Vast
Vast, Inc. develops commercial space stations and orbital infrastructure — including Haven-1 (2027), Haven-2, and a 15 kW satellite bus line — serving government space agencies (NASA, ESA member states) and private customers seeking post-ISS LEO access for research, astronaut missions, and orbital data center workloads.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersLong Beach, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Vast does
Vast, Inc. is a privately held space infrastructure company founded in 2021 by Jed McCaleb (co-founder of Ripple and Stellar) and headquartered in Long Beach, California, with offices in Hawthorne, Mojave, Houston, Washington D.C., Tokyo (via subsidiary Vast Japan GK), and Paris (European headquarters, June 2026). The company is developing next-generation commercial space stations and high-power satellite buses using an incremental, vertically integrated approach with in-house subsystems spanning avionics, power distribution, ECLSS, propulsion, flight software, control moment gyroscopes, and a 3.8m Large Docking Adapter being offered as an open industry standard.
Its product portfolio centers on Haven-1 — billed as the world's first commercial space station, with a 45 m³ habitable volume, 4-crew capacity for 14-day missions, a 1.1m domed window, and Starlink connectivity, targeted for launch in 2027 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 — followed by Haven-2, a modular, multi-module successor to the ISS with first module targeted for 2028 and full 9-module configuration by 2032, sized to support 12 crew in 510 m³. The pipeline has been de-risked through Haven Demo, an in-orbit testbed that deployed from SpaceX's Bandwagon-4 in November 2025 and was deorbited in February 2026, and through partnerships including exclusive launch/crew services via SpaceX Dragon. Vast also launched the Vast Satellite line in 2026 — a 15 kW-class satellite bus with an optional Nvidia Space-1 Vera Rubin Module targeting communications, Earth observation, national security, and orbital data center operators, with a first customer order for four satellites and options for up to 200 more.
Vast monetizes through (1) one-time per-mission fees for sovereign and private astronaut flights (NASA Private Astronaut Missions, French Pesquet/Prost missions, Czech Republic Svoboda mission, UK Space Agency MOU), (2) recurring payload research and manufacturing subscriptions on Haven-1 Lab (eight Middeck Locker Equivalent slots) with life sciences and biotech customers including Cedars-Sinai, Sanford Stem Cell Institute, LambdaVision, Auxilium Biotechnologies, and BioOrbit, (3) government development contracts under NASA's Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program, and (4) hardware sales of 15 kW satellite buses. The company has raised over $1B in private capital led by a March 2026 $500M Series A from Balerion Space Ventures with Qatar Investment Authority, IQT, MUFG, Nikon, Mitsui, Space Capital, Stellar Ventures, and Earthrise Ventures; the team is dominated by former SpaceX, NASA, Blue Origin, Virgin Orbit, and Relativity Space operators.
Vast firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Vast
- Legal name
- Vast, Inc.
- Website
- https://vastspace.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Vast, Inc. develops commercial space stations and orbital infrastructure — including Haven-1 (2027), Haven-2, and a 15 kW satellite bus line — serving government space agencies (NASA, ESA member states) and private customers seeking post-ISS LEO access for research, astronaut missions, and orbital data center workloads.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Vast industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Space Stations
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control (IMABACAF), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE)
Keywords
Where Vast is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Long Beach
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices7 records
Markets served
Vast business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Government Astronaut Missions: Flights for U.S. and sovereign government astronauts aboard Haven-1 and future stations, contracted through government space agencies
- Private Astronaut Missions: Two-week missions aboard Haven-1 for private astronauts, including training, launch, and station access
- Payload Research and Manufacturing: Commercial microgravity research, development, and manufacturing platform for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials science
- Satellite Bus Sales: Sale of high-power 15 kW-class satellite buses to communications, Earth observation, national security, and data center operators. First customer ordered 4 satellites with option for 200 more
- Space Station Manufacturing Contracts: NASA Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program funding for ISS successor development
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom mission pricing for government and private astronaut missions |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Vast product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Vast designs, manufactures, and operates commercial space stations (Haven-1 and Haven-2), high-power satellite buses (Vast Satellite), and microgravity research and manufacturing platforms (Haven-1 Lab). The company sells mission access, payload slots, and satellite platforms to government space agencies, sovereign astronaut programs, biotech/pharmaceutical researchers, and commercial satellite operators.
