Vast presented the design of the Haven-1 orbital capsule with wooden interior elements

In 2025, SpaceX plans to launch Haven-1, an innovative space capsule developed by Vast. The project marks a new era in commercial exploration of low-Earth orbit, anticipating the end of the International Space Station (ISS), which NASA intends to sink into the ocean in 2030. Haven-1 could become one of the first privately owned manned modules designed for scientific research and space tourism.

Image source: Vast Space

As NASA prepares for the end of the ISS era in 2030, it is relying on the commercial sector to build and operate future orbital modules. Haven-1, developed by California-based Vast, is one such alternative. Moreover, the company has already unveiled the final design of its futuristic space capsule. Its launch is scheduled for 2025 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, SpaceX’s workhorse. However, such an ambitious project deadline raises questions.

A significant benefit of the project is the involvement of Andrew J. Feustel, a former NASA astronaut, as a design consultant. Festel, who has completed three space missions, said: “We are learning from this experience as we innovate to improve how we live and work on the space station. From communication systems and communication systems to personal space management and interaction with colleagues on board, every detail is designed with the astronaut experience at the core of our work.”

Diagram of the Haven-1 space capsule showing the main compartments and structural elements

Concept images and videos of Haven-1 released by Vast show a stark contrast to the appearance of the ISS. Instead of a cluttered laboratory with equipment and wires protruding from every corner, Haven-1’s interior is strikingly minimal and neat.

Conceptual image of an astronaut floating in zero gravity inside the Haven-1 space capsule

Most of the equipment is hidden in the walls behind panels. One of the design elements will be fire-resistant maple veneer slats, bringing natural warmth to the traditionally sterile and utilitarian interior of the space station.

Haven-1 common area with large porthole and view of Earth

The compactness of Haven-1 increases the likelihood of successful project implementation. The station is a single, relatively small capsule, as can be seen in the published diagram. By comparison, the ISS, which began construction in the late 1980s, is the largest man-made object in Earth orbit. It took 42 space flights to deliver the main components of the ISS. According to NASA, it is larger than a six-room house, with six beds, two bathrooms, a gym and an observation deck with 360-degree views.

Detailed diagram of the ISS. Image source: NASA

Vast’s ambitions don’t stop with Haven-1. With the successful implementation of the first project and the deployment of a crew of four, the company plans to build and launch a larger module by 2028. In the long term, in 2030, Vast intends to create stations with artificial gravity for crews of up to eight people. The implementation of these large-scale plans will require significant investments from large customers, perhaps even from NASA itself, which will need platforms for scientific research in low Earth orbit.

Haven-1 capsule common area overlooking Haven-1’s laboratory bay

In parallel with the development of commercial projects in low-Earth orbit, NASA is focused on more ambitious goals – a permanent presence on the Moon, where it plans to extract water from craters. In addition, the possibility of building a lunar fuel base for future missions to Mars and resource-rich asteroids is being considered.