At the 75th International Congress of astronautics, VAST, specializing in space technologies for inhabited stations, presented the Haven-2 project as the future successor of the International Space Station (ISS). The company aims to ensure the long-term presence of mankind in space and create conditions for prosperity outside the Earth.
In response to the planned retirement of the ISS by 2030, NASA initiated the Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) program to develop a replacement station. The winners of the second stage of the competition will be selected in 2026. VAST hopes to secure the contract by offering HAVEN-2 as a solution for the United States and their international partners to continue their presence in Earth orbit.
During the presentation, Max Khaot, the head of VAST, emphasized the company’s focus on developing an ISS successor in the current decade. To showcase their capabilities in 2025, VAST plans to launch the first commercial space station, Haven-1, which will serve as the foundation for future advancements.
Haven-2, an upgraded version of Haven-1 certified by NASA, is set to have its first module in orbit by 2028 if VAST secures the contract. The new station will be 5 meters longer than its predecessor, providing almost double the living space while retaining proven systems and architecture.
VAST plans to enhance the station’s capabilities gradually by launching three additional modules two years after the first module. These modules will adhere to unified efficiency standards, expanding the station’s volume and adding new life support systems. The introduction of advanced technologies will improve flexibility and life support on board.
Andrei Feistel, an adviser to VAST and a NASA astronaut with over 23 years of experience, emphasized the international cooperation focus of the Haven-2 project. The station’s compatibility with equipment and systems from various countries will enable new opportunities for scientific research and technological advancements, promoting global cooperation in space.
One standout feature of the station will be the Haven-2 Lab, a laboratory designed for a wide range of research in microgravity and in-orbit production. The expanded volume of the laboratory compared to HAVEN-1 will accommodate larger goods and equipment for experiments, with high power and temperature control capabilities for projects with stringent requirements.