Vast’s Haven-1 to have microgravity lab, 10 payload slots and Starlink internet

Vast, a prominent commercial space station company, is advancing its ambitious plans with the development of a private microgravity research lab.

The lab, part of the broader Haven-1 station initiative, is scheduled to launch no earlier than the second half of 2025.

This strategic move represents a significant step in the evolution of space-based research and manufacturing.

Innovative microgravity research capabilities

The upcoming Haven-1 lab is designed with 10 payload slots, each comparable in size to the “middeck lockers” used on the International Space Station (ISS). These payload slots, roughly the size of a microwave oven, will be able to accommodate payloads weighing up to 30 kg (66 lbs) and provide 100 watts of continuous power along with Ethernet data connectivity.

This setup mirrors the ISS’s standard payload container measurements, ensuring a familiar operational environment for researchers.

Unlike the ISS, where payload operations are conducted by NASA astronauts, Haven-1’s payloads will be managed by a dedicated crew onboard the private station. Researchers will have the option to return samples or products from the lab through capsules similar to SpaceX’s Dragon.

Moreover, astronauts aboard Haven-1 will be supported by ground operators via high-speed Starlink laser links—a collaboration announced by Vast and Starlink in April.

“The ISS may be on its way to be retired in 2030, but the institutional knowledge deserves a new platform for future microgravity research and manufacturing innovation,” stated Vast CEO Max Haot in the official press release.

“Our Haven-1 Lab is designed to provide that bridge well before the eventual retirement of ISS.”

Vast has enlisted Redwire Space and European space biotech company Yuri as its inaugural partners for the Haven-1 lab. Both companies bring extensive experience from their operations on the ISS.

The selection of a European-based partner is significant, as it aligns with Vast’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Space Agency, highlighting its commitment to international collaboration.

The future of space-based research and commercial stations

Haven-1 represents a serious bid to succeed the ISS, which has been a cornerstone for scientific research and experimentation in space. While commercial space stations often generate excitement as potential destinations for space tourism, their core services will likely remain focused on research and development for the foreseeable future.

The research conducted on Haven-1 could differ substantially from that on the ISS, given the commercial nature of the station. Unlike NASA, which has to prioritize experiments based on scientific value and crew time limitations, Vast’s lab will have more flexibility in selecting experiments.

This could lead to new areas of research and technological innovation not previously explored in low Earth orbit.

NASA has expressed strong interest in having a commercial space station provider ready to launch soon, as the ISS is set to retire by the end of this decade. The potential overlap between the ISS and private stations like Haven-1 is seen as crucial for maintaining continuous research capabilities in orbit.

Vast’s strategic focus extends beyond the initial partnerships. The company is actively pursuing collaborations in advanced fields such as semiconductor and material manufacturing, edge computing, and machine learning.

By offering a unique payload end-user program, Vast aims to democratize access to space. This program allows individuals and companies of various sizes to engage with established payload partners, conduct independent or joint experiments, and explore new opportunities for innovation in microgravity environments.