VAST ESTABLISHES DEFENSE DIVISION UNDER STRICKLAN
Vast has launched a dedicated national security division led by industry veteran Melanie Stricklan to align its orbital hardware with U.S. defense and intelligence requirements.
Strategic Realignment
Commercial space station developer Vast has officially breached the defense sector. The company announced the formation of a new division dedicated to national security, tasking it with the delivery of space-based capabilities for the U.S. defense and intelligence communities. According to SpaceNews, the initiative is being led by Melanie Stricklan, who joins the firm as Senior Vice President of Special Programs.
Stricklan, a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and co-founder of Slingshot Aerospace, brings deep expertise in space domain awareness to the role. Her appointment signals Vast’s intent to pivot its commercial architecture toward mission-critical government applications in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond.
Tactical Hardware
This organizational shift follows Vast's May announcement regarding the development of high-power satellite buses. CEO Max Haot categorized these buses as a "natural extension" of the company's space station work, aimed at a future market where low-cost, high-performance orbital assets are prioritized.
The U.S. national security apparatus has already signaled interest. In-Q-Tel, the strategic investment arm of the U.S. intelligence community, disclosed an investment in Vast last year. Furthermore, senior Space Force leadership has previously toured Vast’s Long Beach production facilities.
Forward Trajectory
While Vast remains focused on commercial habitats, its leadership anticipates an inevitable permanence for military personnel in orbit. Haot noted that while the Space Force currently operates through NASA, a transition to independent orbital operations is a matter of when, not if. This new division ensures Vast is positioned as the primary infrastructure provider for that transition.