NASA Signs Sixth Private Astronaut Mission with Vast; ISS Launch Set for Summer 2027

In a major step toward expanding commercial human spaceflight, NASA has signed an agreement with California-based space company Vast for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida, marking Vast’s first crewed collaboration with NASA.

Vast Secures Landmark NASA Agreement

The United States space agency, NASA, has officially signed an order with California-based private space company Vast for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission is expected to launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida. This will be Vast’s first private astronaut mission conducted in partnership with NASA, marking a significant milestone in the transition from government-led missions to commercial space operations.

The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days aboard the space station, focusing on science, research, and operational readiness for future commercial missions.

Vast CEO Highlights Commercial Space Transition

Vast CEO Max Haot said in a statement:

“Vast is honoured to have been selected by NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station… 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”.

The mission is expected to generate valuable insights into infrastructure, safety systems, and operational processes required for future human spaceflight missions led by Vast.

Launch Details – Falcon 9 and Dragon Spacecraft

The mission will launch aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, carrying astronauts in a Dragon spacecraft to the ISS.

An official noted that the exact launch date will depend on:

• Spacecraft traffic at the ISS

• Operational scheduling

• Mission planning considerations

Florida remains the launch site, most likely from Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral, both key hubs for NASA and SpaceX crewed missions.

Haven-1 and Haven-2 – Vast’s Commercial Space Station Vision

Haven-1 Launch Planned for 2027

Vast plans to launch Haven-1 in 2027. If successful, it could become the world’s first commercial space station module operated independently.

Haven-2 Proposed as ISS Successor

The company is also designing a multi-module station known as Haven-2, proposed as a successor to the ISS, which is scheduled to be retired in 2030.

As NASA moves toward commercial partnerships under its Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program, private stations like Haven-2 could play a central role in maintaining a continuous human presence in low Earth orbit.

NASA’s Crewed Moon Mission Faces Delay

While advancing commercial ISS missions, NASA has also announced a delay in its long-awaited crewed Moon mission.

The mission has been postponed until at least March, following hydrogen fuel leaks that disrupted the final dress rehearsal of its massive new rocket.

The issue is linked to the Space Launch System (SLS), NASA’s next-generation heavy-lift vehicle designed for deep space exploration.

The hydrogen leak mirrors a similar problem that delayed the rocket’s debut three years ago. That initial test flight was grounded for months due to leaking hydrogen, which is highly flammable and poses significant safety risks.

“Actually, this one caught us off guard,” NASA’s John Honeycutt said, hours after the test was halted at Kennedy Space Center.

Why This Mission Matters for the Future of Space

The agreement between NASA and Vast reflects a broader strategic shift:

• Transitioning from government-only ISS operations to commercial partnerships

• Encouraging private companies to develop independent space stations

• Expanding the low Earth orbit economy

• Supporting long-term sustainability after ISS retirement in 2030

With private astronaut missions increasing in frequency and companies like Vast entering the human spaceflight sector, the commercialization of orbit is accelerating.

The summer 2027 mission will not only mark Vast’s debut in human spaceflight but also serve as a stepping stone toward a future where commercial space stations operate alongside or replace government-run platforms.

As NASA balances ISS operations, Moon exploration, and commercial partnerships, the coming years could redefine how humanity lives and works in space.