NASA’s New Space Stations Are Rushing Toward Launch. SpaceX Steps In...

Can you believe it? It's already 2026. This year is set to deliver major milestones for the space industry. At the forefront is the arrival of the first true successor to the ISS, the Vast Space Station. NASA and Vast are moving quickly with preparations already well underway for the station's upcoming flight. SpaceX, serving as the launch provider and likely the primary resupply partner, is also ready to support the mission. In today's episode, we take a comprehensive look at everything leading up to this journey before it officially begins. Indeed, if nothing changes, the Vast Space Station, often described as the world's first true commercial space station and America's next space station, is preparing for launch. We are closer than many people realize. Let's take a closer look at the journey so far. In the most recent major update released by Vast, the company confirmed that the Haven-1 module had completed full structural welding. This milestone was announced in mid-September. At that point, the module still appeared as a raw industrial structure, essentially a solid metallic shell. While it lacked visual refinement, this stage represented one of the most critical steps in station construction. A fully welded pressure vessel is the foundation of everything that follows. Without it, no other system matters. Only a few weeks later, in early October, Vast announced another major step forward. The Haven-1 module had been fully painted. The structure was now coated in a bright white exterior, transforming it visually from a construction object into something unmistakably recognizable as a spacecraft. This change was not purely cosmetic. Exterior coatings play a role in thermal regulation and protection, helping manage temperature extremes once the station is exposed to the space environment. Following the completion of painting, Vast stated that the next phase would involve integrating two of the most structurally sensitive components of the entire station. These were the main hatch and the large domed window. Both elements are essential to the station's function and identity, but they also introduce significant engineering challenges. Any opening in a pressure vessel must maintain absolute structural integrity while withstanding constant internal pressure. Later in October, Vast revealed something that surprised many observers. The company showed two nearly identical station modules. Vast explained that one module would serve as the primary flight article, while the second would be a dedicated test article. This approach reflects strong engineering discipline. By maintaining a separate test unit, Vast can push systems to their limits without placing the flight hardware at unnecessary risk. This also allows development and testing to proceed in parallel, helping keep the That same month, Vast provided insight into the wide range of systems already undergoing testing. These included radiation-tolerant computers designed for prolonged exposure to space radiation, power generation and distribution systems, onboard software, sensors, reaction control systems, propulsion hardware, radios, ground station links, and full command and control architecture. Together, these systems form the operational backbone of the station. On the final day of October, Vast confirmed another critical milestone. The Haven-1 module had successfully completed pressure and load acceptance testing, with both the hatch and the domed window installed. This is one of the most demanding tests any crewed space structure must pass. During these tests, the module is pressurized and mechanically stressed to simulate launch forces and on-orbit conditions. Passing this test confirms that the structure can safely support human life. These tests are especially important because the hatch and window are not passive components. They directly affect how the station connects with visiting spacecraft and how astronauts interact with their environment. Any weakness here would compromise both safety and mission viability. After completing pressure and load testing, Vast stated that the next phase would involve final weld inspections followed by integration inside a clean room. This marks the transition from structure to system. Inside the clean room, engineers install the internal components that truly define the station. These include life support hardware, power routing, data networks, crew interfaces, lighting systems, and interior structures. This phase is naturally slow and meticulous. Much of the work is conducted quietly and without public visibility. While it may appear uneventful from the outside, this is where the station becomes habitable. Moving forward to early December, Vast shared another important update. The company revealed that a docking adapter fit check had been completed with Haven-1 earlier in October. This test involved passive docking hardware. In practical terms, Vast likely used a simulated spacecraft docking interface, potentially modeled after Crew Dragon, to verify compatibility with the station's docking port. The purpose of this test was to demonstrate compliance with international docking