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NASA selects Vast for sixth private astronaut mission to ISS, targeting summer 2027

NASA and Vast have signed an order for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeting launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida. The move marks Vast's first private crew flight and heightens competition with Axiom, which flew the prior five missions.

Discovered 2026-02-12T13:30:22.193690-08:00 | 2026-02-12T13:30:22.193690-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • This is Vast's first private-crew mission while the previous five private-astronaut flights were awarded to Axiom, signaling a shift in how NASA is diversifying commercial crew partners (see the recent Axiom mission order) [source:cfffb89c-bab2-4bb3-a491-26f88e4c119c]

  • The launch is targeted no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida, establishing a concrete timeline for continued private-crew traffic to the ISS as commercial station capabilities come online [source:f19df87e-9d0b-4464-8184-c0af5a09529a]

  • The selection occurs amid active commercial-station competition and financing moves by rivals, underscoring the commercial LEO market dynamics that will influence station development and NASA procurement choices [source:4ff9be34-113c-486e-9e36-685cd5b315c4]

Reported By

Space Explored Florida Today aeromorning.com exterrajsc.com spacecoastdaily.com Business Wire
Sources Tracked
21
First Seen
2026-02-12T13:30:22.193690-08:00
Latest Update
2026-02-19T07:56:35.621677-08:00
Coverage
Space

Sources

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