Space stations get a makeover. Vast, a US-based space habitation company, has unveiled the design for Haven-1, which they claim is « the world’s first commercial space station. » Set to launch in 2025, this orbital habitat aims to blend cutting-edge functionality with unprecedented comfort, potentially ushering in a new era of long-term space living.

From sterile to stylish. Vast’s announcement reveals a space station that looks more like a high-end Earth-bound apartment than the utilitarian environments we’ve come to associate with space habitats. The station’s centerpiece is a large, centralized window offering astronauts a panoramic view of Earth – a feature that could significantly impact the psychological well-being of crew members during extended missions.

Peter Russell-Clarke, the world-renowned designer behind some of Apple’s iconic products, explains, « 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. Haven-1 interiors are unprecedented, precisely engineered and sensitively designed to ensure its occupants thrive in space. »

Luxury in Low Earth Orbit

While safety remains paramount, Haven-1’s interior breaks away from the clinical aesthetic of traditional space stations. Soft, padded surfaces throughout the station provide an added layer of protection for floating astronauts. Perhaps most striking is the use of genuine, safety-tested maple wood veneer slats in common areas – a warm, natural touch that’s a far cry from the metallic interiors of current space habitats.

This approach stands in stark contrast to the International Space Station (ISS), where practicality has long trumped comfort. The ISS, while a marvel of engineering, was not designed with long-term habitability as a primary concern. Its cramped quarters and utilitarian design reflect the priorities of early space exploration: survival and scientific research.

Home sweet space home

At the heart of Haven-1 is a multifunctional Common Area, serving as a hub for collaboration, meals, exercise, and relaxation. This 24m³ space, featuring a deployable table and exercise equipment, aims to foster a sense of community among crew members.

Sleeping on cloud nine – in zero gravity. Perhaps the most innovative feature of Haven-1 is its approach to one of the most fundamental human needs: sleep. The station boasts four private crew quarters, each slightly larger than those aboard the ISS. These rooms come equipped with Vast’s patent-pending sleep system, roughly the size of a queen bed, designed to provide customized, equal pressure throughout the night.

Andrew Feustel, a veteran NASA astronaut with over 23 years of experience, played a critical role in advising the team. He notes, « From communication and connectivity, to private space and interacting with others aboard, to advancing human progress on Earth and beyond, every detail has been designed with the astronaut experience at the core of our work. »