NASA has officially selected **Vast** for its sixth private astronaut mission to the **International Space Station**, set to launch no earlier than **summer 2027** from **Florida**. This mission represents a significant milestone for Vast, marking its first partnership with NASA in private astronaut missions to the orbital laboratory.
The announcement came during a period of increasing commercial collaboration in space exploration. This mission aligns with NASA’s commitment to fostering a thriving commercial space economy and expanding opportunities for private industry in low Earth orbit.
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator, emphasized the importance of private missions, stating, “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.”
Mission Details and Objectives
The mission is expected to last up to **14 days** aboard the International Space Station. The exact launch date will depend on overall traffic at the orbital outpost and other logistical considerations.
**Dana Weigel**, the manager of the International Space Station Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, highlighted the role of the station in advancing innovation. She stated, “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 plans to propose four crew members for NASA and its international partners’ review. Once selected, these astronauts will undergo training with NASA, international partners, and **SpaceX**, which has been contracted for transportation to and from the space station.
Max Haot, CEO of Vast, expressed his gratitude for being selected, 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 and fully unlocking the orbital economy.”
Commercial Partnerships and Future Goals
As part of the agreement, Vast will purchase mission services from NASA, which include crew consumables, cargo delivery, and various in-orbit resources necessary for daily operations. Additionally, NASA will acquire the capability to return scientific samples that must remain cold during transit back to Earth.
This mission builds on proposals received by NASA in response to its **March 2025 NASA Research Announcement**. Missions aboard the International Space Station, including these private astronaut initiatives, are vital for advancing scientific knowledge and testing new technologies in microgravity.
The commercial activities in low Earth orbit are integral to developing capabilities that support NASA’s long-term goals for missions beyond low Earth orbit. These efforts are particularly aligned with NASA’s **Artemis campaign**, which aims to facilitate deep space exploration, including missions to the Moon and eventually to Mars.
For more information about NASA’s commercial space strategy, visit their official site. This collaboration reflects an evolving landscape in space exploration, where private industry plays an increasingly crucial role in shaping the future of human activity beyond Earth.
