'Fully unlocking the orbital economy': California company will fly astronauts to the space station in 2027

NASA has selected the California startup Vast to operate the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission is targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida. The announcement was made on February 12, 2023, as part of NASA's ongoing efforts to engage with commercial partners in the space sector. This selection marks Vast's first opportunity to send astronauts to the ISS. Vast's mission will follow a series of previous private astronaut missions, including four conducted by Axiom Space, which has been awarded the right for a fifth visit to the ISS in January 2026. The inclusion of Vast in NASA's plans signifies a broader trend of increasing private sector involvement in space missions. NASA's strategy aims to diversify its partnerships and leverage the capabilities of emerging commercial space companies. By allowing private entities like Vast to participate in missions to the ISS, NASA seeks to stimulate innovation and growth within the space industry. This collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of a sustainable commercial presence in low Earth orbit, ultimately benefiting scientific research and exploration efforts. The mission highlights NASA's commitment to fostering a commercial space economy and expanding opportunities for private companies in space exploration.