NASA has signed an agreement with US-based space company Vast for its sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The mission is targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027.
Under the deal, Vast will arrange a four-member private astronaut crew. The proposed crew will be subject to NASA and its international partners’ approval. Once selected, the astronauts will undergo extensive training with NASA and launch partner SpaceX.
The mission is expected to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft from Florida. After reaching the ISS, the private astronauts will spend up to 14 days in orbit. During their stay, they will conduct scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and commercial research, besides participating in outreach activities.
NASA will provide key support services for the mission, including crew supplies, in-orbit resources, cargo handling, and access to station systems. In exchange, the agency will receive the capability to return scientific research samples, including those requiring cold storage, back to Earth.
The agreement is part of NASA’s broader strategy to open low Earth orbit to commercial players. As the ISS is expected to retire around 2030, NASA aims to transition from operating the station to becoming a customer of privately developed space stations.
Vast is also developing its own commercial space station, called Haven-1, which it plans to launch later this decade. The upcoming private astronaut mission will provide the company with valuable operational experience in human spaceflight.
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