Private astronaut missions have expanded beyond Axiom Space, with Voyager and Vast slated to join as providers, following Axiom’s four missions from 2022 to 2025.

NASA has formal partnerships with Vast and Axiom Space to support private missions to the ISS, reflecting ongoing growth in commercial crewed access.

SpaceX remains the sole U.S. launcher capable of launching and returning private astronauts to the ISS, underscoring the continued reliance on a single commercial provider.

The ISS has hosted over 290 spacefarers from 26 countries, marking a shift toward greater participation by non-government astronauts.

Voyager Technologies is developing the Starlab private space station concept and pursuing lunar habitat tech in line with NASA Artemis-era goals.

SpaceX will provide the launch and return services for these private astronaut flights using the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule, launching from Florida.

NASA’s broader strategy supports an orbital economy with increased private astronaut activity and a move toward commercially operated orbital infrastructure as the ISS era evolves.

Private astronaut crews are nominated by the contracting companies (Voyager, Vast, Axiom), subject to NASA and international partner approval, with training conducted alongside NASA before launch.

Voyager Technologies has been selected as the third company to join private astronaut missions, with flights potentially commencing as early as 2028.