NASA has awarded two new private astronaut missions to the International Space Station (ISS), selecting Axiom Space for the fifth mission (Ax-5) and Vast for the sixth mission. Ax-5 is targeted for launch no earlier than January 2027, while the Vast mission is scheduled for no earlier than summer 2027. Both missions are expected to last up to 14 days and involve four-person crews, continuing NASA's strategy to expand commercial activity in low Earth orbit.
New Private Astronaut Missions Announced
NASA has selected Axiom Space for Axiom Mission 5 (Ax-5) and Vast for the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). These selections followed proposals received in response to NASA's March 2025 NASA Research Announcement.
These missions align with NASA's strategy to foster a commercial space economy and expand private industry opportunities in low Earth orbit, particularly ahead of the ISS's planned decommissioning in 2030.
Axiom Mission 5 (Ax-5): Details and History
Axiom Space and NASA have signed an order for Ax-5. The mission is targeted for launch no earlier than January 2027 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The specific launch date will depend on overall spacecraft traffic and other planning considerations.
Ax-5 is expected to last up to 14 days aboard the space station.
Axiom Space will propose four crew members to NASA and its international partners for review and approval. NASA requires that the mission be commanded by a former astronaut with prior ISS flight experience. Approved crew members will undergo training with NASA, international partners, and the launch provider.
For services, Axiom Space will procure mission services from NASA, including crew consumables, cargo delivery, storage, and other in-orbit resources. Conversely, NASA will purchase from Axiom Space the capability to return scientific samples requiring cold transit back to Earth.
Axiom Space will collaborate with Voyager Technologies, which will handle payload integration for the flight. This marks Axiom Space's fifth private astronaut mission to the ISS, having been awarded all previous opportunities, including the Ax-4 mission.
Vast's Inaugural ISS Mission
Vast's sixth private astronaut mission is targeted for launch no earlier than summer 2027 from Florida. This marks Vast's first private astronaut mission to the ISS. The flight duration is projected for up to 14 days.
Vast will propose four crew members for review and approval by NASA and its international partners. Approved crew members will undergo training with NASA, partner agencies, and SpaceX.
The mission will utilize SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule for launch and return transportation services.
Similar to Axiom's agreement, Vast will purchase mission services from NASA, including crew consumables, cargo delivery, storage, and other in-orbit resources. NASA will purchase the capability to transport scientific samples requiring cold storage back to Earth from Vast.
Cultivating a Commercial Space Economy: Future Outlook
NASA's Vision for Low Earth Orbit
Private astronaut missions are central to NASA's strategy for the future of low Earth orbit.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that private astronaut missions contribute to new ideas, companies, and capabilities, reinforcing American leadership in low Earth orbit and preparing for future exploration efforts to the Moon and Mars.
The International Space Station plays a crucial role in this commercial expansion.
Dana Weigel, manager of the International Space Station Program at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, noted that the ISS serves as a platform for commercial industry in low Earth orbit, enabling new markets and technologies, and supporting scientific research.
Company Ambitions and Commercial Station Development
Companies involved in these missions view them as vital for gaining experience in human spaceflight and space station operations, particularly as commercial space stations are developed.
Jonathan Cirtain, president and CEO of Axiom Space, commented that previous missions have expanded the community of space explorers, diversified microgravity investigations, and provided insights for the development of Axiom Station.
Axiom plans to launch modules to the ISS starting in 2027, which are intended to later detach and form an independent Axiom Station.
Max Haot, CEO of Vast, affirmed the mission's role in supporting science-led commercial crewed operations and contributing to the transition towards privately operated space stations.
Vast intends to launch a pathfinder station named Haven-1 to low Earth orbit in 2027, followed by the multi-module Haven-2. The company previously deployed Haven Demo in November to test key technologies.
Other entities developing commercial low Earth orbit space stations include Blue Origin with Sierra Space (Orbital Reef) and a consortium featuring NanoRacks and Voyager Space (Starlab). NASA has provided over $500 million in funding to support commercial outpost developments over the past five years.
Aligning with Lunar and Martian Exploration
Missions aboard the ISS, including private astronaut missions, contribute to scientific advancement and the demonstration of new technologies for future human and robotic exploration efforts. This directly aligns with NASA's Moon and Mars exploration approach, which includes lunar missions through the Artemis campaign.