NASA has selected Vast for its sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with a targeted launch date set for no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida. This mission represents Vast’s inaugural partnership with NASA for private astronaut operations aboard the ISS, reflecting NASA’s commitment to enhancing commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit.
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator, emphasized the significance of private astronaut missions, stating, “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.” This partnership with Vast is part of NASA’s broader strategy to foster a vibrant commercial space economy.
The upcoming mission will last up to 14 days aboard the ISS, although the exact launch date will depend on various logistical factors, including spacecraft traffic at the station. Dana Weigel, manager of the ISS Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, noted that the ISS plays a critical role in shaping the future of low Earth orbit, serving as a platform for innovation and research.
Vast will propose four crew members for NASA’s approval, with the selected individuals undergoing training alongside NASA, international partners, and SpaceX. The company has chosen SpaceX as its launch provider for transportation to and from the ISS.
In a statement, Max Haot, CEO of Vast, expressed pride in the selection, stating, “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.” This mission will also include purchasing mission services from NASA, covering crew consumables, cargo delivery, and other essential in-orbit resources.
NASA will utilize the mission to facilitate the return of scientific samples that require cold storage during transit back to Earth. This collaboration illustrates the ongoing relationship between NASA and commercial entities, which is vital for advancing scientific knowledge and developing technologies for future deep space exploration.
Vast’s selection follows proposals submitted in response to NASA’s March 2025 Research Announcement. These private astronaut missions are instrumental in testing new technologies and advancing research in the unique microgravity environment of space. They also contribute to NASA’s long-term goals for lunar and Martian exploration as part of the agency’s Artemis program.
As commercial efforts in low Earth orbit continue to grow, they pave the way for a thriving space economy and enhanced capabilities for future missions beyond the ISS. For further details on NASA’s commercial space strategy, visit their official website.
