The retirement of the International Space Station (ISS) is closer than ever, but it’s not the end of orbital space stations as we know them. Thanks to an ambitious new partnership between SpaceX and emerging space innovator Vast, the next era of human spaceflight is already taking shape—and much faster than anyone expected.
Welcome to Haven 1 and Haven 2, the world’s first private space station modules equipped with artificial gravity, designed to replace and surpass the ISS in nearly every aspect. This collaboration could reshape the way we live, work, and conduct science in space.
The End of the ISS: Why We Need a Replacement
The ISS, a beacon of international collaboration and scientific progress, is scheduled for controlled deorbit in January 2031, with its final destination being the desolate Point Nemo in the South Pacific.
But the reasons behind this planned retirement are practical:
- Aging infrastructure: Air leaks from the Russian Zvezda module since 2019.
- System failures: A major coolant leak from the Nauka module in 2023.
- High maintenance costs: Billions spent annually to keep the station operational.
Even Elon Musk, despite SpaceX benefiting financially from ISS operations, publicly stated:
“I would like to go on record recommending that [the ISS] be deorbited within 2 years.”
NASA’s Backup Plan: Enter the Private Sector
NASA isn’t sitting still. Through its Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program, the agency has been encouraging private companies to build replacements.
Here’s who got NASA funding in 2021:
- Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef
- Nanoracks’ StarLab
- Northrop Grumman’s station (now exited)
- Axiom Space’s attachable modules
NASA also awarded $843 million to SpaceX for building a US deorbit vehicle to safely dispose of the ISS. But while these government-funded projects lag, a dark horse has surged ahead—Vast.
Who Is Vast? The New Contender in Orbital Space
Vast, founded in 2021 by tech and crypto billionaire Jed McCaleb, is aiming to build the first-ever commercial space station with artificial gravity—a concept long theorized but never demonstrated.
Though Vast hasn’t received direct NASA funding, it operates under a Space Act Agreement, which gives it access to:
- NASA facilities
- Technical support
- Data and expert reviews
This support has been crucial in the development of Haven 1 and Haven 2, and could ultimately make Vast the first private company to launch and operate a fully functional space station.
What Is Haven 1?
A Next-Gen Orbital Module
Haven 1 is a fully self-contained orbital module measuring:
- 4.4 meters in diameter
- 10.1 meters tall
- Weighing ~14 tons
- 45 cubic meters of pressurized volume
It fits perfectly inside a Falcon 9 rocket fairing and is equipped with:
- Solar panels
- Avionics
- Propulsion systems
- Docking port for SpaceX Crew Dragon
Interior Design with Comfort in Mind
Designed by Peter Russell-Clarke, a former Apple designer, the station’s interior is sleek, modern, and comfortable, unlike the ISS’s utilitarian layout.
It includes:
- Private sleeping pods
- Shared living and workspaces
- Cupola window for Earth viewing
- Exercise and laboratory areas
Each crew pod features Starlink connectivity, built-in storage, and a queen-sized sleep system, helping astronauts rest better in microgravity.
Vast and SpaceX: A Game-Changing Partnership
The Vast-SpaceX partnership, announced in May 2023, outlined two primary goals:
- Launch Haven 1 aboard a Falcon 9 by May 2026
- Send a 4-person crew aboard a Crew Dragon for a 30-day mission
More Than Just Launch
SpaceX isn’t just a taxi service here. They are deeply involved in:
- Training astronauts in Falcon 9, Dragon operations, emergency drills
- Docking simulations with Haven 1
- Two additional Dragon missions in support of NASA’s private astronaut program
This tight integration gives Vast the competitive edge needed to beat legacy players.
What Makes Haven 2 Revolutionary?
A Star-Shaped Space Megastructure
Haven 2, officially unveiled at the 2024 International Astronomical Congress in Milan, is a modular space station targeting completion by 2032.
Key features include:
- Up to 8 modules connected to a central core
- Total habitable volume: 550 cubic meters (vs ISS’s 388)
- Support for 12 astronauts
- Artificial gravity via rotation (4 rpm)
This rotation creates Earth-like gravity at both ends, while keeping the core in microgravity for experiments.
Haven 2 Deployment Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2028 | Launch of first module via Falcon Heavy |
| 2029–2030 | Three additional modules launched |
| 2030 | Central core module launched via Starship |
| 2031–2032 | Final modules added, station complete |
Artificial Gravity: From Sci-Fi to Reality
While artificial gravity is a breakthrough concept, it has never been demonstrated in orbit. Haven 1 will serve as the testbed, rotating without a crew in 2028 to simulate lunar gravity conditions.
This will help Vast refine designs before implementing full-scale artificial gravity in Haven 2.
Haven 1’s Science & Research Facilities
Haven 1 includes a high-tech microgravity lab with:
- 10 payload lockers
- Remote operability via Starlink
- Research capabilities for biotech, pharma, agriculture, and more
Confirmed research partners include:
- Redwire
- Yuri
- Interstellar Lab (France)
- Exobiosphere (Luxembourg)
- Japan Manned Space Systems (JAMSS)
These organizations will conduct cutting-edge microgravity research, with real-world applications for Earth and long-duration space travel.
How Haven 1 Redefines Life in Orbit
Private Quarters Like Never Before
Each crew member gets:
- A private pod with adjustable lighting
- Entertainment system
- Vanity kit & custom storage
- Comfort-enhancing sleep pod
These features aim to improve astronaut well-being, a known issue on cramped stations like the ISS.
