In a significant step toward expanding commercial activities in low Earth orbit, NASA has selected Vast Space, a Long Beach, California-based company, to conduct the sixth private astronaut mission (PAM) to the International Space Station (ISS). Announced on February 12, 2026, this marks Vast’s first opportunity to send a crew to the orbiting laboratory, with the mission targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida.
The mission will involve a crew of four private astronauts spending up to 14 days aboard the ISS, focusing on scientific research, technology demonstrations, and operational insights that could pave the way for future commercial space habitats. Vast, known for its ambitious plans to develop next-generation space stations, has partnered with SpaceX for transportation, utilizing the company’s reliable Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft to ferry the crew to and from the station.
Mission Details and Objectives
The exact launch date will be determined based on ISS traffic and scheduling priorities, but the flight is expected to provide valuable data for Vast’s ongoing projects. The company plans a robust science portfolio emphasizing biology, biotechnology, physical sciences, human research, and technology demos. This aligns with NASA’s strategy to leverage the remaining operational life of the ISS – set to retire around 2030 – to foster a thriving commercial space economy.
Vast will propose four crew members for approval by NASA and its international partners. Once cleared, the astronauts will undergo training with NASA, international agencies, and SpaceX. The mission also includes provisions for NASA to purchase return services for cold scientific samples, while Vast covers crew consumables, cargo, and in-orbit resources.
Max Haot, CEO of Vast, expressed enthusiasm about the selection: “Vast is honored to have been selected by NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Leveraging the remaining life of the space station with science and research-led commercial crewed missions is a critical part of the transition to commercial space stations and fully unlocking the orbital economy.”
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the broader implications: “Private astronaut missions represent more than access to the International Space Station – they create opportunities for new ideas, companies, and capabilities that further enhance American leadership in low Earth orbit and open doors for what’s next.”
Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s ISS Program at Johnson Space Center, added: “The International Space Station plays an essential role in shaping the future of low Earth orbit. By hosting private astronaut missions, the station helps accelerate innovation, opens new commercial pathways, and advances research strengthening the foundation of a thriving space economy.”
Vast’s Role in the Evolving Space Landscape
Founded with the goal of ensuring continuous human presence in space, Vast is developing Haven-1, a single-module space station slated for launch in early 2027, and the larger Haven-2, a multi-module successor proposed to replace the ISS. The PAM award strengthens Vast’s collaboration with NASA and positions the company as a key player in the transition from government-led to commercial space operations.
This mission breaks the previous dominance of Axiom Space, which handled the first five PAMs. Vast’s entry into the field comes amid growing interest in private spaceflight, with the company drawing on expertise from former NASA astronauts like Drew Feustel, who advises on training and station design.
Future Implications
This development aligns with NASA’s Artemis program and broader goals for deep space exploration, using commercial missions to test technologies for lunar and Martian endeavors. As private companies like Vast step up, the era of accessible space travel edges closer, promising new opportunities for research, tourism, and innovation in orbit.
