Vast, a visionary in space habitation technologies, is reshaping the future of space travel with its upcoming Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station. Scheduled to launch in 2025 via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Haven-1 is designed to revolutionise both space exploration and luxury travel. The Southern California-based startup, founded by crypto billionaire Jed McCaleb in 2021, aims to make space a frontier not only for scientific innovation but also for comfort and style. Vast’s long-term ambition is clear: to expand humanity’s reach into the solar system, using artificial gravity stations as stepping stones to a future where living off Earth becomes feasible.
An Interior Crafted for Comfort
Breaking from the traditional utilitarian design of spacecraft, Vast has introduced a touch of luxury to Haven-1’s interior. The station, designed with the guidance of Peter Russell-Clarke, a former Apple designer, boasts a blend of contemporary aesthetics and functionality. One of the most notable features is the use of fine-grained maple wood, adding warmth and elegance to the station’s environment.
This modern design approach, combined with innovative sleep systems, elevates the space station’s appeal to a new class of traveler. Hillary Coe, Vast’s chief design and marketing officer, explains the significance of this shift: “This is not just any old duvet,” she says, describing the patent-pending inflatable duvet designed to ensure optimal comfort in microgravity. Offering the experience of a cozy queen-sized bed, this sleep system reflects a thoughtful approach to both form and function, catering to the needs of both side and back sleepers.
Vast’s focus on comfort does not detract from its mission to support scientific research. Coe emphasises that Haven-1 is more than just a luxurious space capsule; it is a platform designed for long-term missions. The station will accommodate a range of scientific endeavours, including a demonstration of Lunar artificial gravity and experiments in in-space manufacturing, making it an ideal venue for commercial and governmental research.
Innovation and Vision: The Driving Forces Behind Vast
McCaleb, known for his pivotal role in developing the first major Bitcoin exchange, is no stranger to bold ventures. His vision for Vast is rooted in the belief that humanity must look beyond Earth’s finite resources to secure its long-term future. “There’s enormous untapped wealth in the solar system, both in terms of energy and matter,” McCaleb remarked in a recent interview, underlining his commitment to a future where space becomes humanity’s next frontier.
Vast’s leadership team includes several former SpaceX engineers, bringing with them unparalleled expertise in aerospace innovation. Among them is Coe, who spent five years as head of design at SpaceX and also held roles at Starlink, Google, and Apple. Her experience is instrumental in shaping the human-centric design of Haven-1, which seeks to balance scientific objectives with the comfort of its occupants.
A Space Station With Purpose
Beyond its luxurious veneer, Haven-1 is a research-driven space station. The station is equipped to support missions that range from commercial space tourism to government-funded scientific research. Coe envisions a future where private astronauts contribute to groundbreaking discoveries, such as cancer research enabled by the microgravity environment. “You can grow human skin cells exponentially faster in space,” she notes, highlighting the station’s potential to foster scientific innovation.
Despite its focus on research, Haven-1 remains committed to providing an unparalleled experience for its guests. The station’s central window offers breathtaking views of Earth, an experience designed to captivate the imaginations of space tourists. Coe explains that the design of the station prioritises both comfort and functionality, with features such as adjustable lighting and temperature control aimed at creating a more Earth-like environment. Vast has taken great care to incorporate feedback from astronauts, particularly regarding the regulation of circadian rhythms, ensuring that life aboard the station feels as normal as possible.
The Next Frontier for Space Travel
Haven-1 is poised to be a game-changer in the burgeoning space tourism industry. While the price of a journey remains undisclosed, the station is expected to attract affluent individuals eager to experience space travel in style. Coe hints that while the cost may be prohibitive initially, Vast’s long-term goal is to make space more accessible. “In the beginning, you will need to pay to come up and have that experience… but over time, access will get wider and wider,” she assures.
The vision for Haven-1 goes beyond offering a luxurious escape. It is a platform designed to advance human progress, whether through scientific research or simply by making space travel a more regular and attainable experience. As McCaleb stated, “In terms of the long-term future of humanity, we will need to live off of the Earth eventually.”