system standards. These standards require extremely precise alignment and engagement. Vast emphasized this achievement again in mid-December, highlighting its importance. Alongside docking integration, Vast disclosed additional system-level testing. Vibration tests were conducted to simulate the intense shaking the station will experience during launch. Heat sink performance tests were also completed to validate the internal cooling loops that manage heat generated by onboard systems and crew activity. In December, Vast also conducted ground-based simulation tests as an integrated system. According to the company, these simulations are essential for identifying unexpected interactions between subsystems and improving overall flight safety. These tests also allow engineers to observe how the station behaves as a unified whole rather than as individual components. Another key milestone achieved in December involved propulsion testing. Vast released footage showing Haven-1's thrusters firing in a vacuum test environment. The station uses SAIF thrusters to maintain its orbit and orientation. These thrusters were tested in a multi-thruster configuration to validate performance under realistic conditions. Vast revealed that the Haven demonstration module will fly with three thrusters, while the operational Haven-1 station will ultimately be equipped with up to 48 thrusters. This level of redundancy ensures precise control and resilience in the event of individual thruster failures. Taken together, these milestones show that Vast has moved well beyond conceptual design. This is real flight hardware progressing through a disciplined and methodical test campaign. According to Vast's schedule, 2026 will include full environmental testing of the integrated station. These tests will expose Haven-1 to vibration, acoustic noise, electromagnetic interference, and thermal vacuum conditions. Thermal vacuum testing is particularly important as it simulates the extreme temperature swings and vacuum of space. Once these tests are complete, Haven-1 will be cleared for delivery to the launch site. There, the station will undergo final inspections, fueling preparations, and integration with its launch vehicle. There is still much to come, and nearly every remaining step carries major significance. Based on its current progress, the Vast space station is positioned to become the world's first privately owned space station. That alone makes it historic, but its importance goes far beyond a single milestone. The ISS has served humanity well, but it is undeniably aging. After decades of operation, wear and tear are unavoidable. Modules in the Russian segment have experienced repeated air leaks, requiring constant monitoring and repair. These issues reduce efficiency and raise serious safety concerns. Russia has also repeatedly signaled that it may withdraw from the ISS earlier than originally planned, potentially as soon as 2028. If that occurs, the ISS could face accelerated retirement. In that scenario, NASA would urgently need an alternative to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit. This is where Vast's aggressive schedule becomes strategically important. Launching early gives Vast a unique advantage. It places the company ahead of many international competitors and ahead of several domestic projects as well. Within the U.S., other proposed stations include Axiom Station and Orbital Reef. Each has strengths. Axiom benefits from its planned attachment to the ISS, while Orbital Reef plans to use inflatable modules that offer expansion advantages. Vast was not initially selected under NASA's commercial low-Earth orbit destinations program. However, progress matters. The company's rapid, visible, and consistent development contrasts sharply with the slower and less transparent progress of some competitors. This momentum has allowed Vast to emerge as a serious contender for future NASA partnerships. On the international stage, the Vast station also plays a role in maintaining U.S. leadership in orbit. China's Xianggang Space Station is already operational. Although smaller than the ISS, it is newer and incorporates more modern technology. Its internal layout is often considered more efficient and ergonomic. To remain competitive, the U.S. needs a modern station designed from the ground up for long-duration human habitation. Beyond timing, Vast's long-term vision is particularly compelling. One of the most important factors behind Vast's rapid rise is its partnership with SpaceX. The station will integrate Starlink, providing high-speed internet connectivity. This capability has already proven transformative for both terrestrial and space-based operations. Reliable, high-bandwidth communication will improve research efficiency, operational coordination, and overall quality of life for crews. Unless competing stations introduce similar capabilities, this alone gives Vast a significant advantage. The interior design philosophy of the Vast station is another major differentiator. Preview videos show a clean, modern environment that emphasizes openness, simplicity, and comfort. Lighting, layout, and interfaces appear carefully designed to reduce stress and improve