Vast, a US-based space habitation corporation, has expressed interest in collaborating with the ISRO on the ambitious Bharat Antariksh Station, which is expected to be finished by 2035. Max Haot, the company’s CEO, recently met with ISRO officials to discuss potential partnerships in space technology. Haot invited to welcome Indian scientists and engineers aboard Vast’s planned space station, which is set to launch next year.
Vast’s Haven-1, a single-module station, is set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in May 2026. With a three-year estimated operational life, it is a stepping stone to the company’s larger Haven-2 platform. Vast intends for Haven-2 to eventually succeed the International Space Station (ISS), which is set to retire in 2031.
Haot emphasised the possibility of sharing the usage of both space stations. He emphasised the strong diplomatic connections between India and the United States as a motivator for cooperation. He described India as a “natural partner” in space exploration, noting that limited worldwide alliances exist due to geopolitical factors.
NASA and Vast inked a five-year Space Act Agreement in 2023 to assist the station’s development. Haot also showed an interest in future collaborations with India’s Gaganyaan crewed mission program, indicating additional cooperation.
