posted 02-12-2026 04:11 PM               

NASA Selects Vast for Sixth Private Mission to Space Station

NASA and Vast have signed an order for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida.

This private astronaut mission marks the company's first selection to the orbiting laboratory, underscoring NASA's ongoing investment in fostering a commercial space economy and expanding opportunities for private industry in low Earth orbit.

"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," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. "We're proud to welcome Vast to this growing community of commercial partners. Each new entrant brings unique strengths that fuel a dynamic, innovative marketplace as we advance research and technology and prepare for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond."

The mission is expected to spend up to 14 days aboard the space station. A specific launch date will depend on overall spacecraft traffic at the orbital outpost and other planning considerations.

"The International Space Station plays an essential role in shaping the future of low Earth orbit," said Dana Weigel, manager, International Space Station Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "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 will submit four proposed crew members to NASA and its international partners for review. Once approved and confirmed, they will train with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX for their flight. The company has contracted with SpaceX as launch provider for transportation to and from the space station.

"Vast is honored to have been selected by NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station," said Max Haot, CEO of Vast. "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."

The company will purchase mission services from NASA, including crew consumables, cargo delivery, storage, and other in-orbit resources for daily use. NASA will purchase the capability to return scientific samples that must remain cold during transit back to Earth.

NASA made the selection from proposals received in response to its March 2025 NASA Research Announcement.

posted 02-12-2026 04:23 PM               

Vast Selected by NASA for Sixth Private Astronaut Mission to International Space Station

Vast, the company developing next-generation space stations, has signed an order with NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida. It is Vast’s first private astronaut mission to the space station in partnership with NASA.

“Vast is honored to have been selected by NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station,” said Max Haot, CEO of Vast. “Leveraging the remaining life of the International 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.”

The Vast private astronaut mission crew is expected to spend up to 14 days aboard the space station. A specific launch date will depend on overall spacecraft traffic at the orbital outpost and other planning considerations. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch the crew on a Dragon spacecraft to the space station as previously announced.

The mission will generate invaluable insights into the infrastructure and processes required for Vast to safely accomplish human spaceflight missions. The mission supports deeper collaboration with NASA and international space agencies in addition to strengthening Vast’s position as a candidate to deliver its proposed successor to the space station, the multi-module, continuously crewed Haven-2.

Vast is planning a robust science and research portfolio with a focus on biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, human research, and technology demonstrations for the mission. Last year, Vast announced a call for research proposals for a potential PAM mission. In addition, Vast’s current agreement with CASIS will enable increased throughput of high-quality science that aligns with its science strategy.

To submit a research proposal for consideration, visit here.

posted 06-01-2026 02:34 PM               

France Signs Historic Mission Agreement with Vast to the International Space Station

Today (June 1) at the Choose France Summit, created by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, Vast announced its commitment to establish its European headquarters in Paris and an agreement with the Government of France, for a mission involving a French astronaut: the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.

Above: ESA Astronaut Thomas Pesquet. (ESA/N. Fischer)

For France, this agreement ensures the country can continue its low-Earth orbit missions, building upon its prior experience of training for and participating in operational manned space missions.

Subject to the International Space Station's Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP) review and approval, ESA Astronaut Thomas Pesquet will serve as Commander for Vast's private astronaut mission to the International Space Station in partnership with NASA. The MCOP's decisions are reached through a consensus among representatives from all five Space Station partners: NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency.

The mission is expected to last approximately two weeks and is planned for 2027, with transportation provided by SpaceX on a Dragon spacecraft launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

Thomas Pesquet began his career as a satellite dynamics engineer at Thales Alenia Space, at GMV, then quickly joined CNES, before becoming an airline pilot for Air France in 2006. Selected by ESA in 2009, he joined the astronaut corps after a rigorous selection. He became the 10th French astronaut in space in 2016 for the Proxima mission, during which he spent 197 days aboard the International Space Station, performed two spacewalks, and participated in more than 50 scientific experiments.

In 2021, he launched aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft as part of NASA's Crew-2 mission and his second mission to the International Space Station, Alpha, and became the first French astronaut to command the orbiting laboratory. Four spacewalks and 200 more days later, he now holds the European record for days in space and time spent spacewalking. In parallel to his astronaut role in ESA, Thomas Pesquet flies in the Air and Space Force, and as a test pilot at Airbus; he has become CEO of Novespace.

