Vast, a space company based in the United States, is looking to partner with India for launching crewed space missions. The company’s CEO, Max Haot, said they may use Indian rockets for their future space station. “There is a possibility of using Gaganyaan rockets to transport crew to our space station,” Haot told the sources. He was recently in India to attend the GLEX-2025 space conference.
Haven-2 to Replace the ISS
Vast is building a new space station called Haven-2. It will eventually take over after the International Space Station retires in 2031. Currently, Vast has over 750 employees working on the project.
Haot spoke highly of India’s progress in space technology. “We want to work with all countries involved in human space missions. India is emerging as a leader in this field, which is exciting,” he said.
He added that Vast is open to working with other countries. “We are open to various collaborations, including technology exchange, within export control limits.”
Vast Impressed by Gaganyaan and Axiom-4
Haot said he is very impressed with ISRO and the Indian government’s work. He especially noted India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission and participation in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. These efforts will make India the fourth country to send a person into space.
Haven-2 Will Welcome Global Partners
Vast wants support from NASA for the Haven-2 project. Haot confirmed that Vast will run the station once it’s up and running. “Once operational, this commercial space station will be open to all,” he said.
Haven-1 Launch Set for 2026
Before building Haven-2, Vast will launch a smaller space station called Haven-1. This will happen in May 2026 using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The module will provide 45 cubic metres of living space and support four astronauts for missions of about two weeks.
Haven-2 to Launch in 2028 and Complete by 2032
The first part of Haven-2 will launch in 2028. Vast plans to complete the full station by 2032. Haven-2 will serve both government and private users.
It will include:
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Nine modules
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500 cubic metres of living space
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86 kilowatts of power supply
India Can Learn from Vast’s Space Experience
ISRO plans to launch its crewed Gaganyaan mission by 2027. More crewed missions are expected after that. India also plans to build its own space station, called the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
Working with Vast could help India learn from their space station experience and technology.
Vast Aims to Build Artificial Gravity Space Labs
Vast is based in Long Beach, California, and was founded in 2021 by tech entrepreneur Jed McCaleb. The company focuses on building artificial gravity space stations for long-term human space travel.
Their first space station, Haven-1, will support four crew members for up to 30 days. It will be used for scientific research and commercial activities in low Earth orbit.
