The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed an agreement with Vast to explore the use and support of commercial space stations. This was reported by the ESA press service on June 7.
ESA and Vast signed a memorandum of understanding at the ILA Berlin air show, agreeing to explore cooperation on commercial space stations, starting with Haven-1, which Vast plans to launch in the second half of next year.
“Today ESA reaffirmed its determination to play a decisive role in the future development of the LEO economy in space for Europe and European citizens.”ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher said in a statement.
The agreement focuses on the long-term space station that Vast plans to develop and offer to NASA under the Commercial Low Earth Orbit (CLD) program. However, the collaboration could include the possibility of transporting ESA astronauts or payloads to the smaller Haven-1 station, which Vast is currently developing.
“The European Space System, led by ESA, is a very important partner for any future station that replaces the ISS.said Vast CEO Max Hout. “It is a high priority for us to adapt to their needs and provide flight capabilities for their payloads and astronauts.”.
Let us remember that once the operational life of the ISS ends, Western countries risk losing the ability to send astronauts to orbit.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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