Key Takeaways

• Vast Space has officially moved the Haven-1 commercial space station into the flight integration phase at its Long Beach headquarters.
• The primary structure, made of aluminum, is now being outfitted with essential subsystems including propulsion, avionics, and life support.
• Haven-1 is on schedule for a planned launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, positioning it to become the first operational commercial space station.

Vast Advances Haven-1 Into Integration Phase

The commercial space industry stands at a significant juncture as Vast Space transitions its flagship project, Haven-1, from structural manufacturing to the complex integration phase. This development marks a pivotal shift in the lifecycle of the spacecraft, moving it from a passive metal hull to a functional orbital habitat. Occurring at the company’s headquarters in Long Beach, California, this phase represents the final assembly period before environmental testing and eventual launch.

The integration phase is an intricate process where the disparate components of the space station – propulsion systems, avionics, life support mechanisms, and crew interfaces – are installed into the primary pressure vessel. For Vast Space, this milestone validates its aggressive vertical integration strategy and rapid development timeline. The company, founded by Jed McCaleb, seeks to accelerate humanity’s expansion into the cosmos by deploying affordable, artificial-gravity-capable stations. Haven-1 serves as the pathfinder for this broader vision, acting as a standalone crewed outpost and a technology demonstrator for future, larger structures.

The Significance of the Integration Phase

In aerospace engineering, the integration phase is the bridge between structural fabrication and system-level validation. Prior to this stage, the spacecraft exists as a collection of separate parts: a pressure shell, machined panels, and boxes of electronics. Integration brings these elements together to form a cohesive system. For Haven-1, this process involves the precise installation of thousands of components inside the 4.4-meter diameter hull.

Technicians and engineers are currently routing kilometers of cabling for power and data, installing plumbing for thermal control and environmental systems, and mounting the avionics hardware that will control the station in orbit. This phase also includes the installation of the propulsion system, provided by Impulse Space, which is essential for orbital maintenance and maneuvering.

The speed at which Vast Space reached this stage is notable. By leveraging in-house manufacturing for the primary structure – a process that transitioned from initial design to a flight-qualified aluminum hull in under two years – the company has bypassed many of the supply chain bottlenecks that traditionally delay aerospace programs. The arrival of the flight hull at the integration floor signals that the structural qualification tests, including pressure and load testing, successfully validated the design’s integrity.

Haven-1: Architecture and Capabilities

Haven-1 is designed as a single-module space station capable of supporting a crew of four for missions lasting up to 30 days. Its architecture prioritizes compatibility with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which will serve as the primary transport vehicle for astronauts visiting the station.

Primary Structure and Dimensions

The station features a cylindrical pressure vessel optimized for launch inside the payload fairing of a Falcon 9 rocket. The switch to an aluminum alloy for the primary structure, a decision driven by the need for rapid manufacturing and mass optimization, allows the station to maximize habitable volume while staying within the lift capacity of the launch vehicle.

The interior volume is divided into distinct zones: a common area for social interaction and dining, a laboratory section for scientific payloads, and private crew quarters. This layout attempts to balance the psychological needs of the crew with the functional requirements of a research platform.

The Observation Window

A distinguishing feature of the Haven-1 design is its large domed window. Measuring 1.1 meters in diameter, this window provides a panoramic view of Earth, intended to offer the “Overview Effect” to commercial astronauts and researchers. Integrating such a large transparent aperture into a pressure vessel presents significant engineering challenges, particularly regarding seal integrity and micrometeoroid protection. The integration team is currently installing the multi-layer glass assembly, which includes protective shutters and impact-resistant panes to ensure safety during the station’s operational life.

Docking and Ingress

The station utilizes an International Docking System Standard (IDSS) compatible port, located at the forward end of the module. This port allows the Dragon spacecraft to dock securely, creating a pressurized tunnel for crew transfer. During the integration phase, the docking mechanism undergoes rigorous alignment checks to ensure it can capture and seal against the visiting vehicle within millimeter tolerances.

Essential Subsystems Integration

The core functionality of Haven-1 relies on the successful integration of its active subsystems. These systems provide the power, propulsion, and environment necessary to sustain human life and station operations.

Propulsion and Attitude Control

Haven-1 employs a hybrid propulsion strategy. For major orbital maneuvers and deorbiting capabilities, the station relies on a propulsion system developed in partnership with Impulse Space. This system uses non-toxic, storable propellants, simplifying the loading process and reducing safety hazards during ground processing.

For fine attitude control, the station utilizes a set of Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs) and reaction wheels. These devices spin at high speeds to generate torque, allowing the station to rotate and stabilize without consuming propellant. The integration of these heavy, high-speed rotational components requires precise balancing and vibration isolation mounting to prevent structural resonance.

Power Generation and Distribution

Power is generated via body-mounted and deployable solar arrays. The integration phase involves the installation of the photovoltaic panels and the complex harness wiring that routes power to the battery banks. Haven-1 is designed to generate approximately 15 kilowatts of power, sufficient to support the life support systems, avionics, and a suite of energy-intensive scientific experiments.

