First private space station with queen-size beds, gym to launch in 2026

As the International Space Station (ISS) reaches the end of its life with its operations set to officially end in 2030, a luxurious private space station is being designed by a United States (U.S.) based company.

A startup named Vast Space is planning to launch the first ever private space station, Haven-1, into orbit by 2026.

The human-centric design for the Haven-1 will offer astronauts a comfortable experience while living aboard the floating laboratory to conduct scientific research.

According to the Daily Mail, Haven-1 will offer queen-sized beds, a state-of-the-art gym facility and maple wood interiors.

The first private space station is expected to be much smaller than the ISS, with a 4.4 meter diameter and 45 cubic meters space as usable volume.

Sleeping in space can be a challenging task due to microgravity. In ISS, some sleep in cupboards while others tether their sleeping bags to the wall to avoid drifting.

Haven-1 solves this issue by providing a four-patent signature sleep system, arranged outside of the central corridor.

A 1.2 meter observation window will allow the astronauts to gaze down on Earth, a resistance band system anchored to the walls will allow them to exercise and stay fit in space.

Max Haot, the CEO of Vast, has claimed that his company is building the most innovative space station of the universe, adding, “It will only host four astronauts at a time for missions lasting between 10 and 30 days.”

He added that this isn’t just an artist’s render, Haven-1 is an actual design that is being executed and built right now.