to handle wet waste for a four-person crew.
Six control moment gyroscopes keep the station pointed the right way. The power system delivers 13.2 kilowatts through deployable solar arrays made by DHV Technology.
Haven-2 modules stretch nearly five meters longer than Haven-1, so crew members get a lot more interior space to work and live in.
The bigger layout lets people stay on board longer and run more research projects.
Engineers added a second window—Haven-1 only has that single domed viewport. Now, astronauts can use both for Earth science or just to stargaze.
Haven-2 comes with two docking ports. That means two spacecraft can dock at once, and folks can rotate crews or maybe even expand the station later.
This setup gives teams more flexibility for complicated missions.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center already tested Haven-2’s air filtration system. These filters remove toxic stuff that astronauts or equipment bring in, so the air stays safe.
Haven-1 hasn’t launched yet. The current schedule points to no earlier than May 2026, with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifting off from Kennedy Space Center.
Vast is still building and testing the station’s main parts at their Long Beach facility.
They recently finished the primary structure qualification article, plus thermal vacuum tests for Haven Demo.
In August 2025, the company wrapped up electromagnetic compatibility tests. These checks make sure all the systems play nicely together during launch and in orbit.
The power distribution units also passed their final qualification tests.
Once Haven-1 gets up there, it’ll be the first space station in orbit owned and operated by a private company.
That’s a big shift away from government-run stations toward private space infrastructure.
Haven-1 gives a crew of four astronauts about 45 cubic meters of space to move around in.
Automated life support systems keep the air pressure and oxygen levels close to what we’re used to on Earth.
The domed window offers some pretty amazing views, so astronauts can snap photos or just watch the planet spin by during downtime.
There’s a deployable communal table where everyone can meet up for meals or team activities.
Waste management handles both solid and liquid waste using sealed tanks that vent to vacuum.
For two-week missions, crew members get sleeping quarters and a bit of personal storage.
Temperature control keeps the station comfortable, and micrometeoroid shielding helps protect everyone from space debris.
Axiom Station and Haven-1 both aim for commercial space operations, but they take pretty different paths to get there.
Axiom attaches its modules to the International Space Station first, then plans to break away and run on its own.
Haven-1 skips the ISS entirely and launches as a free-flying station from day one. That move gives Vast a lot more room to design things their way, though it means they have to build all their life support systems from scratch.
Both stations handle crews of four, supporting research and commercial missions. Axiom leans into manufacturing, while Haven-1 puts more weight on scientific research and pushing new ideas.
They don’t even use the same rockets. Axiom modules can ride up on different launch vehicles, but Haven-1 sticks with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 for its first big mission in May 2026.
