NASA Empowers Vast for Sixth Private Mission to ISS, Paving Way for Commercial Space Stations

NASA has selected Vast, a firm headquartered in California, to undertake the sixth private astronaut expedition to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, planned for no sooner than summer 2027 from Florida, represents a pivotal move in Vast's plan to create its own orbital platform, Haven-2.

The announcement coincides with preparations by Axiom Space, a prominent commercial spaceflight participant, for its fifth private voyage to the ISS scheduled for early 2027. These initiatives reflect NASA's strategy to shift from government-owned stations towards commercially managed orbital facilities.

Vast Advances Space Station Ambitions Backed by NASA

Vast’s upcoming ISS trip is designed to yield critical data for its broader objective of establishing the Haven-2 space station. This two-week mission will enrich Vast’s expertise in crewed spaceflight operations. As highlighted in a NASA press release, CEO Max Haot described the mission as a vital educational experience.

Add Cosmo Herald as a Preferred Source

“Vast is honored to have been selected by NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.” he added that, “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.”

Though Vast wasn't in the first group assigned to construct commercial stations, they're committed to progressing rapidly. Their Haven Demo vehicle, which launched alongside SpaceX in 2025, set the stage for upcoming endeavors. By introducing the inaugural Haven-1 module in 2027, Vast aims to establish a permanent crewed outpost in orbit by 2030.

That’s a wrap on 2025: the year Vast became the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft in orbit with Haven Demo. Onward to 2026. pic.twitter.com/SMdkrHIW9c
— Vast (@vast) December 30, 2025

Axiom Space Persists as a Front-runner in Private ISS Missions

At the same time, Axiom Space is cementing its position as a trailblazer in private space expeditions. Since launching its first journey in 2022, Axiom has completed four private astronaut flights to the ISS, with a fifth planned for early 2027. The company’s mission profile has shifted from private space tourists to astronauts sponsored by governments, including those from India, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia.

Axiom's President and CEO, Jonathan Cirtain, points out that these missions have broadened the community of space explorers and delivered important scientific findings.

“All four previous missions have expanded the global community of space explorers, diversifying scientific investigations in microgravity, and providing significant insight that is benefitting the development of our next-generation space station, Axiom Station.”

.@NASA has selected @Vast for its sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, advancing commercial opportunities in space. More… https://t.co/LMcgrzJcg5 pic.twitter.com/boyiL1N7kO
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) February 14, 2026

NASA’s Role in Boosting Commercial Space Ventures

NASA’s partnership highlights the agency’s increasing commitment to nurturing a private-sector space economy. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recognizes that private crewed missions stimulate innovation, expanding capabilities and encouraging commercial enterprise that strengthens the U.S.’s space leadership.

“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,” Isaacman explained.

By supplying essentials like food, storage, and resources for these private missions, NASA supports companies such as Vast and Axiom, which in turn generate important data and contribute to ventures extending human presence beyond Earth.