News
🚀 In the Race to Replace the ISS: Latest from Vast Space
Vast Space unveils new Long Beach HQ as it prepares to launch Haven-1, the first commercial space station, aiming to replace the ISS by the early 2030s.
Image Credit:Vast Space
1. Vast Space Opens New State‑of‑the‑Art HQ in Long Beach
On July 18, 2025, Vast officially opened its 189,690 sq ft headquarters and Mission Control Center in Long Beach, CA—designed to support the construction and operations of its pioneering space station modules. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured Long Beach’s mayor, council members, and key team members, including astronaut advisor Drew Feustel. Now essentially a “warehouse-city in orbit,” the facility houses testing, assembly, and mission control for Haven‑1 and beyond .
2. Haven‑1: The First Commercial Space Station
Launch planned for May 2026 atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 .
It’s a 14,600 kg module offering 80 m³ of total volume (45 m³ habitable), accommodating up to four crew members for ~30‑day missions .
Highlights include a 1.1 m “domed window,” Starlink connectivity, six control moment gyroscopes, solar arrays generating ~13 kW, and a dedicated “Haven‑1 Lab” supporting microgravity research .
NASA recently supported testing of the station’s air-filtration system under a Space Act Agreement, ensuring breakthrough environmental controls .
3. Haven‑1 Progress & Partnerships
All flight-critical structures are set to wrap up by July 2025, closely aligning with next year’s launch .
Vast has secured agreements with payload and service partners like JAMSS (Japan), offering commercial payload lockers scheduled to roll out in summer 2025 .
4. Haven‑2: Bigger, Better, NASA‑Ready
Vast introduced Haven‑2 in October 2024—a NASA-certified, larger follow‑on module designed as a full ISS replacement. If successful in NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations Phase 2 selection (expected mid‑2026), the first Haven‑2 module could launch by 2028, with full assembly completed between 2030–2032 .
📅 Timeline Overview
Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
HQ ribbon-cutting in Long Beach | July 18, 2025 |
Finish Haven‑1 primary structure | July 2025 |
HAVEN‑1 launch | May 2026 |
Crewed “Vast‑1” mission | June 2026 |
NASA CLD-2 award decision | Mid‑2026 |
Haven‑2 first module launch | 2028 (if selected) |
Haven‑2 full station deployment | By 2032 |
Why It Matters
Commercial LEO leadership: Haven‑1 will be the world’s first operational commercial space station—a huge leap for privately built orbital infrastructure .
Research and tourism opportunities: From biotech and material science to space tourism and in-space manufacturing, these stations open new frontiers.
NASA’s ISS successor: Haven‑2 is a direct bid to maintain continuous U.S./partner presence in LEO after NASA retires ISS in 2030.
✨ Final Thoughts
Vast is racing ahead to prove that not only can they build the first commercial space station, but they can also replace the ISS in the next decade. With state-of-the-art facilities in Long Beach and strong partnerships worldwide, Haven‑1’s May 2026 launch kicks off a bold new era. Whether you’re a space tech enthusiast, investor, or future astronaut, keep an eye on Vast—this may be where orbital civilization begins.
🔗 Related Articles & Links
Vast unveils new headquarters in Long Beach
This Company Wants to Build a Space Station That Has Artificial Gravity – Wired
https://www.wired.com/story/this-company-wants-to-build-a-space-station-that-has-artificial-gravity
NASA Helps with Progress on Vast’s Haven-1 Commercial Space Station
Vast to complete Haven-1 primary structure in July 2025 – Spaceflight Now
Vast Passes Critical Haven-1 Test Milestone
https://www.vastspace.com/updates/vast-passes-critical-haven-1-test-milestone
Vast Announces Haven-2: Its Proposed Space Station to Replace the ISS
Vast at the 40th Annual Space Symposium
https://www.vastspace.com/updates/vast-at-the-40th-annual-space-symposium
Haven-1 Technical Overview – Vast
Vast (Company) Overview – Wikipedia
Haven-1 – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haven-1
The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
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actors & performers
T.K. Carter, The Thing and Punky Brewster Actor, Dies at 69
Actor T.K. Carter, known for The Thing and Punky Brewster, has died at age 69. A look at his career and lasting legacy in film and television.
