Vast Space LLC, founded by Jed McCaleb, has partnered with SpaceX to launch two private astronaut missions to the International Space Station. This initiative is part of Vast's strategy to commercialize Earth's orbit. The agreement depends on Vast securing a bid in a NASA program that supports private astronaut missions to the ISS. Since 2019, NASA has permitted companies to send civilian crews to the ISS to gain insights into the operational costs and challenges of space stations.

Vast Space LLC, the aerospace startup founded by former crypto tycoon Jed McCaleb, has hired SpaceX to launch two private astronaut missions to the International Space Station, part of its plans to commercialize Earth’s orbit.The deal, announced on Thursday, is contingent on Vast winning a bid to participate in a NASA program that promotes sending private astronauts to the orbiting research lab. Since 2019, NASA has allowed companies to send civilian crews to the ISS, helping these firms better understand the costs and challenges of operating space stations.

Vast Space Partners with SpaceX for Private Astronaut Missions to ISS