At ILA Berlin, ESA and Vast signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for future Vast space stations — this agreement outlines the parties’ intention to foster human spaceflight, science, technology and commercialization development and explore collaboration in LEO destinations other than the International Space Station.
The collaboration will initially focus on exploring opportunities for access to space for Europe through the Vast Space Stations. These could include:
• Access to the Vast Space Stations for ESA and its Member States, for astronaut missions and research activities as well as commercial business development.
• Supporting European industry to supply subsystems and equipment for future Vast Space Stations.
• Vast making use of future qualified European LEO cargo and/or crew transportation services, at market rates and commercially viable terms and conditions, also as a means for offsetting future ESA Astronaut Missions.
• Vast and ESA jointly supporting European industry in getting certified for docking to future Vast Space Stations.
European astronauts have been going to the International Space Station for over 20 years, offering European scientists access to a weightless environment via ESA’s Columbus laboratory.
The signed MoU reflects ESA’s ambition for a smooth and efficient transition from the International Space Station towards sustained exploitation of human and robotic infrastructures in LEO after 2030, including through commercial services.
“Today ESA has further proven its determination to play a crucial role into the further development of the LEO economy in space for Europe and European citizens,” said ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher. “This signature underlines once again ESA’s ambition to modernise itself and to meet the demands of the next era of the space economy. Our teams are looking forward to working closely with VAST teams to ensure the European interests and our collective role in space exploration.”
“Vast is building Haven-1 with European technology to enable ESA astronaut missions starting in 2026. Today’s signature is the first step to providing ESA and its member states with access to space for research and science to benefit life here on Earth,” said Max Haot, CEO of Vast.