France Secures Two Key Space Missions with Vast, Including First…

Event summary

France has signed a two-mission agreement with Vast, including a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the first crewed flight to Haven-1, Vast's upcoming commercial space station.
ESA Astronaut Thomas Pesquet will command the ISS mission, while ESA Reserve Astronaut Arnaud Prost will serve as a flight test engineer on the Haven-1 mission, both scheduled for 2027.
Vast will establish its European headquarters in Paris as part of the agreement, reinforcing transatlantic partnerships in space exploration.
The missions will focus on scientific research, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach, leveraging CNES's expertise in manned spaceflight.
Haven-1 is currently in integration at Vast's headquarters in Long Beach, California, with a scheduled launch in 2027.

The big picture

This agreement marks a significant step in the commercialization of space, with France securing its continued presence in low-Earth orbit missions while Vast positions itself as a key player in the emerging space economy. The deal underscores the growing collaboration between government space agencies and private companies, aiming to sustain human presence in space and drive advancements in microgravity research and manufacturing. With over a billion dollars in private capital and more than 1,000 employees, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station, setting the stage for a new era of space infrastructure and exploration.

What we're watching

Mission Approval: Whether the International Space Station’s Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP) will approve the missions, given the consensus required among all five space station partners.
Commercial Space Station: The pace at which Vast can launch and operate Haven-1 as the world’s first commercial space station, following the success of Haven Demo.
Transatlantic Partnerships: How this agreement will strengthen transatlantic partnerships and expand opportunities for innovation, discovery, and exploration in space.