US Firm Plans Commercial Space Station as ISS Nears End of Life
A U.S.-based company plans to launch the world’s first commercial space station for astronauts in 2027, marking a significant step toward sustainable human presence in low Earth orbit.
At the Space Debris Conference 2026 in Riyadh, VAST Space CEO Max Haot outlined the company’s vision for Haven-1, the initial phase of a broader plan to develop commercial space stations that support scientific research, technology demonstrations, and commercial applications in microgravity.
“The Haven-1 station is designed to host a crew of four astronauts on short-duration missions while ensuring safety and sustainability through debris protection systems and planned deorbiting processes,” Haot said.
The project aligns with the global shift toward commercial space operations as the International Space Station (ISS) approaches the end of its operational life, expected by 2030. The ISS, a joint venture between NASA and Russian, European, Japanese, and Canadian space agencies, has been in orbit since 1998.
VAST Space intends to generate operational revenues through four crewed missions between 2027 and 2030, supported by scientific and commercial payloads and strategic partnerships. Haot expressed confidence in the company’s progress, noting that key testing milestones are planned for 2025.
