The United States space agency, NASA, has chosen Vast, a California-based company, to conduct the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission represents a significant step in NASA's effort to foster a commercial space economy and expand opportunities for private companies in low Earth orbit. The selection also serves as a crucial operational stepping stone for Vast as it prepares for its future commercial space station operations, including its proposed Haven-2 module.
Mission Overview and Significance
NASA announced its selection of Vast for this private astronaut mission (PAM) on February 12, 2026. This marks the first time Vast has been selected for such a mission to the ISS. The mission is expected to last up to 14 days, during which the Vast crew will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations in the unique microgravity environment of the orbiting laboratory.
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The mission underscores NASA's investment in the commercial space sector.
It is intended to help develop capabilities and technologies that could support NASA's long-term goals for missions beyond low Earth orbit, such as the Artemis program.
This selection is notable as it is the first PAM awarded to a company other than Axiom Space, which had previously won the first five opportunities.
Vast's Preparations and Future Plans
For Vast, this mission is more than just a research opportunity. It is an integral part of its strategy to gain operational experience necessary for its planned commercial space station operations. The company is focused on building capabilities and demonstrating crew operations in preparation for launching its own space station modules, such as the proposed Haven-1 and the multi-module Haven-2.
Vast will propose four crew members to NASA and its international partners for review.
Once approved, the crew will undergo training with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft will be used for the mission's launch.
In anticipation of this mission and its broader commercial space station goals, Vast has bolstered its leadership by hiring former NASA Commercial Crew Program executive Nicole Jordan as vice president of mission management.
Research and Collaboration
The mission aims to advance scientific knowledge through a portfolio of research in areas such as biology, biotechnology, physical sciences, human research, and technology demonstrations. NASA will provide support services, including crew consumables, cargo delivery, and storage. This partnership is seen as a significant stride in the transition towards commercially operated space stations, fostering deeper collaboration between government agencies and private industry.
Timeline and Context
While the exact launch date is not yet confirmed, some reports suggest a potential target of 2027. This mission occurs within a growing commercial space sector, where other companies also have plans for low Earth orbit (LEO) space stations. Vast's selection for the sixth PAM highlights the agency's commitment to exploring various commercial partnerships to achieve its LEO objectives.
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Sources Used
Space Explored: Published on February 23, 2026. Focuses on Vast's hiring of Nicole Jordan as a strategic move for mission management, linking operational experience to future commercial space station plans.https://spaceexplored.com/2026/02/23/vast-selected-for-sixth-private-astronaut-mission-to-iss/
NASA: Published on February 12, 2026. Official announcement from NASA detailing the selection of Vast for the sixth private astronaut mission to the ISS, emphasizing the growth of the commercial space economy and future deep space exploration goals.https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-vast-for-sixth-private-mission-to-space-station/
Vast (Vastspace.com): Published on February 12, 2026. A company update announcing their selection by NASA for the first private astronaut mission to the ISS in partnership with NASA, highlighting its role in preparing for their Haven-2 space station.https://www.vastspace.com/updates/vast-selected-by-nasa-for-sixth-private-astronaut-mission-to-international-space-station
SpaceNews: Published on February 13, 2026. Reports on Vast winning the PAM opportunity, noting it is the first awarded to a company other than Axiom Space and how the mission helps build experience for Vast's future commercial space stations.https://spacenews.com/vast-wins-iss-private-astronaut-mission/
Orbital Today: Published on February 15, 2026. Covers NASA's selection of Vast for the sixth private astronaut mission to the ISS, quoting Vast CEO Max Haot on the mission being a key step toward science-led commercial human spaceflight.https://orbitaltoday.com/2026/02/15/nasa-selects-vast-for-sixth-private-astronaut-mission-to-the-iss/
Space.com: Published on February 16, 2026. Discusses the implications of Vast's selection for unlocking the orbital economy and the company's plans to fly astronauts to the space station, with a potential launch in 2027.https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/fully-unlocking-the-orbital-economy-california-company-will-fly-astronauts-to-the-space-station-in-2027
The Weekly Spaceman: Published on February 13, 2026. Reports on Vast being selected for the sixth private mission to the ISS by NASA, utilizing SpaceX's Falcon 9. Highlights the mission's importance for demonstrating Vast's crew capabilities.https://www.theweeklyspaceman.com/articles/vast-selected-for-the-sixth-private-mission-to-the-international-space-station
Archyde: Published approximately 6 days prior to the time of data compilation. Discusses the partnership between Vast and NASA for the 6th Private Astronaut Mission to the ISS, with a focus on science and research, and its role in the transition to commercially operated space stations.https://www.archyde.com/vast-nasa-partner-for-6th-private-astronaut-mission-to-iss-2027/
