Vast Proposes Collaboration with ISRO on India’s Planned Space Station
| 2025-05-18
US-based space company Vast has expressed interest in working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on India’s planned Bharat Antariksh Station, offering potential access to its own space station set to launch in 2026.
US space firm Vast seeks to partner with ISRO on the Bharat Antariksh Station, offering Indian scientists access to its upcoming orbital platform.
US-based space company Vast has expressed interest in working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on India’s planned Bharat Antariksh Station, offering potential access to its own space station set to launch in 2026.
California-based space habitation firm Vast is seeking to establish a partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as India prepares to build its own space station by 2035. The proposal was made during a recent visit by Vast Chief Executive Max Haot, who held discussions with ISRO officials on possible collaboration in space technology.
As part of the discussions, Haot offered to host Indian scientists and engineers aboard Haven-1, a commercial space station that Vast plans to place in orbit in May 2026. The station, to be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is designed for short-term human habitation and will serve as a precursor to a larger platform, Haven-2.
“Our two countries are politically very friendly… We definitely see a lot of opportunities if India and ISRO welcome it,” Haot said in an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI).
India's space agency has announced plans to launch the first module of the Bharat Antariksh Station in 2028, with full completion targeted for 2035. The proposed collaboration with Vast could allow Indian scientists early access to orbital research facilities, potentially accelerating India’s space ambitions.
Haot also raised the possibility of mutual access, suggesting that both countries could benefit from shared infrastructure and expertise. “Maybe we can offer access to our space station but also get access to [India’s] and share capacity or share size,” he noted.
Private Space Ventures Gain Momentum
Haven-1 is part of a growing trend of private sector initiatives aiming to fill the gap that will be left when the International Space Station (ISS) is decommissioned, currently scheduled for 2031. Operated jointly by the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan, and the European Space Agency, the ISS has hosted continuous human presence in orbit for over two decades.
Haven-1 is part of a growing trend of private sector initiatives aiming to fill the gap that will be left when the International Space Station (ISS) is decommissioned, currently scheduled for 2031. Operated jointly by the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan, and the European Space Agency, the ISS has hosted continuous human presence in orbit for over two decades.
With geopolitical tensions affecting cooperation with countries like Russia and China, Vast sees India as a favourable partner. “Right now, the other two human spaceflight-capable countries (Russia and China) are not in the same acceptable region for current US politics,” Haot stated, adding that this presents a “unique situation” for cooperation between the United States and India.
The company is also exploring future compatibility with India’s crewed spaceflight programme. “We are interested to hear whether there will be a competitive, reliable, safe option that we can use to bring our customers using the Gaganyaan vehicle to our space station,” Haot said, referring to India’s upcoming human spaceflight mission.
Technical Features of Haven-1
Vast’s Haven-1 station has been designed to support up to four crew members on missions lasting approximately two weeks. It includes four private crew quarters, space for scientific research modules, and a shared area equipped with a deployable table and multiple crew interfaces.
Vast’s Haven-1 station has been designed to support up to four crew members on missions lasting approximately two weeks. It includes four private crew quarters, space for scientific research modules, and a shared area equipped with a deployable table and multiple crew interfaces.
In 2023, Vast signed a five-year, non-binding Space Act Agreement with the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to assist with the development of its space station concepts. Although the agreement does not involve funding, it represents a strategic alignment with NASA’s commercial low-Earth orbit goals.
India’s space programme has expanded rapidly in recent years, with successful lunar and interplanetary missions, and an ambitious roadmap for human spaceflight. The Bharat Antariksh Station is expected to cement India's position as a key player in global space exploration.
China, which launched its Tiangong space station in 2021, is currently the only nation operating a dedicated national space station. As the ISS nears retirement, countries and private firms are looking for alternatives to ensure continued human presence in low-Earth orbit.
The potential partnership between ISRO and Vast could mark a significant step in international cooperation in the post-ISS era, especially between democratic nations with growing technological capabilities.
India-UK Apparel Trade Set to Double Under New Free Trade Deal
India-UK apparel and home textiles trade expected to double by 2030 as new free trade agreement removes tariffs on 99% of Indian exports.
|2025-05-18
YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra Among Six Arrested in India for Alleged Espionage for Pakistan
Indian YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra and five others have been arrested for allegedly sharing sensitive military data with Pakistani operatives, officials confirmed.
|2025-05-18
India To Sends All-Party Delegations Abroad to Promote Anti-Terrorism Message
India to dispatch seven multi-party delegations globally to reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and strengthen international cooperation.
|2025-05-18
India Restricts Land Port Imports of Bangladeshi Garments and Consumer Goods
India limits import of ready-made garments and several goods from Bangladesh to sea routes, amid rising trade tensions and regional economic concerns.
|2025-05-18
Bangladesh to Repatriate Illegal Indian Nationals via Legal Channels
Bangladesh will repatriate Indian nationals staying illegally in the country through diplomatic and legal procedures, according to its home affairs adviser.
|2025-05-18