Jed McCaleb, known for creating Mt. Gox and Ripple, is aiming for the stars with Haven-1, scheduled to launch in May 2026.
Haven-1: The First Step
Vast is developing Haven-1, a 33-foot-long space station set to launch with SpaceX in 2026. It will hold four people and offer basic amenities, but unlike the ISS, it won’t recycle water or air, making it suitable only for short stays. NASA plans to retire the ISS by 2030, and Vast wants to be ready to take its place.
The SpaceX Partnership
McCaleb has always been known as a bold risk-taker, willing to go all-in on ambitious projects. His vision aligns with that of Elon Musk, as both believe in expanding human life beyond Earth. "There are not that many folks who are willing to dedicate the amount of resources and time and risk tolerance that I am," McCaleb told Bloomberg. Moreover, Vast has already secured multiple SpaceX launches for Haven-1 and future modules. SpaceX will also provide parts like the docking adapter and Wi-Fi system. If Haven-1 proves successful, Vast plans to launch Haven-2 by 2028, leading to a larger space base with life-support systems.
The Race for NASA’s Contract
Vast is competing with companies like Blue Origin and Axiom Space. But unlike them, Vast is fully self-funded, giving it a unique advantage. Winning the NASA contract in 2026 is crucial—without it, the company may not survive. Jed and Vast’s CEO, Max Haot, are even open to going to space themselves. The next two years will determine if McCaleb’s space gamble pays off—or if it becomes just another bold but failed experiment.
Jed McCaleb continues to realize his ambitious ideas, aiming to replace the aging ISS with Haven-1. The success of this project could change the landscape of commercial space travel.