T.K. Carter in Punky Brewster (1984) Image: IMDB
Veteran actor T.K. Carter, best known for his roles in The Thing and the popular 1980s television series Punky Brewster, has died at the age of 69.
Authorities confirmed Carter was found unresponsive at his home in Duarte, California. No foul play is suspected, and an official cause of death has not yet been released.
A Career Spanning Decades
Born Thomas Kent Carter, T.K. Carter built a career in film and television that spanned more than four decades. He became a cult favorite portraying Nauls in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic The Thing, a film that continues to influence the genre today.
Television audiences widely remember Carter for his role as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster, where his comedic timing and grounded performances helped make the show a lasting favorite of the era.
Film and Television Legacy
In addition to his best-known roles, Carter appeared in films such as Runaway Train, Ski Patrol, and Space Jam. His television work included guest appearances on a wide range of series throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond.
Known within the industry as a reliable and versatile performer, Carter often brought authenticity and warmth to supporting roles that left a lasting impression, even in brief appearances.
Remembering T.K. Carter
As news of his passing spreads, fans and colleagues alike are reflecting on T.K. Carter’s contributions to film and television. While he may not have always been the leading name on the marquee, his work helped shape stories that continue to be watched and appreciated by new generations.
T.K. Carter is remembered for his enduring performances, professional dedication, and the quiet but meaningful legacy he leaves behind.
Related Coverage
- Los Angeles Times: Actor T.K. Carter Dies at 69
- People Magazine: T.K. Carter, ‘The Thing’ and ‘Punky Brewster’ Actor, Dead at 69
- Entertainment Weekly: T.K. Carter, ‘Punky Brewster’ and ‘The Thing’ Actor, Dies
- ABC News: Veteran Actor T.K. Carter Dies at 69
Stay with STM Daily News for updates to this developing story and more independent coverage of entertainment, history, and culture. Visit www.stmdailynews.com for the latest.
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News
Gregory Outreach Services Expands Food Access with Addition of Third Refrigerated Van
Gregory Outreach Services expands its mission to fight food insecurity with the addition of a third refrigerated van, doubling food access for low-income seniors and veterans in Phoenix.
Last Updated on January 8, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Gregory Outreach Services’ newest refrigerated delivery van expands food access for low-income seniors and veterans across Phoenix.
Phoenix, AZ — Gregory Outreach Services has taken a major step forward in its mission to fight food insecurity with the addition of a third refrigerated delivery van, significantly expanding its capacity to serve low-income seniors and veterans across the Phoenix area.
The new refrigerated van was made possible through the support of a generous anonymous donor. The expansion is further strengthened by the continued generosity of the BHHS Legacy Foundation, who donated fresh produce to support the organization’s growing distribution efforts.
As rising food costs and inflation continue to place pressure on individuals living on fixed incomes, the need for reliable access to nutritious food has never been greater. This latest addition to the organization’s mobile fleet allows Gregory Outreach Services to double the number of individuals served, while maintaining strict food safety and quality standards.
“As the cost of living continues to rise, more seniors and veterans are struggling to afford nutritious food,” said Diana Gregory, Founder and CEO of Gregory Outreach Services. “This van allows us to bridge a widening gap for individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom face mobility challenges and limited access to fresh food options.”
Meeting a Growing Community Need
Gregory Outreach Services works directly with seniors and veterans who are disproportionately affected by inflation, medical expenses, and transportation barriers. For many, simply reaching a grocery store can be a challenge. Refrigerated vehicles are essential to ensuring that fresh fruits and vegetables arrive safely and consistently at senior housing communities, veteran shelters, and community distribution sites.
“This third van complements the two already in operation and represents a critical milestone in our growth,” Gregory added. “We are deeply grateful to our anonymous donor for investing in our mission, and to BHHS Legacy Foundation’s Board of Directors and its CEO, Jerry Wissink for Legacy’s generosity in donating fresh produce. Together, this support allows us to scale our impact and respond to the increasing needs of our community.”
Expanding Impact While Preserving Dignity
With an expanded fleet and increased food supply, Gregory Outreach Services is better positioned to address food insecurity, promote healthier outcomes, and serve seniors and veterans with dignity, respect, and care. The organization’s mobile delivery model ensures help reaches those who need it most — directly and reliably.
