Vast’s ambitious project, Haven-1, poised to become the world’s pioneering commercial space station, is set to redefine space connectivity with the integration of SpaceX’s Starlink laser terminal. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to provide Gigabit/s speed, low latency connectivity to the station’s crew users, along with a suite of advanced features including internal payload racks, external cameras, and instruments.
Max Haot, CEO of Vast, emphasized the pivotal role of SpaceX’s Starlink in enabling high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity in space. “If you need to provide high-speed, low-latency, continuous internet connectivity on a space station in orbit in 2025, SpaceX Starlink is the only option,” Haot asserted. He expressed confidence in SpaceX’s network and technological prowess, foreseeing continued advancements that align with Vast’s vision for the future of space exploration.
The crew aboard Haven-1 will benefit from unparalleled connectivity, allowing them to connect their personal devices via Wi-Fi to the Starlink network. This transformative capability will empower crew members to engage in outreach activities such as video calls and conduct experiments and scientific research with full, high-speed internet access. Even during periods of rest, crew members will have access to high-speed internet, enhancing productivity and connectivity in orbit.
The partnership between Vast and SpaceX extends beyond Haven-1, encompassing future Vast platforms and space stations. SpaceX is slated to provide Starlink connectivity to upcoming Vast projects, including the company’s next-generation space station, which Vast intends to bid for in NASA’s forthcoming commercial Low Earth Orbit destinations (CLDs) competition.
In a significant milestone announced in May 2023, Vast revealed SpaceX’s role in launching Haven-1, followed by two human spaceflight missions to the space station. This strategic alliance between Vast and SpaceX underscores a shared commitment to expanding access to space and fostering new opportunities for exploration. By leveraging SpaceX’s cutting-edge technology and Vast’s innovative vision, the partnership aims to propel humanity towards a multiplanetary future, driving progress and innovation in space exploration.