- Jed McCaleb commits $1B from his $3.2B XRP fortune to Vast Space, targeting the 2026 launch of the first commercial space station.
- Vast partners with SpaceX (Dragon/Starlink), eyes NASA’s ISS replacement contract; technical reviews pending for 2026 selection.
Jed McCaleb, co-founder of Ripple and Stellar, has allocated $1 billion from his personal wealth to fund Vast Space, a startup developing the first privately owned commercial space station. McCaleb’s net worth, estimated at $3.2 billion, stems largely from XRP token sales and equity in Ripple, which he left in 2014.
Vast Space, founded in 2021, aims to launch its initial module, Haven-1, by May 2026. The cylindrical structure will measure 33 feet in length and 14.5 feet in diameter, providing 1,600 cubic feet of habitable space for crews of up to four. A second module, Haven-2, is planned for 2028. The company began manufacturing components in January 2024.
McCaleb’s venture has partnered with SpaceX to leverage its spacecraft technology and Starlink satellite internet. Vast Space intends to use SpaceX’s Dragon capsules for crew and cargo transport, pending regulatory approvals.
This collaboration positions the startup to compete for a NASA contract to replace the International Space Station (ISS), scheduled for retirement by 2030.
NASA plans to select a commercial successor to the ISS by mid-2026, with contracts expected to generate steady revenue for the chosen operator. Vast Space faces competition from firms like Axiom Space and Blue Origin, but McCaleb’s financial commitment provides a distinct advantage. The company has expanded its workforce from under 200 to roughly 740 employees within 12 months, reflecting accelerated development efforts
Continuing with the reports in ETHNews, McCaleb acknowledges the high-risk nature of space ventures, stating he is prepared to lose the entire $1 billion investment if the project fails. His pivot from cryptocurrency to aerospace underscores a trend of tech entrepreneurs diversifying into frontier industries.
Vast Space’s progress hinges on securing NASA’s endorsement and demonstrating technical reliability. Success would establish the first commercial habitat in low Earth orbit, offering research facilities and potential tourism opportunities. Conversely, delays or technical setbacks could hinder its ability to meet the 2026 launch target.
The project highlights growing private-sector involvement in space infrastructure, historically dominated by government agencies. McCaleb’s gamble illustrates the convergence of digital wealth and physical innovation, as crypto fortunes increasingly fuel ventures beyond blockchain.
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