NASA Awards Vast Contract for 2027 Private Astronaut Mission to ISS
In a significant move to bolster commercial space operations, NASA has selected Vast for its sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch is targeted for no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida, marking a pivotal step in expanding private sector involvement in low Earth orbit.
Mission Details and Operational Framework
The agreement permits Vast to send a crew of four astronauts to the orbiting laboratory for a stay of up to 14 days. Under this arrangement, Vast will purchase essential mission services from NASA, including life support consumables, cargo delivery, and storage facilities. In return, NASA will secure the controlled return of selected scientific samples to Earth, ensuring valuable research data is safely retrieved.
The mission will utilize a SpaceX vehicle for transportation, with Vast handling the separate contract for launch and return services. Final timing for the mission will be determined based on station traffic and broader operational planning, highlighting the complexities of coordinating activities in the busy orbital environment.
Selection Process and Crew Preparation
This selection follows proposals submitted in response to NASA's March 2025 research announcement, which focused on enhancing commercial activity in low Earth orbit. For Vast, this mission represents its inaugural journey to the International Space Station, formally entering a program that has gradually widened access for private entities.
Vast will propose four crew members for rigorous review by NASA and its international partners before training commences. Once approved, the crew will undergo comprehensive training alongside agency staff and SpaceX teams, preparing them for the challenges of microgravity research and station operations.
Research Objectives and Commercial Impact
During the planned two-week stay, the crew is expected to conduct a variety of research and commercial projects in microgravity. Private astronaut missions like this one are designed to test new technologies, gather critical data, and support industrial activities that might otherwise struggle to reach orbit. The ISS continues to serve as a vital platform for experiments requiring stable conditions and extended time in space, fostering innovation across multiple sectors.
SpaceX's Role in Transportation
SpaceX has been contracted by Vast to provide launch and return services for the mission. The spacecraft will depart from Florida, with docking and return schedules carefully coordinated around other visiting vehicles to ensure safety and efficiency. NASA will support the mission by providing in-orbit services and arranging for the return of scientific samples under controlled conditions.
Broader Strategic Implications
NASA has emphasized that private astronaut missions are a key component of its broader strategy to develop a robust commercial space economy. As the International Space Station approaches the later stages of its operational life, the agency is actively encouraging companies to gain experience in crewed missions and station management. This initiative aims to facilitate a smooth transition toward commercially operated space stations while continuing to advance research and prepare for longer missions beyond low Earth orbit.
The collaboration with Vast underscores NASA's commitment to fostering public-private partnerships that drive innovation and expand humanity's presence in space. By leveraging commercial capabilities, the agency hopes to reduce costs, increase access, and accelerate the development of new technologies for future exploration endeavors.
