Haven-1 promises a glimpse into humanity's spacefaring future when it launches in 2025, offering 30-day orbital stays for both astronauts and civilians, high-tech research facilities and epic views. Olivia Palamountain reports

Private space company, Vast, has announced plans to launch the world's first commercial crewed space station, Haven-1, no earlier than August 2025. The first paying customers will be getting on board in 2026.

The station will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone in the commercialisation of space travel and research.

Founded in 2021 by Jed McCaleb, Vast is developing humanity’s next-generation space stations and pioneering the path to long-term living and thriving in space.

These revolutionary Haven stations are designed to test a range of artificial gravity environments, with a fully realised artificial gravity station launching in the 2030s and reaffirming the Vast's commitment to ensuring a spacefaring future for all.

Haven-1 is designed to accommodate up to four astronauts for extended stays of up to 30 days, offering a unique opportunity for both space agencies and private individuals to conduct research and experience life in orbit.The station will be equipped with the Haven-1 Lab, providing facilities for science, research, and in-space manufacturing, with up to 1000 W of power available and a payload capacity of 300 kg.

One of the most innovative features of Haven-1 is its compatibility with SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which will transport crews to and from the station.

This collaboration extends to communications, with Haven-1 set to become the first commercial space station connected by SpaceX's Starlink satellite network, offering high-speed internet access in orbit.The station has several key features designed to enhance the astronaut experience, including a large window dome for Earth observation and photography, privacy controls, and ample space for crew members to move about comfortably. Haven-1 will also be fully independent, equipped with all necessary consumables for extended missions.

Vast has announced plans for its first crewed mission, Crew Mission-1, which will transport four individuals to Haven-1 for up to 30 days. This inaugural expedition is open to both space agencies and private citizens, offering a rare opportunity to be among the first to visit a commercial space station.Vast is also developing its future Haven space station to serve NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program.

As the space tourism industry continues to evolve, Haven-1 represents a significant step towards making extended stays in orbit more accessible to a broader range of individuals and organisations. With its advanced capabilities and unique position as the first commercial space station, Haven-1 is poised to play a crucial role in the future of space exploration and research.Fancy a seat on the next launch? Interested parties are invited to inquire about reserving a place on future missions to Haven-1 on the company's website, as Vast prepares to usher in a new era of commercial space habitation.