SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral early Sunday. It carried a prototype satellite for Vast Space’s planned private station, Haven-1. The mission, called Bandwagon-4, marks a major step toward commercial space habitats—and another milestone in SpaceX’s expanding role as the backbone of space infrastructure.

Vast Space tests key systems for its space habitat

The Bandwagon-4 mission lifted off at 1:09 a.m. EST with 18 payloads from operators around the world. One of them, Haven Demo, was built by Vast Space to test propulsion, onboard computers, and navigation systems.

Vast was founded by former SpaceX engineer Jed McCaleb. The company plans to launch its first Haven-1 station in 2026 aboard another Falcon 9. If the mission works, it could host four astronauts and operate on its own—making it the first privately owned orbital outpost.

Other payloads on the flight came from South Korea’s defense agency, Germany’s Exolaunch, Turkey’s Fergani Space, and U.S.-based Tomorrow Companies. The Falcon 9’s first stage landed back at Cape Canaveral eight minutes after liftoff. It was the booster’s third reuse, showing SpaceX’s clear lead in reusable rocket technology and the future of commercial spaceflight.

The race to build commercial space stations is accelerating

Vast’s Haven Demo shows how private companies are taking over roles once led by national space programs. With the International Space Station set to retire by 2030, the race to build commercial stations is accelerating.

This change could reshape access to orbit. Instead of only government-led missions, we may soon see rented lab space, in-orbit manufacturing, and even tourism. The main driver is cost. SpaceX’s reusable rockets cut launch prices and shorten mission timelines that once stretched for years—boosting space innovation worldwide.

For investors, this new market looks a lot like early satellite broadband—high risk but high potential. Haven-1’s test will show whether private habitats can run safely, efficiently, and profitably in space.

SpaceX cements lead as others build around it

This launch is a win for SpaceX, but it also affects public companies tied to the space sector. Boeing (BA) and Lockheed Martin (LMT), through United Launch Alliance, face rising competition as SpaceX expands. Suppliers such as Redwire (RDW), which builds space manufacturing parts, and Rocket Lab (RKLB), focused on small payloads, could benefit from stronger demand for orbital infrastructure and aerospace technology.

The key is leverage. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 keeps driving down launch costs, allowing smaller companies like Vast to design, test, and launch faster.

We expect the new space race to benefit the new wave of startups and pressure older aerospace firms tied to slow government contracts. As SpaceX keeps setting a high pace, the rest of the industry has a lot of catching up to do.

Boeing (BA), Lockheed Martin (LMT), and Redwire (RDW) all have a Disruption Score of 1. Click here to learn more about our scoring system.