Axiom Space vs Vast
Two near-term commercial station plays with different module strategies and customer mixes.
Side by side
| Attribute | Axiom Space | Vast |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2016 | 2021 |
| Headquarters | Houston, United States | Long Beach, United States |
| Entity type | commercial | commercial |
| Operational status | operational | development |
| Sectors | space-stations, human-spaceflight, leo | space-stations, human-spaceflight, in-space-services |
| Significant people | Michael Suffredini (CEO), Kam Ghaffarian (Co-founder) | Jed McCaleb (Founder), Max Haot (CEO) |
What each one does
Axiom Space
Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station while conducting pioneering private astronaut missions to the International Space Station. Founded in 2016 by former ISS Program Manager Michael Suffredini and entrepreneur Kam Ghaffarian, Axiom is creating the infrastructure for humanity's transition to commercial space operations. In January 2024, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) launched an all-European crew including astronauts from Turkey and Sweden to the ISS for 18 days, conducting 30 experiments during orbit. Axiom Mission 4 launched in June 2025 carrying the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the station, commanded by veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. NASA awarded Axiom a $140 million contract to attach habitable commercial modules to the ISS before separating to form an independent station. The first Axiom module, Hab One, completed critical design review in 2024, with five modules manifested on the station assembly roadmap. The Payload Power Thermal Module is scheduled to launch no earlier than 2027, separating from ISS in 2028, followed by habitat and airlock modules creating a fully functional commercial station before ISS retirement in 2030. Axiom partners with Thales Alenia Space for module construction and SpaceX for crew transportation via Dragon spacecraft. The company broke ground on a major manufacturing facility at Houston Spaceport. Axiom Space continues advancing commercial space station development while providing private astronaut mission services connecting paying customers and international space agencies with ISS research opportunities.
Full Axiom Space profileVast
Vast is an American commercial space station company founded in 2021 by billionaire Jed McCaleb (co-founder of Ripple and Stellar). The company acquired Launcher (rocket startup) in 2023 and is developing Haven-1, a single-module commercial space station targeting launch on SpaceX Dragon in 2025. Haven-1 would be the first commercial space station in orbit if launched as planned, hosting NASA, commercial, and private astronaut missions. Vast has a Launch Services Agreement with SpaceX and a NASA CLD (Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destination) study contract. The company is also developing Haven-2, a larger multi-module station intended to be operational when the ISS deorbits around 2030. Vast's business model centers on selling research time, tourism stays, and government crew transport slots. McCaleb has personally funded the company with hundreds of millions of dollars, giving Vast unusual financial runway for a space station startup.
Full Vast profileAxiom Space vs Vast — frequently asked
Quick answers to the questions most often searched.
- What's the difference between Axiom Space and Vast?
- Two near-term commercial station plays with different module strategies and customer mixes.
- When was Axiom Space founded compared to Vast?
- Axiom Space was founded in 2016, and Vast was founded in 2021.
- Where are Axiom Space and Vast headquartered?
- Axiom Space is headquartered in Houston; Vast is headquartered in Long Beach.