• Qatar Investment Authority joins USD 500M funding for Vast, supporting development of next-generation commercial space stations and artificial-gravity habitats.
• Vast, founded in 2021 by Jed McCaleb, plans Haven-1 launch in 2027 and private astronaut missions with NASA.
• The funding will expand facilities, grow the team, and advance Haven-2, aiming for continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit.

QIA

Qatar Investment Authority joined a USD 500 million funding round for US-based Vast. 

The round was led by Balerion Space Ventures with participation from IQT, Mitsui & Co., Ltd, MUFG, Nikon Corporation (Nikon), Stellar Ventures, Space Capital, and Earthrise Ventures. The financing includes USD 300 million in Series A equity and USD 200 million in debt. 

Founded in 2021by Jed McCaleb, Vast is an aerospace company developing next generation commercial space stations. This includes its artificial‑gravity habitats like its Haven series aiming to enable long‑term human presence and research in space.

Its strategy includes developing low-Earth orbit space stations, future habitats for the Moon and Mars, and crewed systems designed to expand the commercial space economy while strengthening partnerships and capabilities in support of national defense objectives. 

Space Stations

Looking ahead, it plans to launch Haven-1 in 2027. It also aims to conduct the private astronaut mission it recently won with NASA. Additionally, it seeks to secure the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations Phase 2 bid to build its proposed successor to the International Space Station. 

Additionally, it aims to use the funds to expand facilities, and expand its team. It also seeks to advance the company’s proposed successor to the ISS, Haven-2. The Haven-2 seeks to ensure continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit for the United States and its allies.