Commercial Space Stations and the ISS Handover — 2026-09-25
Vast made its most surprising strategic move yet by launching a dedicated Lunar Programs division just as Haven-1 races toward launch. Roscosmos agreed to extend ISS operations by two more years at the US request, while NASA named its Crew-14 lineup under a new $946M sole-source SpaceX contract. Meanwhile, the delayed Crew-13 mission is now set for Oct. 1 after a Dragon oxidizer leak.
Commercial Space Stations and the ISS Handover — 2026-09-25
Top developments
Vast launches Lunar Programs division
On September 23, 2026, Vast announced a new Lunar Programs division, extending its business plans from Earth-orbiting stations to lunar infrastructure. The announcement also updated the status of Haven-1, Vast's first commercial station. It's a notable diversification while Haven-1's launch target remains tied to the post-ISS timeline, and it signals Vast is building toward a long-term franchise beyond its LEO demo module.
Russia extends ISS operations two more years
Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov announced on September 22, 2026 that Russia will extend the operation of the International Space Station by another two years, at the request of the United States. The extension keeps the Russian segment — despite its persistent air-leak issues — in the transition plan through the run-up to the planned 2030 retirement, and keeps interoperability alive for commercial destination providers counting on orbital experience and international partners.
Crew-13 slips to Oct. 1 after Dragon leak
NASA and SpaceX have set the next Crew-13 launch for Oct. 1 after a leak was identified on the Dragon spacecraft that had been scheduled to fly Sept. 12. The slip adds pressure to an already tight ISS crew-rotation cadence, with Crew-12 astronauts still aboard awaiting the swap.
NASA names Crew-14; $946M sole-source SpaceX deal
On September 25, NASA officially named the Crew-14 lineup — commander Kayla Barron leading three first-time flyers, targeting a spring 2027 launch. The designation came alongside a new $946 million sole-source SpaceX contract that cements Crew Dragon as the only certified NASA crew transport, with Boeing Starliner's status still unresolved. This has direct implications for private astronaut missions and commercial station crew rotation, all of which currently depend on Dragon.
JAXA astronaut selected for 2027 ISS long-duration stay
On September 24, NASA announced that JAXA astronaut Ryo Suwa (49) was selected as a member of a long-duration ISS crew launching as early as spring 2027 on a SpaceX vehicle — becoming Japan's eighth long-stay station astronaut. Japanese coverage emphasizes commercial station expectations as the ISS nears retirement.
Local view
Japanese media are framing Suwa's assignment around the ISS sunset: Asahi Shimbun and FNN both detail the spring 2027 SpaceX launch, while pharma-industry outlet AnswersNews reports on "宇宙創薬" (space pharmaceuticals) and its future aboard commercial stations after the aging ISS retires, following a September 17 Reuters report that drugmakers and biotech firms are preparing post-ISS drug research and manufacturing.
Context & numbers
- NASA's Commercial LEO Destinations Phase 2 is expected to provide $1B–$1.5B in funding through 2031 to support continued development and initial crewed demonstrations; Phase 2 awards to at least two providers are expected in 2026.
- The FY2026 President's Budget Request included $272.3M for FY2026 and $2.1B over five years for commercial space station development.
- A 97th ISS-bound Progress cargo flight is expected before the end of 2026, alongside SpaceX CRS-35 and Northrop Grumman CRS-25 Cygnus on the 2026 manifest.
On the radar
- Crew-13 launch now targeted for Oct. 1 — watch whether the Dragon oxidizer-leak assessment holds that date
- Progress 97 cargo flight expected before end of 2026
- NASA CLD Phase 2 awards, expected within 2026, remain the key funding decision for Axiom, Vast, Starlab and Orbital Reef
- Crew-14, led by Kayla Barron, targeting a spring 2027 launch — potentially one of the final full expeditions before the ISS handover begins
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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