Haven-1: US prepares to launch first module of future station
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Haven-1: US prepares to launch first module of future station

In October of this year, the company Vast (USA, California) demonstrated to the public the interior of the first commercial space station Haven-1. It is intended for both individuals wishing to travel beyond the Earth and scientists conducting their experiments.


The main thing is to pay for the flight! The time spent at the station can be up to one month. The capsule will be delivered to orbit by the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The launch is planned for August next year. At first, Haven-1 will be in orbit alone, then it will be connected to the larger Vast module, which is currently only being developed.

About the interior design of the orbital station


Externally, it looks like a cylinder, which is 10 m long and 3 m in diameter. Haven-1 is designed for four inhabitants. NASA astronaut Andrew J. Feustel (who visited the ISS three times) took part in the design of the module, who knows firsthand what a person needs on board the space station. According to him, every detail in the interior of Haven-1, from communication systems to personal space, was developed taking into account his experience.

Haven-1: US prepares to launch first module of future stationCrew Dragon approaching Haven-1, which has already been launched into orbit. Photo: youtube.com

The interior photos published by Vasta present a surprising contrast to the images of the ISS that earthlings are accustomed to. Instead of narrow rooms littered with scientific equipment and bundles of wires, the interior is neat and minimalist. All the walls of the rooms (for safety when moving) are covered with soft panels, behind which the technical elements of the station are hidden. Even maple slats were used in the decoration, which, according to the designers, give “warmth to the interior.”

Soft panels protect you when moving. Photo: youtube.com

Each expedition member has their own room, which is slightly larger than the similar one on the ISS. There is also a common room of 24 square meters with a table installed in the middle, where the astronauts can gather together and discuss something.

There is a table in the common room. Photo: youtube.com

If necessary, the piece of furniture can be folded, freeing up space for, for example, physical exercise. The "hall" also has a window. A separate space is occupied by a "warehouse" for food.

Dream


Vast specialists, taking into account the experience of astronauts, approached this part of human life seriously. A system was developed and patented that allows comfortable falling asleep on the side or back. Sleeping in zero gravity conditions has always been a problem for expedition participants due to the lack of gravity, to which a person gets used to on Earth. Restraint systems were required: Vast created them. Also, in each "room" the station inhabitant has his own table, a compartment for things, clothes and his own toiletries, hygiene items.

The sleep system is patented. Photo: youtube.com

However, the central element of the interior is a large porthole through which the station's inhabitants can admire their planet, take pictures and immediately post them on social networks. It is assumed that Starlink satellites will be used for this, which will provide continuous Internet connection.

Prospection


If the launch and stay in orbit of Haven-1 are successful (it will first fly into space without people), the Crew Dragon ship will be sent to the module. It will bring the expedition participants. This will happen in 2026. In the longer term (2028), Vast plans to launch the Starship station: it should create artificial gravity. And finally, in the 2030s, another, larger station will be sent into orbit, designed for eight people. It is planned to imitate not only Earth, but also Martian and lunar gravity.

Full Inside Look at Haven-1

This is how the new American orbital station will gradually be built. Reservations for seats on Haven-1 are already open. The cost of the trip is not publicly disclosed by Vast and is only announced to those who are really planning to go into orbit.
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