JAMSS Signs Strategic MOU with US-based Vast, Accelerating Expansion of Commercial Space Station Utilization in Japan and Asia (Announced at SPACETIDE 2026)

Yuzen Uchu System Co., Ltd. (JAMSS) (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Teru Ariga) is advancing initiatives to provide a series of services including mission design, training, health management, and utilization/operation support, aimed at expanding the use of commercial space stations and creating a market for commercial spaceflight in Japan and the Asian market. As part of these efforts, JAMSS has signed a strategic MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the US space company Vast and Vast Japan LLC. Vast aims to realize the next generation of human space stations and plans to launch the world's first commercial space station, "Haven-1," in 2027. This MOU establishes comprehensive cooperation to expand the commercial space station market.

JAMSS has accumulated expertise in providing services related to space habitation and utilization through its operational support for the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the International Space Station. Leveraging this track record, this collaboration will promote R&D support and new business creation on commercial space stations. Furthermore, JAMSS aims to expand related businesses by responding to diverse needs, such as supporting mission execution by commercial astronauts and realizing space travel for the general public.

Group photo taken at the SPACETIDE 2026 press session on Wednesday, July 7th. ©JAMSS

JAMSS is a payload partner for "Haven-1," which Vast plans to construct. With the signing of this MOU, JAMSS will further broaden its areas of cooperation and contribute to the development of the commercial space station market in Japan and the Asian region. Currently, at "SPACETIDE 2026," held from July 6th to 9th, 2026, at Tokyo's Toranomon Hills, JAMSS and Vast are exhibiting and introducing the latest development trends and utilization services for commercial space stations. The following presentations are also scheduled during the event:

Presentation Information

• Date: July 9, 2026 (Thu) 9:20 AM - 9:50 AM

• Venue: Main Hall (Track A)

• Session Name: Fireside Session (JAMSS × Vast × SPACETIDE)

This session will discuss the fundamental changes in business accompanying the transition from the ISS to commercial LEO, and the initiatives of JAMSS and Vast towards their implementation.

Program details here

JAMSS will continue to lead the commercial space station era through collaboration with domestic and international partner companies.

Conceptual image of the commercial space station Haven-2. ©Vast

Naoko Yamazaki, General Manager, Vast Japan LLC

We are extremely honored to expand our partnership with Yuzen Uchu System Co., Ltd. (JAMSS). Together, we will advance science and innovation in space. The research conducted on JAMSS payloads aboard Haven-1, and future space stations, will bring new breakthroughs by utilizing the microgravity environment, contributing to people's lives on Earth.

Teru Ariga, President & CEO, Yuzen Uchu System Co., Ltd.

We are delighted to be discussing further collaboration with Vast, beyond our Haven-1 partnership. On the International Space Station, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has led Japanese space experiments. However, with commercial space stations, it is necessary for the private sector to take a more active role in providing services, and our collaboration on Haven-1's payload was the first step for our company. Commercial space stations offer various utilization possibilities, including space experiments and space manufacturing. In an era where more people will travel to space, what is needed is not just the presentation of the dream of "being able to go," but the establishment of a reliable system that includes safety, training, and operations. Based on its extensive practical experience cultivated with "Kibo," JAMSS will lead the expansion of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) market and contribute to Japan's space development.

Yuzen Uchu System Co., Ltd. (JAMSS)

Yuzen Uchu System Co., Ltd. (JAMSS) is a company that leads Japan's human space development, with the mission to "Design the future of people and space." On the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" of the International Space Station, JAMSS has supported astronauts' activities from the ground in various areas including system monitoring and control, support for space experiments, astronaut training, and safety evaluation of onboard equipment. Currently, JAMSS is advancing initiatives to implement next-generation human space activities through the installation of its own equipment, "KLABOX," on the commercial space station "Haven-1," and through the design and provision of training for space tourists and commercial astronauts.

Corporate Site

Space Utilization Support Media | ASMILLA

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Vast

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure through a low-cost approach that aims for true economic viability by incrementally demonstrating hardware. The company is working on the rapid development of "Haven Station," a multi-module space station, to enable continuous human presence in space for the United States and its international partners. This will enable research and manufacturing in advanced microgravity environments, opening the door to a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. With the success of "Haven Demo" in 2025, Vast became the only commercial space station company with experience in developing, launching, and operating its own spacecraft. The company plans to launch "Haven-1," the world's first commercial space station, in 2027, followed by the sequential deployment of additional Haven modules. Furthermore, Vast recently announced "Vast Satellite," a high-power satellite bus utilizing components from its space station and Haven Demo operational experience, as a new product line.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Vast has built the facilities necessary for the manufacturing and operation of the United States' next-generation space station, with over 1,000 employees and over $1 billion in private capital. The company aims to build human space systems to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for governments, and to pioneer an expanding long-term space economy.

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