NASA has awarded Vast a contract for its sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with a target launch date set for no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida. This marks a significant milestone for Vast, as it is the company’s inaugural private astronaut mission in collaboration with NASA.
The upcoming mission will allow crew members to spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS. A definitive launch date will be determined based on spacecraft traffic and other logistical considerations at the orbital facility. This partnership exemplifies NASA’s commitment to fostering a robust commercial space economy and expanding opportunities for private entities in low Earth orbit.
Expanding Opportunities in Space
Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator, emphasized the importance of private astronaut missions during the announcement, 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 and open doors for what’s next.”
The ISS plays a crucial role in shaping future activities in low Earth orbit, according to Dana Weigel, manager of the ISS Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. She noted that hosting private missions accelerates innovation, opens new commercial pathways, and advances research, thereby strengthening the foundation of a thriving space economy.
Vast plans to submit four proposed crew members for review to NASA and its international partners. Following approval, these individuals will undergo training with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX, which has been contracted as the launch provider for this mission.
Commercial Collaboration and Future Goals
“This is a critical part of the transition to commercial space stations and fully unlocking the orbital economy,” said Max Haot, CEO of Vast. The company will purchase various mission services from NASA, including crew consumables, cargo delivery, and in-orbit resources necessary for daily operations. Additionally, NASA will facilitate the safe return of scientific samples that require cold storage during transit back to Earth.
The selection of Vast follows a NASA Research Announcement issued in March 2025. Missions aboard the ISS, including those from private entities, contribute significantly to scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies in the unique microgravity environment.
These commercial endeavors in low Earth orbit are pivotal for developing capabilities that support NASA’s long-term objectives, which include deep space exploration missions to the Moon and ultimately to Mars as part of the agency’s Artemis campaign.
For more details on NASA’s commercial space strategy, visit their official website.
