Future of Space Habitation: Vast Introduces Haven-2 to Replace the ISS

Future Vision for Space Stations

During the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Vast, the US-based space habitation technology company, unveiled Haven-2—the proposed successor to the International Space Station (ISS) and a critical step in the company’s vision to pioneer long-term living and thriving in space.

With the planned retirement of the ISS by 2030, NASA envisaged the Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) program, expected to announce its Phase 2 winner(s) in mid-2026. Vast has its sights set on this prestigious contract to establish the future of human presence in low-Earth orbit. “Our focus this decade is to win the NASA CLD contract and build the successor to the ISS,” said Max Haot, Vast CEO. To realize this goal, the company aims to demonstrate its capabilities through the world’s first commercial space station, Haven-1, scheduled to launch in 2025.

Scaling Up the Haven-2 Vision

If selected in 2026, Vast plans to have the first module of Haven-2, an evolved and NASA-certified version of Haven-1, operational by 2028. This timeline is achievable due to Vast's significant private investment in designing, building, launching, and operating Haven-1. This initial module will be 5m longer than Haven-1 and will nearly double the livable volume.

Vast's traction with Haven-1 and foundational design positions the company as a frontrunner in securing U.S. and international partner interests in the expanding space sector.

• Scalable Module Expansion: After launching the first Haven-2 module, Vast plans to add three more modules within two years, each enhancing usability and equipped with advanced life-support systems.

Collaborative Research Opportunities

The Haven-2 Lab will provide cutting-edge facilities for microgravity research and in-space manufacturing, far surpassing the capabilities of Haven-1. It will accommodate larger payloads, enhance experimental versatility, and comply with NASA’s Basic Laboratory Capabilities.

To promote international collaboration, the Haven-2 Lab offers options for dedicating modules or facilities to global partners, fostering cooperative advancements in microgravity research.

Future Projections: 2030 and Beyond

From 2030 to 2032, Vast will add a 7m diameter core module and four more Haven-2 modules, creating a fully equipped next-generation commercial space station. Key features will include a 3.8m diameter cupola window and sophisticated payload hosting capabilities.

Vast's design is set to redefine operational benchmarks for space stations, ensuring continued leadership in the LEO economy and facilitating essential partnerships and research.