hospitality. This represents a clear departure from old space station designs, including the ISS, which were built incrementally over decades and often prioritized function over comfort. Vast is designing a station for humans first. This approach also aligns with the future of space tourism. As commercial spaceflight becomes more accessible, demand for comfortable and welcoming orbital environments will increase. Vast appears to be designing not only for astronauts but for a broader range of future occupants. It's also important to remember that Vast plans to follow with Haven-2, a larger module that builds on the same design philosophy. If Vast secures a role in NASA's program, the company believes it could launch the first Haven-2 module as early as 2028. Over time, multiple Haven-2 modules would be launched and connected. A central core module, launched by SpaceX's Starship, would provide four docking ports. The Haven-2 modules would attach to this core, forming a cross-shaped structure. Additional modules would then extend each branch, gradually expanding the station into a complex capable of rivaling other major platforms. Of course, none of this happens without SpaceX. While SpaceX does not own the Vast station, its role is central. Falcon 9 is expected to launch the Haven-1 and 2 modules. Starship will eventually launch the core module. Although Starship is still under development, the core module is expected to fly last, likely around By then, Starship should be a mature and reliable vehicle. SpaceX will also support crew and resupply missions using Crew Dragon. Vast has stated that shortly after Haven-1 launches, the first crewed mission could occur within weeks and last approximately two weeks. This reflects confidence not only in the station, but also in Dragon's proven reliability. SpaceX has supported ISS cargo and crew missions for years with an exceptional safety record. It's logical that Vast and other future stations would rely on these vehicles. With reliable launch systems, advanced communications, and a human-centered design, Vast is building more than a station. It's building the foundation for a new era. The only remaining question is whether we are ready to step into it. Axiom Space's first commercial module is slated for launch in 2025 and will dock at the ISS's forward port. This milestone seizes the moment when NASA retires the station in the early 2030s, ushering in a fully private, rapidly expandable outpost. We are on the cusp of a new era of multi-habitat orbital platforms, fueling science and commerce beyond government alone. The race to replace the International Space Station is more than just a competition. It is a mission of immense significance. Inheriting the role of such a legendary outpost is not only a profound honor, but also a responsibility that will define the next era of human spaceflight. Several players are actively pursuing this goal. Among them, Axiom Space stands out as the frontrunner thanks to its well-defined development path and strong institutional support. Initially, Axiom focused on building Hab1, a service module designed to support both research and crew habitation. However, the company's priorities appear to have shifted. Now, greater attention is being given to the Payload Power Thermal Module, or PPTM, which may become the first segment launched as part of the Axiom Station system. This raises an important question. When will these modules launch? While Axiom Space has not provided a direct timeline, recent developments offer a strong hint. The company has released new images of a completed module currently staged inside its manufacturing facility. This module has passed the initial production phase and is now awaiting integration. According to Axiom, it is a logistics module. In their announcement, Axiom stated, One of many modules. Work on Axiom Station continues and has expanded with the acquisition of this multipurpose logistics module. The MPLM will allow us to adapt and evolve, ensuring that we continue to meet the demands of our customers in low-Earth orbit. From this, we can infer that the MPLM, short for Multipurpose Logistics Module, will serve a range of support roles. It could store secondary payloads, hold scientific samples before returning to Earth, or serve any number of other purposes, depending on mission needs. Its design likely prioritizes flexibility, with features optimized for both storage and research. The module also includes a docking port on one end, as well as an internal isolation mechanism similar to an airlock, which allows it to operate independently or in tandem with other modules. These features underscore its importance within the broader system. The MPLM is scheduled to be installed on Axiom Station after the ISS is decommissioned. This means it is currently one of the final modules planned in the assembly sequence. If that is the case, then the earlier modules, particularly HAB-1 and the PPTM, are likely nearing completion and may already be approaching launch readiness. Axiom Station will initially be built while attached to the ISS, using it as a foundation before eventually detaching to become a fully independent platform. This modular construction