Lecture Notes: Vast and the Future of Private Space Stations

Introduction to Vast

• Objective: Vast aims to allow people to live at lower costs and longer times in space.
• Founding: Founded in 2021 by Jed McCaleb, a cryptocurrency billionaire.
• Goal: To create the first private space station, named Haven-1.

Company Overview

• Growth: Currently 650 employees, adding 10 weekly.
• Focus: Over 70% of personnel in engineering and manufacturing.
• Funding: $1 billion investment by Jed McCaleb.
• Timeline: Launch Haven-1 in May 2026, Haven-2 in 2028.

Industry Context

• NASA's Role: Transitioning control to commercial companies.
• Competition: Part of NASA's Commercial LEO Development Program to replace ISS by 2030.
• Competitors: Axiom Space, Blue Origin, Voyager.

Strategic Approach

• Speed and Cost: Aim to be 5 times cheaper and faster than predecessors.
• Partnerships: Multiple contracts with SpaceX for launches.

Technological and Manufacturing Aspects

• Facilities: Vertical integration trends; in-house manufacturing in a machine shop.
• Key Personnel: Drew Feustel, former NASA astronaut, involved as an advisor.
• Design: Influenced by Apple designer Peter Russell-Clarke.

Challenges and Considerations

• Skepticism: No background in space for Jed McCaleb.
• Risk: High potential for loss if projects do not succeed.
• Development Status: Still in early phases; emphasis on rapid development.

Vision and Philosophy

• Long-term Vision: Humans expanding into the solar system.
• Motivation: Building things and changing humanity's trajectory instead of personal luxury.

Conclusion

• Market Dependency: Success hinges on securing NASA as a customer.
• Industry Impact: Potential to set new standards for speed and efficiency in space industry.
• Risk vs. Reward: High stakes with potential for both monumental success and failure.