Vast Space Plans 2026 Launch of Haven-1, First Private Space Station

Vast Space Set to Launch Haven-1, World’s First Private Space Station in 2026

Vast Space is gearing up to make history with Haven-1, the first privately owned space station, scheduled for launch in 2026. The single-module habitat will be carried into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, hosting short-term, 10-day missions for crews of four astronauts. As construction nears completion, engineers are installing life-support systems and a large domed window, while NASA is supporting the testing of Haven-1’s systems to ensure safety for commercial spaceflight.

A Compact Orbital Laboratory
While revolutionary in concept, Haven-1 is modest in size compared to existing space stations. The cylindrical module provides approximately 45 cubic meters of interior space, about the size of a tour bus. It includes four crew quarters, storage lockers for scientific equipment, and a shared common area for dining, research, and experiments.

Short-Term Crew Missions
Crews of four astronauts will visit Haven-1 for 10-day stays, transported by SpaceX Dragon capsules. The life-support system relies on proven shuttle-era technology in an “open-loop” design, ensuring reliability while keeping the station lightweight and functional.

Paving the Way for Commercial Spaceflight
Haven-1 represents a major step toward private, commercial operations in low Earth orbit, offering opportunities for research, testing, and tourism beyond government-run missions. The station’s design emphasizes efficiency and safety, demonstrating how the next era of human activity in space may be increasingly led by private companies.