Vast-1 is a planned private spaceflight to the Haven-1 space station, planned to launch no earlier than August 2025 by American aerospace company Vast.[2] Vast-1 is expected to launch on a Falcon 9 rocket, using a Crew Dragon vehicle, both manufactured by SpaceX.[3][4] The stay on the station is planned to last no more than 30 days.[4] The spaceflight will include four astronauts who will be trained by SpaceX on their Crew Dragon capsule through simulations and formations.[5]
 A Crew Dragon vehicle in Earth orbit | |
| Mission type | Private spaceflight |
|---|---|
| Operator | Vast and SpaceX |
| Mission duration | 30 days[1] |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | Dragon 2 |
| Expedition | |
| Space station | Haven-1 |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | NET August 2025 (planned) |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 Block 5 |
| Launch site | Kennedy Space Center |
| Contractor | SpaceX |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
Crew
editSeats on the mission are being sold to space agencies and private individuals who are involved in science and philanthropic projects at an unknown price.[6]
| Position | Astronaut | |
|---|---|---|
| Commander | TBA | |
| Pilot | TBA | |
| Mission Specialist | TBA | |
| Mission Specialist | TBA | |
Mission
editDuring the mission, the crew will conduct various experiments, relating to both science and in-space manufacturing.[7] As of June 2023, these experiments are unknown, however, they may be both internal and external.[8]
At some point during the mission, the Haven-1 space station's propulsion system will cause the station to rotate, providing artificial gravity, similar to the gravity one would experience on the Moon.[9][10] If successful, it would be the second time artificial gravity has been deliberately produced in a crewed spacecraft, with the first being on NASA's Gemini 11 in 1966.[11]
Future flights
editVast's contract with SpaceX includes the option for a second crewed mission to Haven-1 scheduled to launch no earlier than 2026, called Vast-2.[12]
References
edit- ^ "VAST Announces Haven-1 Station & VAST-1 Mission - TLP News". The Launch Pad. 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Mike Wall (2023-05-10). "Vast Space to launch 1st private station on SpaceX rocket in 2025". Space.com. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Etherington, Darrell (2023-05-10). "Vast and SpaceX aim to put the first commercial space station in orbit in 2025". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ a b Foust, Jeff (2023-05-10). "Vast announces plans for first commercial space station". SpaceNews. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ "VAST Announces Haven-1 Station & VAST-1 Mission - TLP News". The Launch Pad. 2023-05-10. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Fox, Alison (May 15, 2023). "SpaceX Just Revealed Plans to Launch Its First Commercial Space Station — and You Can Reserve Your Seat Now". Travel + Leisure. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
- ^ Tribou, Richard (May 12, 2023). "SpaceX, startup Vast aim to put 1st commercial space station in orbit". The Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
- ^ Martin, Saleen (May 10, 2023). "Vast unveils commercial space station plans with space agencies and civilians in mind". USA Today. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
- ^ Bergin, Chris (2023-05-12). "This Week In Spaceflight - May 12". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 2023-06-07.
- ^ Wall, Mike (May 10, 2023). "Vast Space to launch 1st private station on SpaceX rocket in 2025". Space.com. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
- ^ "Sept. 14, 1966 - Gemini XI Artificial Gravity Experiment". NASA. September 14, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
- ^ "SpaceX, Vast Plan World's First Commercial Space Station". www.thomasnet.com. Retrieved 2023-06-14.