Why in News?
- The world’s first private space station “Haven-1” is scheduled to launch in 2027 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
- It marks a major shift from government-led missions to commercial space infrastructure.
Key Highlights
Developed by:
- US-based aerospace company Vast
Launch Timeline:
- Expected in early 2027
Launch Vehicle:
- SpaceX Falcon 9, a reusable rocket reducing mission costs
Significance:
- First privately owned space station
- Beginning of commercial space station era
Context:
- Comes as the International Space Station is expected to be retired by the end of this decade
What is International Space Station?
A habitable artificial satellite in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Serves as a microgravity research laboratory One of the most complex international collaborations involving:
- NASA (USA)
- Roscosmos (Russia)
- European Space Agency (Europe)
- JAXA (Japan)
- Canadian Space Agency (Canada)