Customizable Fitness Area
Exercise is vital in microgravity. Haven 1 includes:
- Resistance band system
- Rotational & linear workouts
- Anchor points for body stability
Human-Centric Design
Unlike the clinical, gear-packed ISS, Haven 1 features:
- Warm color palettes
- Wood paneling over research lockers
- Optimized modular storage
Astronauts have already referred to it as a “luxury space resort” compared to the ISS.
Vast’s Vision: From Startup to Space Legacy
CEO Jed McCaleb has a bold strategy—launch Haven 1 first, gain NASA’s trust, then win major contracts.
By launching Haven 1 in 2026 and Haven 2’s first module in 2028, Vast ensures NASA has time to test and transition before the ISS is retired.
His goal?
“If we guarantee the interest of all the nations in the ISS program… our dreams will be within reach.”
Why Vast Might Beat the Competition
Other private station projects are struggling:
- Axiom Space is dealing with financial delays despite NASA funding.
- Sierra Space and Blue Origin have shown minimal progress.
- Northrop Grumman exited the race.
Vast, meanwhile, is delivering real hardware, testing components with NASA, and lining up commercial and international partners.
Could Haven Surpass China’s Tiangong?
China’s Tiangong Station currently hosts:
- 150 cubic meters of volume
- Support for 3–6 astronauts
But Haven 2 is aiming for 550 cubic meters and 12 astronauts—a clear step up.
More importantly, Tiangong is closed to international partners. Haven, by contrast, aims to be open, collaborative, and private-sector-driven.
Final Thoughts: A New Era in Space is Here
With the ISS sunsetting by 2030, the race is on to build the next flagship orbital platform. While others are still drafting blueprints, Vast and SpaceX are preparing for launch.
Haven 1 (2026) will be the first commercial space station in history, and Haven 2 (2032) could redefine our entire future in orbit—with artificial gravity, international partnerships, and luxury living in space.
If you’re excited about this future, don’t forget to share this blog, leave a comment, and drop a “Go Haven!” below!
FAQs:
1. What is Haven 1?
Haven 1 is Vast’s first commercial space station module designed to support four astronauts for up to 30 days. It features advanced life support, private sleeping quarters, lab space, and artificial gravity testing capabilities. It is expected to launch in May 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
2. What is Haven 2 and how is it different from Haven 1?
Haven 2 is a larger, modular, second-generation space station planned by Vast. It will offer 550 cubic meters of habitable volume, house up to 12 astronauts, and be capable of Earth-like artificial gravity. Haven 2 will expand in phases starting in 2028, with full deployment by 2032.
3. Why is the ISS being retired?
The International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled for controlled deorbit by 2031 due to aging infrastructure, increasing maintenance costs, and safety concerns, including coolant and air leaks in Russian modules.
4. Who is building Haven 1 and Haven 2?
The space stations are being built by Vast, a private space company founded in 2021 by tech entrepreneur Jed McCaleb. SpaceX is providing launch services, spacecraft (Crew Dragon), and astronaut training.
5. Does Haven 1 have artificial gravity?
Haven 1 will test artificial gravity concepts through rotational motion, simulating lunar gravity in uncrewed experiments starting around 2028. It will not generate continuous gravity for human use during initial missions.
6. When will Haven 1 launch?
Haven 1 is scheduled to launch no earlier than May 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the first four-person crewed mission following shortly after.
7. Will NASA use Haven 1 or Haven 2?
While NASA hasn’t formally contracted Vast, it has a Space Act Agreement to provide technical support. Vast is aiming to win NASA as an anchor customer by demonstrating operational success ahead of competitors.
8. How many astronauts can live aboard Haven 1?
Haven 1 is designed to host 4 astronauts for up to 30 days. The module includes private pods, shared living quarters, a lab, and fitness facilities.
9. How is Haven 1 better than the ISS?
Haven 1 offers:
- Private crew quarters
- Modern, human-centric interior design
- Starlink internet connectivity
- Enhanced comfort and privacy
- Simplified systems for research and communication
10. What makes Haven 2 revolutionary?
Haven 2 will be the first commercial station with:
- Artificial gravity
- Support for 12 astronauts
- Modular, scalable design
- Star-shaped orbital layout
- Flexible research and tourism capabilities
11. Will Haven 1 support scientific experiments?
Yes. Haven 1 features a microgravity lab with 10 payload lockers. Vast has already signed partnerships with companies like Redwire, JAMSS, Interstellar Lab, and Exobiosphere for onboard research.
12. What role does SpaceX play in Haven 1 and 2?
SpaceX is responsible for:
- Launching Haven modules
- Providing Crew Dragon spacecraft
- Training astronauts
- Supporting Vast’s participation in NASA’s private astronaut program
13. How does Haven 2 compare to China’s Tiangong station?
China’s Tiangong has 150 m³ of habitable volume for 3–6 astronauts, while Haven 2 will have 550 m³ and support up to 12 astronauts, making it significantly larger and more flexible for international use.
14. What research will be done aboard Haven 1?
Expected research includes:
- Pharmaceutical development
- Biological experiments
- Plant growth studies
- Microgravity material science
15. Is Haven 1 open to international partners?
Yes. Vast has already partnered with companies from Japan, France, and Luxembourg. The station is designed for global scientific collaboration—unlike China’s Tiangong, which is closed to most foreign entities.
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