Will India Help Launch Astronauts to the First-Ever Commercial Space Station?

US-based space company Vast is set to introduce the world‘s first commercial space station, Haven-2, and is considering using Indian Gaganyaan rockets to take astronauts there. Vast CEO Max Haot confirmed this during his trip to India for the GLEX-2025 space conference. The company aims to introduce its smaller Haven-1 module in 2026 and finish Haven-2 by 2032, with the intent to replace the retiring International Space Station in 2031.

Vast also hopes to co-operate with ISRO and tap into India‘s soon-to-be-launched human spaceflight program, which includes the Gaganyaan mission planned for 2027. The collaboration can be mutually rewarding for both parties through technology transfer and experience in constructing enduring space habitats.

Vast Considers Gaganyaan for Crewed Spaceflights

Vast CEO Max Haot announced that the company is considering Indian launch capabilities. He stated, “There is a chance of using Gaganyaan rockets to carry crew to our space station.” Haot traveled to India for the GLEX-2025 space conference and complimented India’s advancement in space technology.

He also pinpointed the company’s willingness to partnerships. “We are willing to collaborate with all nations that are participating in human space missions. India is becoming a leader in this area,” he further noted. Vast is receptive to technology sharing within the framework of export control regulations.

Haven-2 to Replace the ISS

Vast is constructing Haven-2 as a huge space station to take over from the International Space Station (ISS) when it retires in 2031. Vast is aiming to finish Haven-2 in 2032. It will consist of nine modules, provide 500 cubic metres of living space, and produce 86 kilowatts of electricity. The initial module is to be launched in 2028.

Prior to that, Vast will debut with Haven-1, a one-module station, in May 2026 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Haven-1 will accommodate four astronauts for two weeks at most and act as a testbed.

India Can Benefit from Vast’s Experience

In 2027, ISRO will launch the first crewed Gaganyaan flight. Co-operation with Vast has the potential to accelerate India’s own space station project, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. Getting hints from Vast’s design and experience might enable ISRO to prevent costly delays. Haot explained that Vast is looking for NASA‘s endorsement for Haven-2, which will be available to all nations. Vast has more than 750 employees currently and plans to construct artificial gravity stations to facilitate long-duration space residence.

If Vast selects Gaganyaan for its crew missions, it will be a historic moment for India’s space programme. The partnership would enhance India’s international reputation in human spaceflight and potentially provide opportunities for commercial business.