About Gregory Outreach Services
Gregory Outreach Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health outcomes for low-income seniors and veterans through mobile produce delivery, nutrition education, and community-based wellness programs. By bringing fresh food directly to those most in need, the organization works to reduce food insecurity and strengthen community wellness.
For more information, visit dianagregory.com.
Stories of Change: People Making a Difference
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Economy
How Bird Flu Upended the U.S. Egg Market — and Why Prices Are Finally Beginning to Stabilize
Egg Market: Egg prices surged during the U.S. bird flu outbreak as laying hen inventories collapsed. Here’s how flock recovery is helping stabilize egg prices today.
How Bird Flu Upended the U.S. Egg Market — and Why Prices Are Finally Beginning to Stabilize
Few grocery items frustrated American consumers over the past two years quite like eggs. Once an inexpensive staple, egg prices surged to historic highs following a prolonged outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. Today, however, prices appear to be stabilizing. Here’s how the crisis unfolded — and why relief is finally showing up at the checkout line.The Bird Flu Crisis and Its Impact on Egg Supply
Beginning in 2022, the United States experienced one of the most severe bird flu outbreaks in modern history. The virus spread rapidly through poultry farms, forcing producers to cull millions of birds to prevent further transmission. Egg-laying hens were hit especially hard, leading to a sharp drop in egg production nationwide. By 2024 and into early 2025, the cumulative losses totaled well over one hundred million birds. With fewer hens producing eggs, supply tightened dramatically, and prices soared. At the peak of the crisis, consumers in some regions saw egg prices climb above six dollars per dozen.Why Egg Prices Stayed High for So Long
Unlike other agricultural products, egg production cannot rebound quickly after a disruption. When laying hens are lost, they must be replaced with young birds known as pullets. These pullets require approximately four to six months to mature before they begin producing eggs. Even after farms were cleared to restock, producers faced additional challenges. Strict biosecurity measures, concerns about reinfection, and the logistical complexity of rebuilding flocks slowed the recovery process. As a result, egg supplies remained tight long after the initial outbreaks subsided.Laying Hen Inventory Recovery Takes Shape
By mid to late 2025, signs of recovery became more apparent. Producers gradually increased pullet placements, and national laying hen inventories began to grow. While the total number of hens had not yet returned to pre-outbreak levels, the upward trend marked an important turning point. This steady rebuilding of flocks meant more eggs entering the supply chain. Wholesale markets responded first, with prices easing as inventories improved. Retail prices soon followed, signaling that the worst of the supply shock was beginning to fade.Egg Prices Begin to Stabilize
As laying hen inventories recovered, egg prices moved away from their record highs. By late 2025 and into early 2026, prices at many grocery stores had fallen noticeably compared to peak levels. While costs remain somewhat higher than pre-pandemic norms, the extreme volatility seen during the height of the bird flu crisis has largely subsided. Additional factors also helped stabilize the market. Federal and state efforts to strengthen biosecurity, limited egg imports to supplement domestic supply, and improved disease monitoring all contributed to a more balanced egg market.What This Means for Consumers
For consumers, the stabilization of egg prices offers a welcome sense of normalcy. Shoppers are less likely to encounter sudden price spikes, and eggs are once again becoming a predictable part of grocery budgets. While prices may not return to the ultra-low levels seen years ago, the recovery of laying hen inventories suggests that the egg market is on firmer footing. Continued vigilance against future outbreaks will be critical, but for now, the outlook is far more stable than it was during the height of the bird flu crisis.Looking Ahead
The bird flu outbreak served as a reminder of how vulnerable food systems can be to disease disruptions. Thanks to gradual flock rebuilding and improved supply conditions, egg prices are stabilizing — a sign that recovery, while slow, is real. If current trends continue, consumers and producers alike may finally be moving past one of the most turbulent chapters in the modern egg market.Further Reading & Sources
- USDA – Avian Influenza Updates and Poultry Industry Impact
- USDA Economic Research Service – Egg Prices and Food Inflation Data
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Consumer Price Index (Egg Prices)
- Associated Press – Coverage of the U.S. Bird Flu Outbreak
- USDA Agricultural Marketing Service – Egg Market and Wholesale Reports
- CDC – Avian Influenza Information and Monitorin
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