US-based space exploration company Vast is exploring a partnership with India’s space agency, ISRO, to send astronauts to its future commercial space station. The company’s CEO, Max Haot, revealed this plan during an interview with The Times of India. “There is a possibility of using Gaganyaan rockets to transport crew to our space station,” Haot said.

He was recently in India to attend the GLEX-2025 space conference, where he also held discussions with ISRO officials. According to The Hindu, these talks included the possibility of using India’s Gaganyaan programme to carry astronauts to Vast’s future space lab.

Haven-2: Aiming to Replace the ISS

Vast is currently working on Haven-2, a large space station that will act as a replacement for the International Space Station (ISS), which is set to retire in 2031. The company has more than 750 team members working on the project.

Haot expressed his interest in international partnerships, saying: “We want to work with all countries involved in human space missions. India is emerging as a leader in this field, which is exciting. We are open to various collaborations, including technology exchange, within export control limits.”

He also praised India’s progress in space technology, especially the Gaganyaan mission and the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. These efforts are expected to make India the fourth nation to send a human to space. “We are seeking Nasa’s support for the Haven-2 project, which will be managed by Vast. Once operational, this commercial space station will be open to all,” he added.

Step-by-Step Timeline: Haven-1 in 2026, Haven-2 by 2032

Before launching Haven-2, Vast plans to send a smaller space station, Haven-1, into orbit in May 2026 using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Haven-1 will offer 45 cubic metres of living space and can host up to four astronauts for missions lasting about two weeks.

Vast will then launch the first module of Haven-2 in 2028. This station will serve both government and commercial users. By 2032, Vast aims to complete Haven-2 with nine modules, offering 500 cubic metres of habitable space and generating 86 kilowatts of power.