Summary
ESA and Vast signed a memorandum of understanding to study possible cooperation in low Earth orbit after the International Space Station’s service ends. The initial three-year framework begins with a joint feasibility study, not binding mission agreements.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and space company Vast signed a memorandum of understanding on 5 October 2026 to explore cooperation in low Earth orbit (LEO) after the International Space Station (ISS) ends service. The agreement provides a framework for possible work involving Vast’s Haven station, research and future European crew or cargo vehicles.
ESA says the MoU replaces an agreement the organisations signed in June 2024 and broadens their cooperation in human spaceflight, science, technology and commercialisation. It was signed during the 77th International Astronautical Congress. The new framework has an initial term of three years and starts with a joint feasibility study.
Areas the agreement could cover
The MoU identifies potential future ESA astronaut missions aboard Haven, which Vast is developing, and possible ESA hardware or other contributions to station infrastructure. It also allows the parties to explore ESA use of Haven stations, including jointly planned research campaigns, dedicated space for science, cargo capacity to and from orbit, and crew time.
These provisions address a practical challenge for space research: experiments and astronaut missions depend on access to an orbital platform. LEO is the region around Earth where the ISS operates. In orbit, researchers can conduct experiments in microgravity—a condition in which objects experience very little apparent weight compared with conditions on Earth. ESA says it is preparing options to continue research and technology demonstrations in this environment and to create flight opportunities for European astronauts after the ISS era.
The parties also plan to exchange information and prepare for possible European cargo and crew vehicles serving Haven. This is an area for further exploration, rather than a commitment in the MoU to develop or fly a particular vehicle.
A feasibility study before binding agreements
The study is intended to produce a roadmap and an indicative schedule for any later binding agreements. The distinction matters: the signed document establishes a process for assessing cooperation, while missions, station use and contributions remain potential areas for future work.
ESA’s preparations form part of its planning for the eventual end of ISS service and de-orbiting. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said the agency is considering options for maintaining Europe’s presence in LEO. Vast CEO Max Haot said the organisations’ existing mission collaboration includes planned crewed missions involving the ISS and Haven-1, with the first crewed Haven-1 mission planned for 2027.