Product overview
Vast is developing a portfolio of next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich approach. The product line includes Haven-1 (the world's first commercial space station, targeted for 2027 launch), Haven-2 (a larger successor to the ISS planned for 2028-2032), Haven-1 Lab (the microgravity research and manufacturing platform aboard Haven-1), Haven Demo (an in-orbit testbed that validated core systems in 2025-2026), and Vast Satellite (a new high-power satellite bus product line announced in 2026). All stations leverage SpaceX for launch services and Starlink for communications connectivity.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Haven-1: The world's first commercial space station, targeted for launch in 2027. A state-of-the-art, human-centric space station featuring 45 m³ habitable volume, 1.1m domed window, personal crew quarters, and a microgravity research laboratory.
- Haven-2
- Vast Satellite
- Haven Demo
- Haven-1 Lab
Products and services
- Haven-1 Space Station The world's first commercial space station, a human-centric station home to an innovation lab for private astronauts and government missions. Targeted for 2027 launch aboard SpaceX Falcon 9, featuring a 45 m³ habitable volume (80 m³ pressurized), 4-crew capacity, 2-week missions, 1.1m domed window, Starlink connectivity, and a 14,600 kg mass with 13.2 kW power.
- Haven-2 Space Station Multi-module commercial space station designed to succeed the ISS with first module operational by 2028 and full 9-module configuration completed by 2032. Features modular design with two docking ports, external payload facilities, 3.8m domed cupola window, EVA airlock, 12-crew capacity, and 510 m³ habitable volume in full configuration with 86 kW station power.
- Haven Demo Satellite In-space testbed satellite that successfully validated critical Haven-1 space station technologies including avionics, power, and flight software before controlled deorbit in February 2026. Provided flight heritage subsequently leveraged by the Vast Satellite bus product line.
- Haven-1 Lab Microgravity Research Platform The world's first microgravity research, development, and manufacturing platform on a commercial space station, featuring eight Middeck Locker Equivalent payload slots with 100W continuous power per slot, operated by Haven-1 crew and remotely commandable via Starlink for biotech, pharmaceutical, and materials science customers.
- Vast Satellite Bus Product Line High-power satellite bus product line leveraging Haven Demo flight heritage and in-house space station technology. First offering is a 15 kW-class bus with 700 kg dry mass, 350+ kg payload capacity, 5-year design life, and an optional Nvidia Space-1 Vera Rubin Module for AI edge compute. Targets communications, Earth observation, national security, and orbital data center constellation operators.
Quantifiable outcome
- First commercial space station company to fly and operate own spacecraft in orbit (Haven Demo)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Vast
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Vast technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability5 records
Feature9 records
Vast partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.
- Czech Republic / ESAmajorAgreement to send Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda to ISS, pending approval. First Czech astronaut to visit ISS, planned for 2027.
- UK Space AgencymajorMoU to explore human spaceflight and science opportunities for Haven-1, potentially including British astronaut John McFall.
- France / ESAmajorHistoric two-mission agreement with French government: Thomas Pesquet to command ISS mission, Arnaud Prost to fly on Haven-1. Vast to establish European headquarters in Paris.
- Maldives Space Research OrganisationminorMoU to engage Republic of Maldives space industry.
- Innovation Agency LithuaniaminorMoU to support space industry engagement and scientific research in Lithuania.
- NASAcoreNASA selected Vast for sixth private astronaut mission to ISS, targeted summer 2027. Vast contracted SpaceX for launch while NASA provides in-orbit services including life support consumables.
- Colombian Space Agency (AEC)minorMoU to advance space cooperation in Latin America through science, technology, education, and human spaceflight.
- Uzbekistan Ministry of Digital TechnologiesminorAgreement to engage Uzbek space industry and explore cooperation opportunities.
- IWC SchaffhausenminorStrategic collaboration making IWC official timekeeper for Haven-1 orbital flights. IWC developed Pilot's Venturer Vertical Drive, certified for human spaceflight by Vast.
