Vast and the Maldives Space Research Organisation Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Engage Republic of Maldives Space Industry

Enabling Broader Access to the Low-Earth Orbit Economy

Vast, the pioneering space habitation technology company building next-generation space stations, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO) to explore opportunities that engage the Republic of Maldives space industry. Vast and the MSRO, the entity responsible for the Republic of Maldives space program, will collaborate on human spaceflight opportunities, science, research, and education.

“Our agreement with the MSRO underscores our commitment to international collaboration in human spaceflight and low-Earth orbit. We look forward to fostering opportunities for the Republic of Maldives to strengthen their space industry,” shared Max Haot, CEO of Vast.

“The Maldives shares a unique synergy with the challenges of space exploration; we understand the intricacies of living in isolated, resource-constrained environments. As we work with CLD operators to open this frontier, partnering with Vast allows us to export our resilience alongside our heritage of high-end hospitality. We look forward to exploring avenues for Maldivian innovation to be part of Vast’s roadmap, particularly in developing sustainable space food solutions and next-generation space habitats,” stated Madin Maseru, President of Maldives Space Research Organisation.

The agreement outlines that Vast and the MSRO will commit to exploring ways to engage the Republic of Maldives space sector. Through the partnership, the organizations will pursue astronaut flight opportunities aboard Vast space stations for agency astronauts, such as Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station or Vast-provided private astronaut missions to the International Space Station. Both organizations will also collaborate on the development of educational programs and outreach activities, including projects conducted by MSRO astronauts onboard the ISS or Haven-1. These programs are aimed at specifically engaging schools, universities, and other educational institutions in the Republic of Maldives. 

This MOU marks the third MOU that Vast has accomplished in recent days, signaling its rapid progress towards achieving global collaboration. Vast also holds agreements with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies, the Agencia Espacial de Colombia (AEC), the Czech Ministry of Transportation, and the European Space Agency (ESA). 

About the Maldives Space Research Organization

Maldives Space Research Organization (MSRO) is the first space organisation dedicated to the research and development of the space sector in the Maldives. MSRO, a non-governmental organisation, is the official space organisation of Maldives mandated through the Ministry of Defence, whose main purpose is to use space to help fight climate change through climate resilience and adaptation, to diversify and develop the economy of Maldives, and to inspire and educate the youth and island communities through science and technology.

About Vast

Founded in 2021 by Jed McCaleb, Vast is developing humanity’s next-generation space stations and pioneering the path to long-term living and thriving in space. Their roadmap begins with Haven Demo, successfully launched in November 2025, and followed by Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station scheduled to launch in 2026. Vast is also developing Haven-2, the proposed successor to the International Space Station (ISS), designed to serve NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program as a microgravity laboratory in space. Vast’s long-term ambition is to create artificial gravity habitations that enable humans to live in space, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a spacefaring future for all.

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