The mission will focus on scientific research, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach activities, including experiments from French industry and academic institutions, all activities during which CNES, the French space agency, will put its expertise of more than 40 years of manned spaceflight to use.

In selecting Vast for this historic mission, France is paving the way for a sustained human presence in space while strengthening transatlantic partnerships and expanding opportunities for innovation, discovery, and exploration aboard the International Space Station.

Additional crew members will be announced at a later date and are expected to include professional astronauts from sovereign countries with diplomatic ties to France.

"We thank France, but also CNES and ESA and NASA for their partnership and leadership in advancing human spaceflight," said Max Haot, Vast CEO.

Vast's private astronaut mission to the International Space Station will launch no earlier than the summer of 2027.

posted 06-08-2026 12:37 PM               

The European Space Agency, on behalf of the Czech Republic, Signs Agreement with Vast for a Private Astronaut Mission to the International Space Station in Partnership with NASA

Vast, the company developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure, is partnering with the European Space Agency (ESA), on behalf of the Czech Republic, to send an astronaut to the International Space Station. This agreement builds on the memorandum of understanding that Vast, and the Czech Republic signed in 2024.

Subject to Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP) review and approval, Aleš Svoboda, one of the 12 members of the astronaut reserve selected by ESA in November 2022, will serve as the mission pilot. The MCOP's decisions are reached through a consensus among representatives from all five space station partners: NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. Pending approval, Aleš Svoboda will become the first Czech astronaut to visit the International Space Station. Svoboda is planned to join ESA Astronaut Thomas Pesquet who is the named Commander for the mission.

Above: ESA Reserve Astronaut Aleš Svoboda. (ESA/A. Conigli)

"This mission is an important milestone for the Czech Republic and a strategic investment into our future technological capabilities, science, industry, and education. Space technologies already influence many sectors with high added value, from telecommunications and cybersecurity to manufacturing. Through this mission, we want to strengthen the Czech Republic's industrial and technological base, support the involvement of Czech companies and research institutions in top international projects, and inspire a new generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators," said Karel Havlíček, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.

The mission is planned for 2027, with transportation provided by SpaceX on a Dragon spacecraft launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

"This mission confirms that the Czech Republic has the expertise, talent, and determination to contribute to the most advanced international projects of our time. The participation of a Czech pilot and ESA reserve astronaut reflects the high level of Czech readiness and professional excellence. The Czech Republic has long invested in innovation, technology, and human potential, and this mission demonstrates that Czech capabilities can succeed at the highest level of space exploration and technological progress. We see this not only as an investment in one mission, but in the future of our country," said Jaromír Zůna, Minister of Defence of the Czech Republic.

"This agreement demonstrates how ESA is enabling its Member States to participate in human spaceflight through a new generation of commercial partnerships," said Josef Aschbacher, ESA's Director General. "We thank NASA for its effort in facilitating this commercial activity. It supports the Czech Republic's ambitions while reinforcing Europe's broader objectives in exploration, innovation, and long-term capability development."

"For the third time, ESA is supporting its Member States with exploration through commercial access to space," said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA's Director for Human and Robotic Exploration. "ESA is working closely with the Czech Republic to provide them with our decades of expertise in the field of human spaceflight. This new mission will help drive forward technological advancements, supporting the development of technological and scientific expertise in the country."

"We are proud to expand our partnership with the Czech Republic and support this mission to the International Space Station implemented together with the European Space Agency," said Max Haot, CEO of Vast. "The Czech Republic has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing its role in the global space economy, and we look forward to working closely with ESA, NASA, and the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade on this historic mission."

"This mission demonstrates the strong and long-term partnership between the Czech Republic and the European Space Agency. Thanks to ESA's expertise and international cooperation framework, Czech research institutions, universities, and companies will gain valuable experience and new opportunities to participate in advanced space activities. The mission is also an important step in strengthening the Czech Republic's position within the European space ecosystem," said Václav Kobera, Director of the New Technologies and Czech Space Agency at the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade and Head of Delegation of the Czech Republic to ESA.

This initiative is an important step forward for the Czech Republic's engagement in the new era of commercial space exploration. It demonstrates the framework for collaboration across government, academia, and industry. With the support and expertise of ESA, the Czech Republic will benefit from Vast's commercial spaceflight initiatives.

In early June, Vast announced its commitment to establish its European headquarters in Paris, France. These collective milestones underscore Vast's commitment to fostering global access to microgravity research, and creating new pathways for emerging space leadership to participate in economic and scientific development in low-Earth orbit and beyond.