The recently launched Haven Demo spacecraft represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of the first commercial space station. Developed by the aerospace company Vast, this uncrewed spacecraft weighs 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) and is designed to test essential systems for the upcoming Haven-1 outpost. Launched on November 1, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, Haven Demo was part of the Bandwagon-4 mission, which included 18 shared payloads for various customers.
Haven Demo is scheduled to orbit Earth for six months, during which it will conduct tests aimed at minimizing risks associated with the eventual launch of Haven-1, planned for May 2026. While the spacecraft might not resemble a traditional space habitat, it is equipped with propulsion systems, flight computers, navigation and guidance technologies, communication units, and power systems integral to the future station.
Testing Core Systems and Emergency Procedures
This mission is crucial, as it will validate the systems that Haven-1 will rely on during its operations. In addition to testing onboard systems, Haven Demo will assess ground network capabilities and the mission operations infrastructure on Earth. Part of the mission’s focus includes evaluating emergency procedures, specifically those related to the Power Distribution Unit (PDU). The PDU is vital, controlling power from the solar array and battery packs.
Moreover, the mission will test how the PDU manages multiple fault scenarios, ensuring preparedness for potential issues in orbit. According to Vast, Haven Demo successfully deployed its solar panels and is currently operating normally.
Future Plans for Haven-1
Upon completion of its mission, Haven Demo will undergo a controlled reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere, burning up over the South Pacific. If all systems function as intended, this will pave the way for the launch of Haven-1, which will also utilize a Falcon 9 rocket. The Haven-1 outpost will be positioned in a 264-mile (425-kilometer) orbit, where a single module will inflate, and the solar array will be deployed by ground control.
Following this setup, a 45-day commissioning period will take place before the station becomes fully operational. The initial crew, comprising four private astronauts, will dock with Haven-1 using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. This inaugural visit is expected to last approximately 30 days before the crew returns to Earth.
As commercial space endeavors progress, the successful deployment and testing of Haven Demo could mark a turning point in expanding human presence in space, laying the groundwork for future exploration and habitation.
