Vast and SpaceX have launched a global call for research proposals aimed at driving long-term human habitation and exploration in space. The initiative, building on their established partnership, invites scientists and researchers to submit high-impact projects that will not only support life on Earth but also enhance humanity’s ability to live and work in orbit and beyond.
Artist's illustration of Vast Space's Haven-1 space station inside the payload fairing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Image credit: Vast Space
Proposals will be evaluated based on their scientific and technical merit, feasibility, and alignment with mission objectives. Selected projects will have the opportunity to utilize the capabilities of Vast’s Haven-1 Lab, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, and private astronaut missions to the International Space Station (ISS) for their research.
Haven-1: A Platform for Cutting-Edge Space Research
Scheduled to become the world’s first commercial space station, Haven-1 will serve as a microgravity research, development, and manufacturing hub. This groundbreaking facility aims to accelerate advancements in space science, providing a unique environment for experiments that could lead to new technologies and medical breakthroughs.
“The Haven-1 Lab provides a revolutionary platform for advancing collaborative efforts in science, research, and in-space manufacturing innovation,” said Max Haot, CEO of Vast. “By partnering with the scientific community, we aim to build on the invaluable legacy of research conducted on the ISS. This initiative will enable pioneering studies to tackle some of the most critical health and scientific challenges of space exploration—many of which also have the potential to improve life on Earth.”
Access to Space—At No Cost to Researchers
While no direct funding will be provided, Vast and SpaceX will offer selected researchers invaluable resources, including:
-A hosted orbital laboratory for conducting experiments in microgravity
-On-orbit crew time to support hands-on research
-Technical support for project design and flight qualification
This commitment to advancing space science underscores both companies’ dedication to fostering collaboration with the global research community and international partners.
Paving the Way for Future Space Stations
Beyond enabling new discoveries, this initiative will provide Vast with essential operational experience in managing an orbital station—experience that will directly inform the design and development of Haven-2, the company’s proposed successor to the ISS.
By opening space research opportunities to a broader scientific audience, Vast and SpaceX are taking critical steps toward a future where humanity can sustainably live and work beyond Earth.
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