NASA Picks Vast for 6th Private Space Station Mission

NASA is opening the doors to space even wider, and a newcomer just got its golden ticket.

The space agency selected Vast, a commercial space company, to send the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The mission will launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida and marks Vast's first trip to the orbiting laboratory.

This isn't just about tourism. The mission represents NASA's continued push to build a thriving commercial space economy that benefits everyone on Earth.

"Private astronaut missions represent more than access to the International Space Station," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. "They create opportunities for new ideas, companies, and capabilities that further enhance American leadership in low Earth orbit."

The crew will spend up to 14 days aboard the station conducting science and research. Vast will submit four proposed crew members for NASA review, and once approved, they'll train with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX before launch.

SpaceX will provide the transportation to and from the station. NASA will supply crew consumables, cargo delivery, and storage, while Vast purchases mission services from the agency.

The Ripple Effect

Every private mission to the space station does more than send people to orbit. These flights accelerate innovation and help develop technologies that could support future missions to the Moon and Mars through NASA's Artemis campaign.

The International Space Station's unique microgravity environment allows researchers to conduct experiments impossible on Earth. Scientific samples that need to remain cold during the return trip will come back to NASA, advancing research that could benefit medicine, materials science, and more.

By welcoming commercial partners like Vast, NASA is building the foundation for what comes next. As the International Space Station approaches the end of its operational life, these private missions help pave the way for commercial space stations that will continue humanity's presence in low Earth orbit.

"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," said Max Haot, CEO of Vast.

The future of space is becoming more accessible, one mission at a time.