NEWS

Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation (JAMSS) is pleased to announce significant progress in its preparations to provide utilization services aboard Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station being built by U.S.-based Vast. JAMSS has successfully completed the design review for “KLABOX”, a multi-purpose payload locker set to be installed in the Haven-1 Lab. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the project’s progression toward full-scale development. The Haven-1 Lab will be the world’s first microgravity research, development, and manufacturing platform aboard a crewed, commercial space station.
 
As part of this initiative, JAMSS has entered into a joint research agreement with the Tokyo University of Science Research Center for Space System Innovation (SSI) to co-develop the control board that will serve as the core of the locker. This collaboration represents a new phase of industry-academia partnership aimed at advancing space utilization technologies.
 
The locker is designed as a versatile platform capable of supporting a wide range of applications in microgravity, including scientific experiments and storage. It incorporates modular 1U compartments (10 × 10 × 10 cm), with a total capacity of up to 12U, allowing for the integration of multiple compact devices.
This flexible configuration is designed to meet the diverse needs of academic institutions, industry innovators, and creative sectors such as entertainment and advertising — all while taking full advantage of the unique opportunities offered by a commercial space station.

(Left) “KLABOX”, a multi-purpose payload locker installation area inside Haven-1 ©VAST

(Right) Conceptual image of KLABOX exterior ©VAST

                
■　About Haven-1
Scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station, Haven-1 is a state-of-the-art, human-centric space station, home to Haven-1 Lab for both private astronauts and government missions. The Haven-1 Lab will be the world’s first microgravity research, development, and manufacturing platform aboard a crewed, commercial space station. SpaceX will launch Haven-1 on a Falcon 9 rocket and transport the crew using its Dragon spacecraft.
 
■　Related Information
A corresponding press release has also been issued by the Tokyo University of Science, providing further technical details and background on the joint research.
▶　Tokyo University of Science Press Release (Japanese)
 
This announcement follows our April 2025 press release, and our July update. As the third official update in this series, it highlights the steady progress of the project. Our next release will mark the formal release of service offerings and the full-scale start of the JAMSS’s Haven-1 initiative.
 
■　Comment from Project Development Lead
“We’re thrilled to see our equipment take the lead in this new frontier of a commercial space station. The device we’re developing is unlike anything before — designed to be accessible even to those who’ve never had a connection to space. By leveraging JAMSS’s expertise and our collaboration with Tokyo University of Science, we’re taking on the challenge of turning this vision into reality. Please stay tuned!”
— Toshiyuki TOMOBE, Project Development Lead, JAMSS Haven-1 Payload Service

■　Significance of the Project for JAMSS
In its 35th anniversary year, JAMSS is taking on a bold new challenge by applying its extensive experience in human spaceflight and space utilization — gained through decades of involvement with the International Space Station — to the emerging domain of commercial space stations.
This project is not merely a hardware development effort; it is a strategic initiative to pioneer the post-ISS era of space utilization. It also plays a vital role in passing on technical expertise and nurturing the next generation of space professionals within JAMSS.
With the flexibility and innovation that a private company can offer, JAMSS will continue to push the boundaries of space as a platform for creativity, research, and industry.

■Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the commercial space station project:
https://www.jamss.co.jp/en/contact_service/