Vast, a Startup for "human habitation, first in LEO, and then beyond"

[Paul451]

Weird screenshot (attached) from their year-in-review video, originally posted off-topic in another thread. Shows the larger baton station on the left, with a closer view of the core area and docking on the right.

Taking it at face value (and ignoring the renewed concern about intermediate axis instability, because yowza), there's a frame around the docking area(s), on the rotational axis. The frame has two layers (red inner, grey outer). There's a gap between the presumed docking module (with Dragon capsule) and the main station.

Are they doing a counter-rotating docking hub, using the frame-in-a-frame to support the counter-rotation?

If so... that's... interesting.


(For eg, assuming the grey frame is fixed to the station, but the red frame is moving inside the grey (via a mechanism that's not visible), the docking sequence would be to have the capsule docking with a non-rotating module that is physically undocked from the (rotating) main station, but supported by the red-frame counter-rotating within the grey-frame. Once docked, slowly spin up the capsule+module (by spinning up the red-frame), until it matches the station, then the docking module is pulled into berth with the hub of the main station. Most of the time, the large docking module serves double duty as a zero-g lab. This would explain why the early images of the baton showed berthing ports at the hub, not docking adaptors.)

On the opposite side, visible on the left side of the screen, is what looks like... Hubble? But perhaps it's meant to represent a dedicated orbital transfer vehicle. Possibly itself based on their precursor station.

A few more pixels would be nice.


[I don't use cad software, so if the double frame is just a UI thing that appears around the part you are editing/manipulating, colour me suitably embarrassed.]

[MickQ]

It seems to me to be the simplest solution.  Gets away from rotating seals or having to de-spin the station.

Pity that hand is in the way.

[edzieba]

Better crop from the source video.

[StraumliBlight]

On the opposite side, visible on the left side of the screen, is what looks like... Hubble? But perhaps it's meant to represent a dedicated orbital transfer vehicle. Possibly itself based on their precursor station.

It matches fairly closely, although the lens would be attached to the station.

On another note, Haven-1 will simulate lunar gravity (1 rotation every 7.4s), can a docked Crew Dragon handle this load?

Science, research, and in-space manufacturing opportunities - 1000 W of power, 24/7 communications, and up to 150 kg of pre-loaded cargo mass in Haven-1. Opportunities for lunar artificial gravity by spinning.

[edzieba]

On another note, Haven-1 will simulate lunar gravity (1 rotation every 7.4s), can a docked Crew Dragon handle this load?

If loaded correctly, yes. We know it can handle at least 1g (during recovery lift ops, higher shock loads during chute deployment) loaded via the parachute hardpoint, and several g when loaded via the base ring supported by the trunk. Those would require supplementary attachment to the station beyond the IDSS ring, though.
For the IDSS ring itself, spec axial tensile load when pressurised is 17,700 N (100,000N when unpressurised), so at lunar gravity equivalent would be hanging a hair under 11 tonnes from the ring. That's above the dry-mass of dragon but below the wet-mass, so depending on how 'over spec' SpaceX's implementation of their IDSS ring is, it may just be able to hang from the IDSS unmodified. With modification for increased loads it sounds viable.

[Paul451]

Better crop from the source video.

But you left the hand in the way.


Looking at the hand-written comments on the left side, I can only make out a few words:

The comments next to the braces, indicating the six modules:

On the upper left side, blue ink, top to bottom:

(something)
mod -- Or "hab"

machine
shop

station
&
(something)

On the lower right side, red ink, top to bottom:

station
&
(something)  -- appears to be the same as the "station & something" on the other side

research
&
(something)  -- "development"? Doesn't look quite right. "entertainment"?

(something) -- Different to the (something) of the top module.
mod -- Or "hab"

Writing pointing to the central parts:

Left side, blue:

(something) / -- Doesn't look like "Hubble" at least. Last stroke looks like a slash (ie, something / dock).
dock

Right side, red:

0g research
&
(something) -- "tourists"?

None of it really helps figure out the central frame(s).

[StraumliBlight]

An Interview with Jed McCaleb & Max Haot (Vast) (podcast)

This week on Pathfinder, we’re joined by Jed McCaleb, Founder, and Max Haot, CEO, the leaders behind Vast, a company pioneering the development of commercial space stations. Jed, a seasoned software entrepreneur, and Max, a veteran in space and internet ventures, bring their unique expertise to the ambitious goal of advancing human habitation in space.

Our conversation covers the critical aspects of creating economically viable space stations, the strategic role of life support systems, and the significance of reducing transportation costs. We also explore:

 • Space station economics, pros/cons of competition
 • Military opportunities and sensitivities in space station use
 • Integration of Launcher post-acquisition
 • Challenges and excitement of Haven One’s launch
 • Vast’s product roadmap

More information about artificial gravity:

Well, the first step, Jared and I started to work on with the team on the stepping stone strategy, right? We had the long-term goal for us, which is the artificial gravity space station. So 105 meter long by seven meter diameter, a spinning stick at four rotation per minute. And if you achieve that, you can have artificial gravity at both end. You can have lunar and Mars gravity and also microgravity in the center.

[JSz]

ESA astronauts will fly to the Haven-1 station. From Memorandum of Understanding between ESA and Vast:

• Access to the Vast Space Stations for ESA and its Member States, for astronaut missions and research activities as well as commercial business development.
• Supporting European industry to supply subsystems and equipment for future Vast Space Stations.
• Vast making use of future qualified European LEO cargo and/or crew transportation services, at market rates and commercially viable terms and conditions, also as a means for offsetting future ESA Astronaut Missions.
• Vast and ESA jointly supporting European industry in getting certified for docking to future Vast Space Stations.

https://www.vastspace.com/updates/esa-and-vast-signed-a-memorandum-of-understanding-for-future-vast-space-stations

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/vast/status/1800352415675564061

Last week we held our Vast Q2 2024 All-Hands Meeting. Vast has now reached 450+ team members. We are hiring—join our mission to build the world’s first commercial space station https://vastspace.com/careers

[JSz]

VAST has opened its Washington office located two blocks from the White House (https://www.vastspace.com/updates/vast-opens-washington-dc-office):

This week, we opened our DC office. Located two blocks from the White House, Vast’s DC office hosts a world-class team focused on legal and government affairs, regulatory licensing, business development, and space policy.

1341 G St NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005

https://twitter.com/vast/status/1802723794068312260