Vast has revealed the final interior design of Haven-1, its first commercial space station. This project is a pioneering effort, hoping to redefine long-term human habitation in space. Scheduled for launch as soon as 2025, Haven-1 aims to be the first-ever commercial microgravity platform designed for research, development, and manufacturing in low-Earth orbit (LEO).
Founded by Jed McCaleb in 2021, Vast is focused on creating next-generation space stations that will be home to commercial crewed missions. Haven-1 represents a significant leap forward in design philosophy, as the company strives to merge functionality with comfort in space. The station’s design seems heavily influenced by Vast’s commitment to improving astronauts’ well-being while simultaneously advancing the space station’s scientific and technological capabilities.
The company’s attention to astronaut comfort is evident in its carefully planned interiors. According to the company, Haven-1 will offer a “warm and welcoming” environment, an important contrast to the more sterile interiors traditionally seen in space habitats. This idea extends beyond aesthetics.
The exterior design features a centralized window, providing astronauts with full views of Earth, which Vast hopes will foster a sense of connection and inspiration during long missions.
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Expert contributions
The interior design of Haven-1 is the result of collaboration with renowned experts. Peter Russell-Clarke, a designer known for his work with Apple, has taken the lead on industrial design for Haven-1. His goal was to create an environment that is both efficient and comforting.
“Astronauts living in zero gravity pose unique design challenges. Creating an environment that is both highly efficient and naturally comforting leads to totally new results,” Russell-Clarke noted. He added that Haven-1’s interiors are “precisely engineered and sensitively designed” to help its occupants thrive.
Former NASA astronaut Andrew Feustel, who has spent over 225 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), was instrumental in advising Vast on how to create a more astronaut-friendly environment. Reflecting on his experience, Feustel said, “We are learning from those experiences and innovating to improve the way we can live and work on a space station.” He highlighted the importance of communication, private space, and overall well-being in space environments, stating that the design of Haven-1 places astronaut experience at its core.
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Interior layout: balancing functionality and comfort
The interior design of Haven-1 focuses on facilitating work and research, while also ensuring a high quality of life for astronauts. Upon entering the station from a SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, crew members will encounter a sleek and functional layout. A real-time display will show key information, such as the station’s status and environmental controls, and padded interior surfaces will enhance safety as astronauts move around in microgravity.
A critical element of the design is the crew quarters, which offer private space for astronauts to rest and recharge. These quarters are slightly larger than those on the ISS and feature built-in storage, a vanity, and custom amenities. One of the standout features is Vast’s patent-pending sleep system, designed to improve astronauts’ sleep by providing consistent pressure to counter the effects of zero gravity. This system is expected to alleviate the discomfort often experienced by astronauts during sleep in space.
In the Common Area, astronauts can collaborate on scientific experiments, eat communal meals, exercise, and relax. This modular space hopes to be a significant improvement in terms of volume, offering 24 cubic meters of room.
The area includes a large, domed observation window that will provide astronauts with a panoramic view of Earth, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection. The space is also equipped with a deployable multi-use table, which can be used for dining or research and stowed away when not needed.
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Fitness and Well-being in Space
Staying healthy in space is a top priority, and Vast has incorporated several design elements to ensure astronauts can maintain their physical fitness. Exercise equipment is integrated into the Common Area, including a resistance band system that targets cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health. This system allows for customized exercise routines, addressing the unique physical challenges of living in microgravity.
Another innovative feature of Haven-1 is its use of fire-resistant maple wood veneer slats in the Common Area. This is a first for space station interiors, bringing a touch of natural warmth to the living space. Hillary Coe, Vast’s Chief Design and Marketing Officer, explained the philosophy behind this choice: “We are moving beyond necessity to innovation, balancing comfort with functionality and committing to a future where we can all truly thrive.”
The Lab: pioneering research in space
In addition to its living quarters, Haven-1 will house a state-of-the-art laboratory. This lab is designed for research and manufacturing in microgravity, with 10 Middeck Locker Equivalent (MLE) payload slots available for a range of experiments. The lab will be operated by Haven-1 astronauts but can also be remotely controlled via SpaceX Starlink’s high-speed internet connection.
Feustel, who also provided input for the lab’s design, emphasized how crucial intuitive design is for scientific work in space: “One takeaway I’ve had is that intuitive design isn’t a luxury in that regard: it’s key to ensuring astronauts can work and live in space seamlessly.”
As Vast prepares for the (hopefully) 2025 launch of Haven-1, the company is surely positioning itself at the forefront of space habitation technology competition. Hillary Coe summarized the company’s ambitious goals: “We have big ambitions to create a future where everyone is living and thriving on Earth and in space.”
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