Vast offers new docking adapter for large space stations

2026-04-15 · Source: SpaceNews · Field: Transportation & Mobility — Aviation & Aerospace, Transportation Infrastructure · Depth: Intermediate, short

Summary

Commercial space station developer Vast announced a new Large Docking Adapter on April 15, designed to overcome the limitations of existing interfaces like the International Docking Adapter (IDA) for future large space stations and spacecraft such as SpaceX's Starship. This adapter features a 3.8-meter diameter and increased rigidity, capable of supporting stations with up to 20 large modules, and uniquely serves as a launch vehicle separation system for modules exceeding 20 tons. Vast has developed a prototype for six-degree-of-freedom testing and plans to publish an open-source standard in May, inviting broad industry adoption to establish it as a common interface rather than a "Vast standard." While Vast will use the IDA for its upcoming Haven-1 and Haven-2 stations, the company initiated this development to provide sufficient lead time for future large-scale space infrastructure. Additionally, Vast also revealed new flight suit designs optimized for microgravity environments, based on astronaut experience, during the 41st Space Symposium.

Key takeaway

Vast has unveiled a Large Docking Adapter with a 3.8-meter diameter and enhanced rigidity, designed to overcome current interface limitations for large space stations and spacecraft like Starship. This adapter supports up to 20 large modules and can double as a launch vehicle separation system for modules over 20 tons. Vast will publish an open-source standard in May, inviting industry adoption to enable future large-scale space infrastructure and interoperability.

Topics

• Large Docking Adapter
• Space Station Docking
• Commercial Space Stations
• Launch Vehicle Separation System
• International Docking Adapter

Best for: Product Manager, CTO, Tech Journalist

Related on AIssential

• New CSF Report Sees Up To 7,000+ Satellites Launched Annually By Mid 2030’s, Highlights The Challenges With US Launch Infrastructure — U.S. launch infrastructure faces severe capacity strain, requiring coordinated government and industry action beyond market forces.
• Seagate Space and Oceaneering Join Forces to Build the Future of Offshore Launch Infrastructure — Seagate Space Corporation and Oceaneering International, Inc.
• Europe’s Ariane 64 completes first commercial mission for Amazon — Ariane 64's successful commercial launch for Amazon Leo confirms Europe's heavy-lift capability for large satellite constellations.
• SpaceX launches Starship V3 for the first time, but loses booster on return — SpaceX's Starship V3 test launch, despite partial failures, validated new hardware and launchpad amidst its IPO filing.
• Microsoft Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink on Global Connectivity — Microsoft and Starlink are combining cloud and satellite tech to boost global connectivity in remote areas.
• A million new SpaceX satellites will destroy the night sky — for everyone on Earth — A proposed one-million-satellite constellation for AI computing threatens to overwhelm the night sky with artificial light.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by SpaceNews.