Private Space Companies Race to Replace Aging International Space Station

U.S. lawmakers signal there may not be enough time to develop a government-backed replacement before the ISS deorbits in 2030.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With the International Space Station (ISS) set to deorbit by 2030, private space companies are racing to develop their own orbital outposts to replace it. While U.S. lawmakers are pushing to extend funding for the ISS until 2032, private firms like Axiom Space and Vast are already building their own space stations with or without government contracts. These companies are aiming to launch their first modules as early as next year, hoping to establish a commercial presence in low-Earth orbit before the ISS retires.

Why it matters

The retirement of the ISS, one of the most ambitious and expensive international scientific projects ever undertaken, will leave a significant void in humanity's space exploration capabilities. Private companies see this as an opportunity to step in and establish a commercial presence in low-Earth orbit, potentially shaping the future of space travel and research for decades to come.

The details

Several private space companies have recently announced major funding rounds to accelerate the development of their own orbital outposts. Houston-based Axiom Space raised $350 million last month, while its California-based competitor Vast secured $500 million in early March. Vast plans to launch a 'minimum viable product' called Haven-1 as soon as next year, with or without a NASA contract. Axiom Space is working toward a 2028 launch date for a module that will initially attach to the ISS before breaking off to orbit on its own.

  • The International Space Station is set to deorbit by 2030.
  • A recent Senate bill calls for the U.S. to continue funding the ISS as late as 2032, but it still awaits approval.
  • NASA is expected to issue a Request for Proposals for an ISS alternative in late March or early April 2026.
  • Vast plans to launch its Haven-1 space station module as early as next year.
  • Axiom Space is working toward a 2028 launch date for a module that will initially attach to the ISS.

The players

Axiom Space

A Houston-based private space company that recently raised $350 million to accelerate the development of its own orbital outpost.

Vast

A California-based private space company that secured $500 million in funding and plans to launch a 'minimum viable product' called Haven-1 as soon as next year.

Jared Isaacman

Trump's on-again-off-again pick for NASA administrator, who was confirmed in December 2025.

Max Haot

The CEO of Vast, who told CNN that the company is determined to launch a space station with or without federal input.

Balerion Space Ventures

A venture capital firm that led the fundraising round for Vast, whose cofounder and general partner believes multiple companies will have vehicles going into space and leaving from celestial bodies like the moon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our approach is to actually not wait for (NASA) and get going and build a minimum viable product, single-module space station called Haven-1, which we're launching into orbit next year.”

— Max Haot, CEO, Vast

“What's obvious to us is you're going to have multiple vehicles with myriad companies go into space. You're going to have vehicles leaving from celestial bodies, like the moon. And we need a habitat.”

— Balerion Space Ventures Cofounder and General Partner

What’s next

NASA will evaluate proposals for an ISS alternative from Vast, Axiom Space, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Max Space, and several other competitors, ultimately handing out an estimated $1.5 billion in contracts between 2026 and 2031.

The takeaway

The race to replace the aging International Space Station highlights the growing role of private companies in shaping the future of space exploration. While the government-backed ISS has been a symbol of international cooperation, the private sector is now stepping up to fill the void and establish a commercial presence in low-Earth orbit, potentially ushering in a new era of space-based innovation and discovery.