Vast Space established a dedicated division to pursue national security contracts, expanding the commercial space company's footprint beyond its core business of building space stations and orbital platforms.
The company created the new division to pursue work with the Department of Defense, National Reconnaissance Office, and other U.S. government agencies focused on defense and intelligence missions. Melanie Stricklan, a veteran of military space programs, leads the division as senior vice president of national security.
Vast has built its reputation on developing Haven, a commercial space station designed to replace the International Space Station after its retirement. The company also operates the Orbital Reef partnership with Boeing, another commercial station concept. Establishing a national security division allows Vast to tap into a different revenue stream while leveraging its spacefaring infrastructure and expertise.
The move reflects a broader trend in the commercial space industry. Companies like SpaceX, Axiom Space, and others have increasingly pursued defense contracts as the government seeks to reduce dependence on traditional aerospace contractors. The Department of Defense has made commercial space capabilities a strategic priority, investing in launch services, on-orbit servicing, and space domain awareness systems.
Vast's existing orbital infrastructure positions the company to support national security applications. Commercial space stations can host classified payloads and conduct experiments in areas ranging from hypersonic weapons research to advanced sensor development. The company's ability to maintain sustained on-orbit operations gives defense agencies flexibility in how they deploy and operate systems in space.
Stricklan's background in military space programs brings relevant experience to the new division. Her appointment signals Vast's commitment to meeting government procurement standards and security requirements.
The national security division joins Vast's other operational units focused on space station development and commercial space services. This organizational structure allows the company to pursue both civil commercial markets and government contracts while maintaining operational separation where required by federal security protocols.