ESA signs new MoU with Vast on post-ISS cooperation in low Earth orbit

5 October 2026

The European Space Agency (ESA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Vast, per ESA press release N° 61–2026 of 5 October 2026.
It was signed during the 77th International Astronautical Congress and is part of ESA's preparations for the end of service and de-orbitation of the International Space Station.
The MoU provides a framework for possible astronaut missions to Vast's station Haven, possible ESA hardware or infrastructure contributions, and ESA utilisation of Haven stations.
It replaces the MoU signed at ILA Berlin in June 2024 and runs for an initial three years, starting with a joint feasibility study meant to produce a roadmap and an indicative schedule for any binding agreements.