ESA and Vast Sign Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation for Post-ISS Low Earth Orbit Activities

The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vast, signaling continued collaboration and potential future cooperation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) following the eventual de-orbiting of the International Space Station (ISS). This agreement, signed during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026), aims to maintain European access to microgravity research and future flight opportunities for European astronauts.