The battery system, composed of lithium-ion cells, provides power during the orbital night. Technicians are currently installing these battery modules into thermally controlled compartments to ensure they operate within their optimal temperature range, preventing degradation and ensuring safety.

Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)

Perhaps the most complex system being integrated is the ECLSS. Unlike short-duration capsules, Haven-1 must maintain a breathable atmosphere, regulate humidity, remove carbon dioxide, and manage waste for extended periods. The system is regenerative to a degree but relies on consumables for its initial 30-day missions.

The integration team is installing the air revitalization racks, which include CO2 scrubbers and trace contaminant control units. The thermal control system, consisting of internal fluid loops and external radiators, is also being assembled. This system transports waste heat from the avionics and crew to the radiators, where it is rejected into space.

The Human Experience: Interiors and Habitat

Vast Space has placed a strong emphasis on the interior design of Haven-1, employing industrial designer Peter Russell-Clarke to create a habitat that is both functional and comfortable. The integration of the interior elements marks the transformation of the engineering structure into a home.

Fire Safety and Materials

All interior materials, from the wall panels to the sleeping bags, must undergo strict flammability testing. During integration, these fire-resistant materials are installed over the aluminum primary structure, providing acoustic insulation and a softer tactile interface for the crew. The station features a soft-goods interior architecture, which reduces the risk of injury during movement in microgravity and dampens the noise from fans and pumps.

Sleeping Quarters and Gravity Experiments

One of the experimental objectives of Haven-1 is to test systems for future artificial gravity stations. While Haven-1 itself is not a rotating ring station, Vast Space plans to conduct experiments where the combined Haven-1 and Dragon stack spins end-over-end to generate partial gravity.

To support this, the crew quarters are designed to accommodate sleeping in different orientations. The sleeping system is being integrated with restraints and padding that function effectively in both microgravity and the simulated lunar gravity conditions generated during the spin experiments. This data is essential for the development of Haven-2 and subsequent stations that will rely on rotation for long-term crew health.

Connectivity and Communications

Connectivity is a primary requirement for modern commercial spaceflight. Haven-1 is being outfitted with Starlink laser terminals, enabling high-speed, low-latency internet access. This system allows the crew to communicate with family, stream video, and transmit large scientific data sets in near real-time. The integration of these optical terminals involves precise alignment of the external optical heads and the installation of the internal modems and routers that distribute Wi-Fi throughout the cabin.

Scientific and Commercial Capabilities

Beyond space tourism, Haven-1 functions as a commercial laboratory. The station provides specific slots for scientific payloads, offering researchers access to the microgravity environment.

The Haven-1 Lab

The “Haven-1 Lab” allows for the integration of ten Middeck Locker Equivalent (MLE) payloads. These standard sized lockers are compatible with existing hardware used on the International Space Station, reducing development costs for customers.

Partners such as Redwire and the European Space Agency (via commercial agreements) are preparing payloads for the inaugural mission. The integration team at Long Beach is currently installing the power and data backplanes that will support these experiments, verifying that the station can deliver the promised resources to the payload racks.

Strategic Partnership with SpaceX

The feasibility of Haven-1 is intrinsically linked to the partnership between Vast Space and SpaceX. This collaboration extends beyond simple launch services. SpaceX provides crew training, spacesuits, and the Dragon spacecraft that serves as the station’s lifeboat and transport.

During the integration phase, SpaceX engineers work closely with Vast Space personnel to ensure the compatibility of the docking systems and life support interfaces. The environmental control systems of Haven-1must seamlessly handshake with Dragon when docked, allowing air circulation between the two vehicles. This interoperability is being verified through joint tests and software simulations running in parallel with the hardware integration.

Comparison with Other Commercial Stations

Haven-1 is competing in a growing market of commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) destinations. However, its strategy differs significantly from competitors like Axiom Space or the Orbital Reef project. While others propose large, modular stations similar to the International Space Station from the outset, Vast Space has opted for a smaller, single-module approach to reach orbit faster.

This “simple and fast” philosophy allows Vast Space to iterate on its technology in orbit. The lessons learned from the integration and operation of Haven-1 will directly inform the design of the larger Haven-2, which is intended to be a direct successor to the ISS.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

The transition to integration highlights the success of the vertical integration model adopted by Vast Space. By manufacturing the majority of components in-house – including the batteries, avionics, and primary structure – the company controls the quality and schedule of the build.

The Long Beach facility has been outfitted with advanced machining centers, friction stir welding machines, and cleanrooms specifically for this purpose. This capability allows for rapid prototyping and modification. If an issue is discovered during integration, the engineering team can redesign and manufacture a bracket or interface plate in days rather than waiting weeks for an external supplier.

Future Outlook: Beyond Integration

Following the completion of the integration phase, Haven-1 will undergo a battery of environmental tests. These include thermal vacuum testing, which simulates the extreme temperature cycles of space, and vibration testing, which ensures the station can survive the violent acoustic environment of a rocket launch.

Success in these tests will lead to the shipment of the station to the launch site. The upcoming launch of Haven-1 will demonstrate whether a startup, funded largely by private capital and driven by a vision of artificial gravity, can execute a complex aerospace program on a timeline that outpaces traditional government projects.

