The European Space Agency (ESA) has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Vast, a commercial space venture, aimed at studying potential collaborations regarding Vast's upcoming commercial space stations. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formalized on June 6 at the ILA Berlin air show.
The partnership entails a comprehensive analysis of how ESA and its member states could utilize Vast's space stations. This includes evaluating the feasibility of European industry contributions to Vast's stations, as well as assessing the potential use of European crew and cargo spacecraft.
Josef Aschbacher, ESA's Director General, expressed ESA's commitment to advancing the low Earth orbit (LEO) economy in space, stating, “Today ESA has further proven its determination to play a crucial role in the further development of the LEO economy in space for Europe and European citizens.”
Max Haot, CEO of Vast, emphasized the strategic significance of the agreement, noting that it marks the initial phase of engaging with Europe, a key partner in the International Space Station (ISS). Haot stated, “The European ecosystem, led by ESA, is a very important partner to any future ISS replacement station.” He further highlighted Vast's goal to align with ESA's requirements and facilitate opportunities for European payloads and astronauts.
The collaboration's long-term objective is centered on Vast's ambition to develop a space station for NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program. However, it could encompass potential ESA astronaut missions or payload deployments on Vast's smaller Haven-1 station, scheduled for launch in late 2025.
Vast is also aiming to secure private astronaut missions (PAMs) to the ISS, following Axiom Space's success in winning all four PAMs awarded by NASA thus far. Haot expressed optimism about Vast's prospects in the PAM competition, stating, “We're engaging all countries, including key ones that are part of the ISS.” While formal agreements with other countries are pending, the partnership with ESA marks a significant milestone for Vast as it seeks to establish itself as a credible player in commercial space ventures.