SpaceX Falcon 9 will launch 6th Vast private astronaut mission to Space Station

NASA has selected Vast to take the 6th NASA-brokered private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with launch targeted for no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The mission marks Vast’s first flight to the orbiting laboratory under a NASA agreement. The four-person crew will spend up to 14 days docked to the station, conducting science and research while gaining critical operational experience in low-Earth orbit. A specific launch date will come later based on overall traffic at the station and the weather conditions.

According to NASA’s official announcement, Vast will propose four crew members for review and approval by NASA and its international partners. Once cleared, the crew will train alongside NASA, international astronauts, and SpaceX teams. Vast has contracted directly with SpaceX for transportation to and from the station.

The mission will focus on a robust portfolio of research in biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, human research, and technology demonstrations. Vast has an existing agreement with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) to support high-quality investigations and has issued a call for research proposals.

NASA will provide mission services, including crew consumables, cargo delivery, storage, and other in-orbit resources. In return, NASA will purchase the capability to return scientific samples that require cold stowage during re-entry.

For Vast, the flight delivers essential insights into human spaceflight operations and infrastructure. It also strengthens the company’s position as it develops Haven-2, its proposed multi-module, continuously crewed commercial space station intended as a successor to the ISS. The selection was made from proposals submitted in response to NASA’s March 2025 Research Announcement.

(source)