This Facility May Replace The International Space Station

Vast Space has introduced an innovative concept for a new facility intended to serve as a successor to the International Space Station (ISS), which is scheduled for decommissioning in 2031 after over three decades of operation in near-Earth orbit.

In a recent announcement from its California headquarters, Vast Space revealed that the proposed Haven-2 will consist of multiple interconnected modules, built gradually over the years. Unlike the ISS, Haven-2 aims to provide a more streamlined and organized living and working environment for astronauts.

The first module of Haven-2 is expected to become operational by 2028, allowing for a parallel operational phase between the existing station and this new facility.

Following that initial launch, Vast plans to introduce advanced life support technologies through additional modules. One notable feature will resemble the ISS’s iconic Cupola, which offers astronauts panoramic views of Earth and opportunities for stunning photography. Additionally, a robotic arm similar to Canadarm 2 will be integrated to facilitate maintenance and upgrades to the station’s exterior.

“Haven-2 is being crafted with international collaboration in mind, facilitating seamless integration for global partners into this next-generation platform,” stated Andrew Feustel, a Vast advisor and experienced NASA astronaut with over 23 years of service, including three missions to the ISS. “This vision of collaborative space exploration will pave the way for significant scientific and technological progress, benefiting both current and future partners in addition to industries worldwide.”

Before embarking on the Haven-2 project, Vast Space aims to demonstrate its capabilities by launching the Haven-1 module in 2025. This single-module facility intends to accommodate up to four astronauts and would mark a significant milestone as the first commercial space station to achieve orbit, provided that Vast Space stays on course.

As NASA weighs various proposals for replacing the ISS, the successful deployment of Haven-1 could significantly enhance Vast Space’s prospects for selection by the space agency to construct the larger, more intricate Haven-2 facility destined for operations in Earth’s orbit.