Vast Space Targets 2027 Launch for First Commercial Space Station

The race to build the world’s first commercially operated space station took a major step forward in Riyadh, where Vast Space confirmed plans to launch its inaugural orbital outpost, Haven-1, in early 2027.

The announcement was made during the Space Debris Conference 2026, underscoring the growing role of private companies in shaping the future of low-Earth orbit as the International Space Station nears retirement later this decade.

According to Vast Space CEO Max Haot, Haven-1 will be designed to host up to four astronauts on short-duration missions. The station will support a range of activities, including scientific research, technology testing, and commercial microgravity operations, positioning it as a flexible platform for both public and private partners.

Safety and long-term orbital sustainability are central to the station’s design. Haot explained that Haven-1 will feature integrated debris shielding as well as a controlled deorbit system, ensuring the station can be responsibly removed from orbit at the end of its service life and reducing the risk of space debris.

The project has already passed a critical milestone. The Haven Demo mission, successfully completed in 2025, validated key onboard systems and technologies in orbit. That mission marked the transition from development to operational testing, significantly lowering technical risk ahead of the full station launch.

With Haven-1, Vast Space aims to lay the foundation for a new era of privately operated space infrastructure, offering continuity for human activity in orbit as government-led platforms are phased out.