Vast, a provider of space habitation technologies, has enlisted the expertise of Impulse Space, an in-space logistics service pioneer, for the propulsion system of its forthcoming Haven-1 space station.

The world’s first commercial space station, Haven-1, is set to launch in August 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to low-Earth orbit.

Impulse Space’s role will be critical in creating and integrating the propulsion system, which will include Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters for enhanced resident control and deorbit thrusters for end-of-life operations. The already qualified Saiph thruster, which is scheduled to embark on multiple LEO missions starting in October 2023, will form part of the propulsion system.

The propulsion system will also utilize a non-toxic propellant combination of nitrous oxide and ethane, aligning with previous space vehicles developed by both Impulse and Vast. Additional elements of the system include propellant tanks, fluid lines, valves, sensors, control electronics, and control software.

Tom Mueller — Impulse Space Founder and CEO said: “Impulse Space is excited to work with Vast on a project that will accelerate commercial activity in space.

“Our qualified Saiph thruster is a perfect fit for Haven-1’s propulsion requirements. We look forward to collaborating with such a dedicated and like-minded team.”

After its launch, Haven-1 will operate as an independent crewed space station, with four crewed missions planned before it’s joined as a module to a larger Vast space station under development. The first crewed mission to Haven-1, Vast-1, will dock for 30 days with Haven-1 on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft following its launch.

Jed McCaleb — Vast founder and CEO said: “To support our goal to launch Haven-1 in just over two years and become the world’s first commercial space station, we decided to partner on multiple subsystems to increase the likelihood of meeting our timeline with full mission success.

“We are thrilled that Tom and his team at Impulse Space agreed to provide their Saiph-based propulsion system for Haven-1.”

  Falcon 9 rocket, Haven-1, Impulse Space, Jed McCaleb, SpaceX, Tom Mueller, USA, Vast