European Space Agency signs a memorandum with Vast on astronaut missions to the Haven station after the ISS

17 October 2026

The European Space Agency and the company Vast signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the 77th International Astronautical Congress, in an announcement dated 5 October 2026. The memorandum replaces an earlier ESA-Vast memorandum signed at ILA Berlin in June 2024 and runs for an initial three years, beginning with a joint feasibility study that will produce a roadmap and an indicative schedule for any binding agreements. It forms part of ESA's preparatory work for the end of service and de-orbiting of the International Space Station. The cooperation covers potential future astronaut missions aboard Vast's Haven station, which is under development, possible ESA hardware or infrastructure contributions, and ESA use of Haven including jointly defined research campaigns, science accommodations, up-mass and down-mass capacity and crew time to maintain continuity between ESA missions. The two sides will also exchange information on possible future European cargo and crew vehicles that could service Haven. Four crewed missions to the ISS and to Haven-1 are planned for 2027, including the first crewed mission to Haven-1. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, Vast chief executive Max Haot and ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Daniel Neuenschwander were quoted in the announcement.