The current activity on the integration floor is more than just assembly; it is the physical realization of a new operating model for space exploration. By advancing Haven-1 into this phase, Vast Space has moved from the realm of paper concepts to the reality of flight hardware, placing it at the forefront of the race to commercialize Low Earth Orbit.

Summary

Vast Space has successfully advanced the Haven-1 space station into the integration phase at its Long Beach facility. This vital stage involves the installation of essential subsystems such as propulsion, avionics, and life support into the completed aluminum primary structure. The station, designed to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9, features a 1.1-meter observation window, high-speed Starlink connectivity, and facilities for scientific research and human habitation. By managing the manufacturing and integration processes in-house, Vast Space maintains tight control over the schedule and quality, positioning Haven-1 to become the first fully commercial space station in orbit. The successful completion of this phase will pave the way for environmental testing and the eventual launch, marking a significant milestone in the commercial space economy.

Appendix: Top 10 Questions Answered in This Article

What is the current status of the Haven-1 space station?

Haven-1 has officially entered the integration phase at the Vast Space headquarters in Long Beach. This means the primary structure is complete, and engineers are currently installing subsystems like propulsion, avionics, and life support.

What rocket will launch Haven-1?

The station is designed to fit inside the fairing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This compatibility allows for a reliable and cost-effective deployment to Low Earth Orbit.

How many people can Haven-1 accommodate?

Haven-1 is designed to support a crew of four astronauts. The station can sustain this crew for missions lasting up to 30 days.

Does Haven-1 have artificial gravity?

The station itself is not a rotating ring, but it is capable of an artificial gravity experiment. Vast Space plans to spin the combined Haven-1 and Dragon stack end-over-end to generate lunar-level gravity for sleeping and physiological testing.

What are the primary dimensions of the station?

The station is approximately 10.1 meters long and 3.8 meters in diameter. It offers a pressurized volume of 80 cubic meters and a habitable volume of 45 cubic meters.

Who is providing the propulsion for Haven-1?

The propulsion system is provided by Impulse Space. It uses a non-toxic, storable bi-propellant system for orbital maneuvering and deorbiting.

What scientific capabilities does the station offer?

The station includes the Haven-1 Lab, which features ten Middeck Locker Equivalent (MLE) slots for payloads. These slots provide power, data, and cooling for experiments from partners like Redwire and the European Space Agency.

How will astronauts communicate with Earth?

Haven-1 is equipped with Starlink laser terminals. This ensures high-speed, low-latency gigabit internet connectivity for both crew communication and scientific data transmission.

What materials are used for the primary structure?

The primary pressure vessel of Haven-1 is constructed from aluminum. This material was chosen for its favorable strength-to-weight ratio and the ability to rapidly manufacture the hull in-house.

What is the role of the large window on Haven-1?

The station features a 1.1-meter diameter domed window. It is designed to provide astronauts with a wide field of view of Earth, enhancing the crew experience and offering opportunities for Earth observation and photography.

Appendix: Top 10 Frequently Searched Questions Answered in This Article

When will Vast Haven-1 launch?

Haven-1 is targeted for launch no earlier than 2026. The exact date depends on the completion of the integration phase and subsequent environmental testing.

Who owns Vast Space?

Vast Space was founded and is owned by Jed McCaleb. He is a technology entrepreneur known for his role in creating cryptocurrency protocols.

How much does a seat on Haven-1 cost?

The article does not specify the exact ticket price for a seat on Haven-1. However, the missions are targeted at both private commercial astronauts and government space agencies.

Is Haven-1 a replacement for the ISS?

Haven-1 is a smaller, short-duration station and not a direct replacement for the massive International Space Station. However, its successor, Haven-2, is being designed as a modular station intended to replace the ISS capabilities.

How does Haven-1 compare to Orbital Reef?

Haven-1 is a single-module station launching on a Falcon 9 with a focus on speed to orbit. Orbital Reef is a larger, multi-partner project involving Blue Origin that aims to build a mixed-use business park in space on a longer timeline.

Can Dragon dock with Haven-1?

Yes, Haven-1 is explicitly designed to be compatible with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The station features an IDSS-compatible docking port to allow Dragon to dock and transfer crew.

What happens to the waste on Haven-1?

The Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) manages waste on the station. Solid and liquid waste is stored in tanks or containers, some of which may be disposed of during the destructive re-entry of the disposal module or returned to Earth depending on the specific mission profile.

How long will Haven-1 stay in orbit?

Haven-1 is designed for a relatively short operational life compared to the ISS, focusing on specific missions over a few years. It has a propulsion system capable of deorbiting the station at the end of its life to prevent space debris.

Is there internet on Haven-1?

Yes, the station will have continuous internet connectivity. It utilizes the SpaceX Starlink constellation to provide Wi-Fi to the crew and high-bandwidth data links for experiments.

What is the main goal of Vast Space?

The primary goal of Vast Space is to develop artificial gravity space stations to enable long-term human habitation in space. Haven-1 is the first step in a roadmap that leads to large, spinning stations.