Vast Unveils Flight Suit to be Used Aboard the Haven-1 Space Station

Vast has announced several updates in recent days. Among these is the new Large Docking Adapter that will be used on future commercial space stations to allow for better internal habitability while also supporting new large-size carriers (such as SpaceX's Starship).

Another novelty is the presentation of the Astronaut Flight Suit. This is the attire that astronauts will use inside the Haven-1 space station, which could be launched in 2027. These garments should not be confused with space suits for extravehicular activities (EVA, like Axiom Space's AxEMU for the Artemis program) or those for activities inside environments (IVA). Instead, these are clothes designed to be worn most of the time by astronauts during daily activities in weightlessness and microgravity.

According to reports from Vast, the Astronaut Flight Suit will be used by the crew during training for future missions aboard the Haven-1 space station (and later for Haven-2). A test will also take place aboard the International Space Station during the sixth private mission, which will be conducted in collaboration with NASA.

These garments have been developed in collaboration with astronauts who have actually spent time in space, prioritizing mobility, comfort, and functionality for working inside the space modules. Andrew Feustel (Vast Lead Astronaut) stated that "over the past two decades on the International Space Station, astronauts have moved away from wearing flight suits every day. The environment has become safer and more similar to how we work on Earth." Feustel has completed two missions with the Space Shuttle (STS-125 and STS-134) and also a long-duration mission aboard the ISS (Expedition 55/56), thus experiencing space first-hand.

With the Astronaut Flight Suit from Vast, the aim is to replace the clothing typically worn by astronauts in pressurized environments, which generally includes a polo shirt and long pants, with something specifically designed for activities in microgravity. Hillary Coe (Chief Marketing and Design Officer of Vast) stated that "Vast's human-centered design approach allows us to create conditions that foster innovation and productivity. The well-being and comfort of the crew have a direct impact on efficiency, safety, and performance, which is why everything that flies is examined by those who have lived and worked in space."

Among the features of this suit is the ability to use the jacket and pants separately or to attach them together via a zipper. Pockets are positioned in easily reachable areas, and there are hooks and fastening systems for devices useful during daily operations. These suits also "wink at" space tourism, which will be one of the possibilities offered by the new commercial space stations, making them sustainable businesses in the long term.