- Czech Ministry of TransportminorMoU to partner on engagement with Czech space industry and human spaceflight.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreMoU signed for future Vast space stations, enabling European engagement and cooperation.
- SpaceXcoreStrategic launch partnership with SpaceX for Falcon 9 launch of Haven-1 and Dragon spacecraft crew transport. SpaceX will also provide Starlink connectivity for communications aboard Haven-1, marking first deployment on a commercial space station.
- LaunchercoreAcquired Launcher in February 2023 to accelerate growth with liquid rocket engine capabilities and orbiter space tug platform for orbital access and space station component testing.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Vast competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Blue Origin: Partnered with Sierra Space on the Orbital Reef commercial space station, also pursuing CLD. Comparable through both LEO infrastructure ambitions and reusable launch capabilities relevant to Vast's launch strategy.
- Sierra Space: Co-developer of Orbital Reef with Blue Origin; produces the LIFE (Large Integrated Flexible Environment) inflatable habitat and Dream Chaser spaceplane. Direct competitor in commercial station modules and human-rated space hardware.
- Axiom Space: Closest direct competitor targeting NASA's Commercial LEO Destinations program, currently attaching modules to the ISS and planning a free-flying station. Operates private astronaut missions and pursues the same NASA anchor customer as Vast.
- Voyager Space Holdings (Starlab): Starlab consortium (Voyager Space, Airbus, Mitsubishi, Hilton, MDA Space) is pursuing NASA's CLD Phase 2 with a single-launch commercial station concept. Directly competes against Haven-1 and Haven-2 for the same anchor award.
Broad incumbents
- Rocket Lab: Operator of the Photon satellite bus and growing spacecraft franchise; comparable to Vast Satellite in offering high-performance buses to commercial and government constellation customers.
- Northrop Grumman: Major aerospace prime with proposed CLD concepts leveraging Cygnus and Mission Extension Pod heritage; provides ISS logistics today. Comparable as a large incumbent pursuing the same NASA commercial destination opportunity.
- Maxar Technologies: Established commercial spacecraft bus manufacturer (PowerStar, GEO platforms) with deep flight heritage. Comparable to Vast Satellite as a provider of high-power satellite buses for government and commercial operators.
- Redwire: Provides space infrastructure including ECLSS, deployable structures, and ISS components used across multiple stations. Comparable to Vast in subsystem-level space hardware for human-rated platforms and CLD programs.
Emerging players
- Bigelow Aerospace: Pioneer of commercial inflatable space habitats (BEAM currently on ISS, Genesis prototypes). Although scaled back, Bigelow is a comparable commercial space station developer in the same category Vast is commercializing.
Others
- Impulse Space: Supplier of Saiph Thrusters for Vast's Haven-1, tested at Vast's Mojave facility. Comparable as a complementary in-space propulsion provider rather than a station competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Vast social profiles
Digital presenceVast financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Vast leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Vast subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Vast funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors12 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Vast M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Vast
What does Vast do?
Vast designs, manufactures, and operates commercial space stations (Haven-1 and Haven-2), high-power satellite buses (Vast Satellite), and microgravity research and manufacturing platforms (Haven-1 Lab). The company sells mission access, payload slots, and satellite platforms to government space agencies, sovereign astronaut programs, biotech/pharmaceutical researchers, and commercial satellite operators.
Is Vast a public or private company?
Vast is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Vast founded?
Vast was founded in 2021. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Vast based?
Vast is headquartered in Long Beach, United States, in the North America region.
How does Vast make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Government Astronaut Missions are the primary driver. The others are private Astronaut Missions, payload Research and Manufacturing, satellite Bus Sales and space Station Manufacturing Contracts.
Who are Vast's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Blue Origin, Sierra Space, Axiom Space and Voyager Space Holdings (Starlab). Broad incumbents are Rocket Lab, Northrop Grumman, Maxar Technologies and Redwire. Bigelow Aerospace is listed as an emerging player. Impulse Space is listed as an others.
Does Vast have an API?
No public API is recorded for Vast.
What industry is Vast in?
Vast's product category is Commercial Space Stations. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAB, Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial), with a secondary code of IMABACAF, Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control. Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.