Imagine stepping into a space station floating high above Earth – not through a rocket launch, but right from your living room. That’s exactly what Vast’s new VR experience delivers. Designed around Haven-1, the company’s upcoming commercial space station, this immersive journey gives space enthusiasts and dreamers a front-row seat to the future of human spaceflight.
Welcome to Haven-1 – A New Era in Private Space Stations
Set to launch no earlier than May next year, Haven-1 is poised to become the first-ever private sector space station. The project will ride aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a Crew Dragon spacecraft transporting the first crew of four for a two-week stay.
While the physical station is still on the launchpad – figuratively speaking – Vast’s VR experience allows anyone with a Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro, or PC VR headset to explore Haven-1 right now. It’s a rare chance to step inside a piece of space history before it even launches.
What to Expect from the VR Experience
The 10-minute experience starts with a short 360-degree video introduction from Andrew Feustel, Vast’s lead astronaut. Though the video begins in low resolution, it quickly shifts to a higher quality rendered sequence where a SpaceX Crew Dragon docks with Haven-1.
From there, you’re placed inside a detailed 3D model of the station itself. Guided by Feustel’s narration, users embark on an on-rails tour through Haven-1’s interior. It’s a compact space – roughly the size of a single International Space Station module – but filled with carefully modeled detail that hints at the future of orbital living.
The tour ends with a breathtaking view from Haven-1’s domed observation window, offering a virtual glimpse of Earth from orbit. It’s a stirring finale to a short, yet fascinating, voyage.
Beyond Haven-1: Vast’s Bigger Vision
While Haven-1 is a modest start, Vast has ambitious plans for the future. The company, founded by Jed McCaleb in 2021 (of Mt. Gox and Ripple fame), is already eyeing its next project: Haven-2, a larger modular station targeted for 2028. Vast aims to make it a key contender in NASA’s search for ISS replacements after the current station is retired in the 2030s.
By offering early virtual access to Haven-1, Vast isn’t just promoting their technology – they’re sparking imagination and making space more accessible for everyone.
Want More Space Adventures?
If you’re craving a more open-ended space station experience, there are other VR titles that offer free exploration. But for those curious about the very near future of commercial space travel, Vast’s Haven-1 VR experience is a must-try glimpse into the next frontier.
