US Firm Vast Offers ISRO a Seat on 2026 Space Station
India’s aspirations of establishing its own space station have received a significant boost, as US-based space startup Vast has formally invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to collaborate on its 2026 Haven-1 mission. The offer includes a seat aboard the first commercial space station module and marks a notable moment in Indo-US space cooperation.
Haven-1 Mission: A New Era of Commercial Space Stations
Vast’s Haven-1 space station is scheduled to launch in May 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Designed to support four astronauts for up to 30 days in orbit, Haven-1 will serve as the first operational private space station. Initially designed for compatibility with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, Vast is exploring future options to integrate ISRO’s upcoming Gaganyaan crew module as an alternate transportation system.
Vast CEO Max Haot recently visited India and met with ISRO officials to explore collaborative opportunities. Highlighting political alignment and technological compatibility, Haot stated, “Our two countries are politically very friendly… We definitely see a lot of opportunities if India and ISRO welcome it.” He emphasized Vast’s willingness to support Indian astronauts and science payloads aboard Haven-1.
India’s Space Station Goals Get a Head Start
India’s Bharatiya Antariksh Station is expected to begin phased deployment in 2028, with full operational capacity targeted by 2035. The opportunity to participate in Haven-1 offers ISRO an early testbed to gain crucial experience in managing long-duration human missions and space station systems.
By collaborating with Vast, ISRO could conduct scientific research in microgravity, trial life support systems, and validate crew operations long before India’s own space station becomes a reality. This interim access could significantly de-risk future Indian missions and expedite learning curves for both astronauts and mission control teams.
Strengthening India-US Space Ties
This proposal builds upon growing cooperation between India and the United States in the field of space exploration. It follows a series of bilateral engagements, including joint missions, space situational awareness sharing, and satellite launch agreements. If ISRO accepts Vast’s offer, it will mark India’s first astronaut participation in a non-governmental foreign space station.
The partnership also mirrors similar initiatives between ISRO and agencies like NASA and ESA, where collaborative projects have been key to technology exchange and joint exploration. Vast’s gesture is seen as a signal of confidence in ISRO’s capabilities and a vote of trust in India’s emerging space economy.
Opportunity to Shape Commercial Space Future
As commercial space stations begin to define the next phase of orbital infrastructure, India’s involvement from an early stage may allow it to shape future standards, contribute experiments, and potentially develop joint modules or technologies.
Participation in Vast’s Haven-1 mission would not only advance India’s scientific ambitions but also open new doors for private aerospace companies in India, encouraging greater involvement in the global commercial space ecosystem.
