Vast Secures $500 Million in New Funding
Vast, a company dedicated to developing next-generation space habitats to support long-term human presence in space, has announced a substantial funding achievement. On March 5, 2026, the Long Beach, California-based firm raised $500 million in an undisclosed funding round.
Leading the Investment
The funding round was led by Balerion Space Ventures, with participation from a diverse group of investors including IQT, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Mitsui & Co., MUFG, Nikon, Stellar Ventures, Space Capital, Earthrise Ventures, and the company's founder, Jed McCaleb.
Strategic Use of Funds
Vast plans to utilize the newly acquired funds to accelerate the development of its Haven space stations. The company is focused on expanding its facilities and growing its workforce to support this ambitious project. These stations are intended to facilitate microgravity research, in-space manufacturing, and astronaut missions.
Company Vision and Leadership
Founded in 2021, Vast is led by CEO Max Haot and founder Jed McCaleb, who also participated in the funding round. The company's mission is to ensure a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit by building habitats that allow humanity to live and thrive in space. Vast's roadmap includes the near-term deployment of space stations in low-Earth orbit, with future projects aimed at the Moon and Mars.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
Vast successfully launched its Haven Demo spacecraft in 2025, which served as an in-orbit testbed for the technologies that will be used in their first operational station. The company is currently working on integrating Haven-1, which is slated for a 2027 launch as the world's first commercial space station.
In addition to its ongoing projects, Vast is preparing for a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, recently secured through NASA. The company also plans to develop Haven-2, a larger successor station expected to help replace the International Space Station when it retires around 2030.
Board and Advisory Changes
A.C. Charania, an advisor at Balerion and former Chief Technologist for NASA, will join Vast's board as part of this investment round. His expertise is expected to contribute significantly to the company's strategic direction as it continues to grow and innovate in the space industry.
With over $1 billion invested in its technology and facilities to date, Vast is well-positioned to advance its objectives in the commercial, governmental, and defense-related space sectors.