strategy mirrors the way young birds are raised in a nest before they fly on their own. Originally, the station was designed with four major components, HAB-1 and HAB-2 service modules, a Research and Manufacturing Facility, or RMF, and a Power Thermal Module, or PTM. These were to be launched in order, just listed. However, due to internal challenges and external uncertainties, particularly the possibility that Russia may exit the ISS program early, Axiom Space has revised this plan. The age of the ISS and the high cost of operations have only added urgency to this decision. There was a proposal to reduce the station's structure to just two modules, HAB-1 and the revised Power Module, the PPTM, but that concept appears to have been set aside. The four-module layout remains in place, although the launch sequence has been restructured. Under the new plan, the PPTM will launch first, followed by HAB-1. This configuration will serve as the station's core and allow it to operate independently. Next will come an airlock module, likely intended to support early spacewalks. Only after that will the HAB-2 and RMF modules be added. The MPLM will be integrated once the station has stabilized, serving as an enhancement to its operational capacity. This revised timeline may delay the initial launch, since the PPTM might be completed after HAB-1. Constructing the station in two phases, one while docked to the ISS and the other while operating independently, adds complexity, especially since the second phase will not benefit from ISS support. However, this method may also allow Axiom Station to become self-sufficient much sooner than originally anticipated. The company currently projects full independence by as early as 2028. This would reduce risks tied to any sudden changes in the ISS program, while preserving the full potential of a four-module platform. In the long run, this updated strategy gives Axiom more time to refine their systems and prepare for launch. Based on available information, it is reasonable to expect the first two launches of the PPTM and HAB-1 modules to take place between 2027 and 2028. The appearance of the MPLM suggests that the company may be further ahead than previously thought. What are your thoughts on Axiom Space's evolving space station plans? Share your opinions in the comments. And if you enjoyed this update, please like the video and subscribe to our channel to stay on top of SpaceX's unfolding journey. Indeed, Axiom Space's roadmap is clear, but execution will require meticulous planning and flawless coordination. At present, the Payload Power Thermal Module is under construction by By using a design that mirrors the HAB-1 and HAB-2 service modules, Axiom Space can streamline manufacturing and reduce assembly time. The PPTM is expected to arrive at Axiom's Houston headquarters in the fall, where engineers will integrate its power, thermal, and control subsystems and perform exhaustive functional tests. Only after every connection is verified and every system passes its checkouts will the PPTM be cleared for launch. Meanwhile, production of the HAB-1 module has been moving forward steadily throughout 2024. Photographs released by Axiom Space show the pressure shell completed and the interior outfitting well underway. Once the primary structure is finalized, teams will install life support hardware, research racks, communication systems, and safety equipment. Each subsystem must undergo its own qualification testing before HAB-1 can join the launch manifest. In parallel with hardware development, Axiom Space has been gaining invaluable operational experience through crewed missions to the ISS aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. To date, four Axiom missions have flown. The most recent, Axiom 4, lasted from June 25 to July 15 of 2025 and set a new record for international partnership by flying four astronauts representing four different nations. Each flight has given Axiom's teams a chance to practice payload deployment, in-orbit maintenance, and daily life in microgravity. The lessons learned on the ISS will directly inform how the company designs training programs, safety protocols, and mission timelines for its own station. Looking ahead, Axiom Space must accelerate both its manufacturing and operational activities. For the PPTM, integration of avionics, wiring harnesses, and thermal control loops will require close collaboration between Axiom's Houston engineers and Thales Alenia Space. Detailed system-level tests must validate that the module meets interface requirements for docking, power draw, and thermal management. For HAB-1, a thorough regimen of structural, vibration, and pressure tests will confirm that the module can withstand launch loads and maintain a safe atmosphere for crew and cargo. At the same time, production lines for the remaining modules, HAB-2, the research and manufacturing facility, the airlock, and the multi-purpose logistics module must be ramped up so they are ready for sequential launch once the station's core is in place. Parallel to that, additional crewed flights will continue, each one designed to refine station operations, habitat maintenance, and scientific workflows. These