Vast and SpaceX to launch two human spaceflight missions to ISS

Vast and SpaceX to launch two human spaceflight missions to ISS
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 23, 2024

Vast has announced an agreement with SpaceX to conduct two human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station (ISS) using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft. The missions, dependent on NASA's selection of Vast for private astronaut missions (PAM), will mark the fifth and sixth PAMs ever awarded by NASA, further positioning Vast as a key player in commercial space exploration.

While preparing for the launch of Haven-1, its private space station projected for deployment in 2025, Vast aims to leverage these ISS missions to strengthen its collaboration with NASA. These efforts will support Vast's bid for the agency's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destination (CLD) Phase II program, which seeks a successor to the ISS. Vast's Haven-2 design is a leading contender in this initiative.

"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. These missions not only strengthen our expertise in human spaceflight operations and collaboration with NASA, but also position Vast as a leading contender to deliver the next-generation successor to the ISS, advancing the future of human space exploration," said Max Haot, Vast's CEO.

The missions will build on Vast's existing partnership with SpaceX, which also includes plans to launch Haven-1 into orbit via a Falcon 9 rocket and conduct a Dragon mission for crew transport to the commercial station. Haven-1 will feature advanced technologies, including Starlink laser-based high-speed internet connectivity.

"I am excited to work with Vast as they build more opportunities and destinations for more people to travel amongst the stars," said Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX's President and COO.

These Vast PAM missions align with NASA's objectives to expand the pool of PAM providers and foster a low-Earth orbit economy. The missions are designed to offer valuable insights into the requirements for operating LEO destinations, including crew training, mission execution, and medical protocols.

NASA introduced its PAM strategy in 2019 to encourage the commercial space industry to take a leading role in LEO operations. The success of previous PAMs has driven increased demand, highlighting the need for additional commercial partnerships as the ISS approaches its planned retirement in 2030.

Governments around the world have shown interest in PAM opportunities. Vast is engaged in active discussions with several nations, including the Czech Republic, which signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vast in November 2024.

By conducting these missions, Vast will not only demonstrate its ability to manage human spaceflight operations but also gain crucial experience applicable to Haven-1 and Haven-2. This experience will enhance the company's readiness for the NASA CLD Phase II contract competition and future commercial space endeavors.