IN collaboration with SpaceX, the American start-up Vast Space has revealed plans to launch a commercial space station in 2025.
The very first of its kind, Haven-1 could accommodate both recognised astronauts from international agencies and individuals such as researchers.
The world's first commercial space station will be called Haven-1. If all goes to plan, it should be launched in the summer of 2025, mounted on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Initially, it will be a small space station capable of accommodating up to four people.
Later, it is envisaged that this will be just one module among others comprising a much larger space station, still being studied, measuring around 100 metres long.
Once Haven-1 is launched, Vast Space intends to send out a first-team onboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, on a mission called Vast-1.
In the future, these manned flights should be more numerous, bearing in mind that missions on board Heaven-1 should not exceed 30 days.
The expected customers are national and international space agencies, but also private individuals involved in scientific or philanthropic projects. In fact, you can already reserve your place: vastspace.com/reserve.
Technologically, this station stands out for its system of spinning artificial gravity, based on a centrifugal force.
Onboard, the space station will be entirely independent, capable of providing the energy and consumables necessary for the survival of its occupants.
They will also benefit from a permanent internet connection thanks to an onboard Wi-Fi network.
Other US space station projects, funded in part by Nasa, are currently under development by Blue Origin, Nanoracks and Northrop Grumman.
The idea is to replace the International Space Station (ISS), which is likely to be decommissioned by 2030 at the latest. – ETX Daily Up, May 13, 2023