missions will also test emergency procedures, crew handover protocols, and the integration of commercial research payloads. The challenges are substantial. Building a commercially operated space station requires precise execution across multiple continents, critical supply chains, and rigorous certification processes. Yet, Axiom Space can draw confidence from its strong partnership with NASA and from ongoing support from SpaceX, whose reusable launch vehicles will carry every major element into orbit. With lessons learned from the ISS and the engineering expertise of its contractors, Axiom Space stands poised to deliver the first fully private outpost in low-Earth orbit. Despite its clear lead in the race to build the first commercial space station, Axiom Space cannot afford to become complacent. Several potential competitors remain in contention, and the landscape could shift rapidly. Within NASA's commercial space station program, two projects, Orbital Reef and Starlab, have made announcements but released few concrete updates. Because their development timelines and technical roadmaps remain vague, Axiom Space can reasonably assume that its own schedule and capacity will keep it ahead of those ventures. However, a new player has recently emerged that demands the company's full attention. The VAST space station did not originally receive NASA funding under the commercial program. Instead, it has garnered support through a partnership with SpaceX, including agreements for launch services and integration with the Starlink communications network. The VAST team plans to launch its first module called Haven-1 next year. If all goes according to plan, Haven-1 will become the earliest privately launched space station component in low-Earth orbit. That accomplishment alone would give VAST a significant advantage in terms of being first to market. Given this timeline, many industry experts expect that NASA will soon invite VAST into its commercial station program. A head-to-head competition between Axiom Station and the VAST station could drive both teams to accelerate development, refine designs, and innovate new capabilities. From Axiom Space's perspective, this contest is welcome. It creates a stronger culture of continuous improvement and motivates the government and commercial partners to provide additional support and resources. There is also a broader geopolitical element to consider. China's Tiangong space station, though smaller than the ISS, has advanced rapidly. As the ISS approaches the end of its operational life, Tiangong has become the most active crewed platform in orbit. Unless commercial stations reach full operation soon, Tiangong could stand alone as the primary destination for astronauts conducting research in microgravity. Moreover, China plans to double Tiangong's size over the next few years, further enhancing its capabilities and international appeal. For the United States to maintain leadership in human spaceflight, Axiom Space must deliver on its projected launch dates first. Early deployment of the PPTM and HAP-1 service module will establish the station's foundational structure. The recent unveiling of the MPLM demonstrates Axiom's ability to expand capacity once the core is stable. Each successful milestone will reinforce confidence in Axiom Station's reliability, safety, and value to NASA and to commercial customers. Looking ahead, the company faces a series of challenges in preparing, constructing, launching, and operating its modules. These technical hurdles include integrating complex subsystems, verifying docking interfaces, and ensuring life support systems meet rigorous standards. At the same time, Axiom Space must monitor the progress of domestic competitors, Orbital Reef and Starlab, as well as the newcomer Vast and China's Tiangong program. Axiom Space's strongest assets are its partnerships. NASA's financial and technical backing provides essential endorsement and risk reduction measures. SpaceX's Falcon rockets offer proven, cost-effective launch services and close operational collaboration. By leveraging these relationships, Axiom Space can maintain its tempo, adapt to unexpected delays, and protect its leadership position. A challenging and unpredictable future lies ahead for Axiom Space. Competitors on both the domestic and international fronts will test the company's ability to stay ahead of schedule and deliver a station with compelling scientific and commercial potential. With careful planning, rigorous testing, and steadfast support from NASA and SpaceX, Axiom Space is well-positioned to rise to these challenges. Observers around the world will be watching closely as the PPTM, HAB1, and MPLM modules move from assembly to launch readiness, and as Axiom Space continues to prove that it can transform low-Earth orbit into a thriving platform for research, industry, and human exploration. This has been Kevin with Great SpaceX. Don't forget to like the video and subscribe if you haven't already to stay up to date with yours truly on the latest milestones in SpaceX's journey. Thank you so much for watching and always remember, curiosity, imagination, and inspiration will follow you so long as you keep looking up.