NASA Picks Vast for Sixth Private Space Station Mission

Private astronaut mission marks company's first selection to the orbiting laboratory.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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NASA and Vast have signed an order for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida. This private astronaut mission marks the company's first selection to the orbiting laboratory, underscoring NASA's ongoing investment in fostering a commercial space economy and expanding opportunities for private industry in low Earth orbit.

Why it matters

Private astronaut missions represent more than access to the International Space Station - they create opportunities for new ideas, companies, and capabilities that further enhance American leadership in low Earth orbit and open doors for what's next. By hosting private astronaut missions, the station helps accelerate innovation, open new commercial pathways, and advance research strengthening the foundation of a thriving space economy.

The details

Vast will submit four proposed crew members to NASA and its international partners for review. Once approved and confirmed, they will train with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX for their flight. The company has contracted with SpaceX as launch provider for transportation to and from the space station. Vast will purchase mission services from NASA, including crew consumables, cargo delivery, storage, and other in-orbit resources for daily use. NASA will purchase the capability to return scientific samples that must remain cold during transit back to Earth.

  • The mission is expected to spend up to 14 days aboard the space station.
  • A specific launch date will depend on overall spacecraft traffic at the orbital outpost and other planning considerations.
  • NASA made the selection from proposals received in response to its March 2025 NASA Research Announcement.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

Vast

A company that has been selected by NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.

Jared Isaacman

The NASA Administrator.

Dana Weigel

The manager of the International Space Station Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Max Haot

The CEO of Vast.

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What they’re saying

“Private astronaut missions represent more than access to the International Space Station - they create opportunities for new ideas, companies, and capabilities that further enhance American leadership in low Earth orbit and open doors for what's next.”

— Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator (Mirage News)

“The International Space Station plays an essential role in shaping the future of low Earth orbit. By hosting private astronaut missions, the station helps accelerate innovation, opens new commercial pathways, and advances research strengthening the foundation of a thriving space economy.”

— Dana Weigel, Manager, International Space Station Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center (Mirage News)

“Vast is honored to have been selected by NASA for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Leveraging the remaining life of the space station with science and research-led commercial crewed missions is a critical part of the transition to commercial space stations and fully unlocking the orbital economy.”

— Max Haot, CEO of Vast (Mirage News)

What’s next

A specific launch date will depend on overall spacecraft traffic at the orbital outpost and other planning considerations.

The takeaway

Private astronaut missions to the International Space Station are creating new opportunities for innovation, commercial development, and scientific research in low Earth orbit, helping to pave the way for the future of the space economy.