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Vast appoints Former Slingshot Aerospace CEO Melanie Stricklan as special programs SVP. * Melanie Stricklan will lead Vast's newly established special programs division * The new division is focused on space-based capabilities for defense and intelligence missions * The unit will combine Vast's commercial platforms, engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities Former Slingshot Aerospace CEO Melanie Stricklan has been named senior vice president of special programs at Vast. Stricklan will lead the newly established special programs division, which will develop space-based capabilities for the national security enterprise, including the defense and intelligence communities, the company said Wednesday. What will Stricklan lead at Vast? Vast's new division will support both classified and unclassified efforts, combining the company's commercial platforms with its engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The company said the unit will produce U.S.-built systems for national security missions using the speed and cost structures of commercial development. Vast CEO Max Haot said Stricklan brings more than two decades of experience spanning advanced technology, national security and commercial space. "She is joining Vast at a pivotal moment as we develop in-house, high-performance technologies with direct applications for the U.S. defense and intelligence communities." Vast's move into the national security space comes as government and industry leaders prepare to discuss the sector's evolving priorities at the Potomac Officers Club's 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. The event will bring together senior Air Force, Space Force and NASA leaders to examine emerging technologies and programs shaping the future of air and space capabilities. Register now! What is Stricklan's background? Stricklan co-founded Slingshot Aerospace in 2016 and led the space intelligence and autonomous systems company for a decade. She served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, where she gained extensive experience holding leadership roles in advanced space systems development and testing, acquisitions, operations and national security. She most recently served as chief innovation and advancement officer at Space Foundation, where she grew Space Workforce for Tomorrow into a nationwide coalition for the space industry. Stricklan has also served on the Aerospace Department External Advisory Committee at the University of Texas at Austin for more than five years and as a member of the White House's National Space Council Users' advisory group. What is Vast? Founded in 2021, Vast develops commercial space infrastructure and technologies for activities including microgravity research, in-space manufacturing and human spaceflight. The Long Beach, California-based company is developing its Haven series of commercial space stations and plans to launch Haven-1 in 2027. Vast has raised $500 million in financing to advance development of its Haven space stations, grow its workforce and expand its facilities. The company is also pursuing government opportunities, including NASA's private astronaut mission program and the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations initiative. The company has also added senior leaders with experience in government and national security. In June, former Aerospace Corp. President and CEO Steve Isakowitz joined Vast as an adviser, bringing experience from NASA, the U.S. Space Force and other government organizations.

ISS will have more company. First private space station could arrive as early as 2027. After more than 25 years as the only major inhabited space station, the ISS could gain company in 2027, in a new phase where private companies want to conquer Earth orbit. Haven-1 is already being prepared. For more than two decades, the International Space Station (ISS) was the only large inhabited laboratory in low Earth orbit. But this scenario could change soon. The US company Vast is developing Haven-1, touted as the world's first commercial space station, with launch planned for the first quarter of 2027, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Haven-1 is designed to host up to four astronauts, from both space agencies and private entities, on missions of up to two weeks. See images of Haven-1. With about 45 cubic meters of habitable space, it will include areas for scientific research, microgravity experiments, materials and technology manufacturing, and a large panoramic window for Earth observation. The station will be visited by Crew Dragon capsules, which will also provide power and life support during missions. The video shows the development of Vast's plan. The project comes at a time when NASA is preparing for the post-ISS future. The international station is expected to be deorbited by the end of 2030 or early 2031, although the final decision depends on the maturity of commercial alternatives being developed. Meanwhile, China continues to expand the Tiangong space station, currently the only permanently inhabited station besides the ISS. The plan is to double its size, from three to six modules, reinforcing the scientific and operational capacity of the infrastructure over the next few years. These are images of the Chinese space station. For Vast, Haven-1 is just the first step. The company plans to evolve to Haven-2, a larger modular station that aims to become one of the successors to the ISS. Subscribe to the TEK Notícias newsletter and receive the main technology news every day in your mailbox. Featured.

$1.3B in investment will create thousands of new jobs across California. California Competes Tax Credits will support six expanding companies that will create over 2,000 new jobs and generate $1.3 billion in private investment statewide. 06/26/2026 Six companies have been awarded California Competes Tax Credits (CalCompetes) from the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Together, these awards are projected to create more than 2,000 new jobs with a weighted average annual salary of over $110,000 and generate more than $1.3 billion in private investment across California. Since 2019, CalCompetes has awarded tax credits to 271 businesses that committed to creating 75,577 full-time jobs based in California and generating more than $37 billion in private investment. "California is where the future is built," commented Governor Gavin Newsom. "Through investments like CalCompetes, we're helping companies expand manufacturing, advance breakthrough technologies, and create high-quality jobs that will further strengthen our economy and communities for years to come." Spanning industries from aerospace and advanced manufacturing to clean energy and high tech, this latest round of CalCompetes awards advances several of California's economic priorities as outlined in the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint. In particular, the investments support growth in "strengthen" and "accelerate" sectors while reinforcing California's commitment to attracting investment, expanding economic opportunity and creating high-quality jobs across the state. The award recipients include: * Eleven Labs Inc., which will invest $1.15 million to scale its artificial intelligence software development presence in San Francisco and create 173 jobs * General Atomics, which will invest $38 million to expand fusion energy research and development operations in Poway * The Quartz & Silicon Materials Company, which will create 894 jobs and invest $679 million to develop its advanced manufacturing operations in Chula Vista and Calipatria * Ross Dress For Less, Inc., which will invest $494 million to broaden its merchandise processing operations in Bakersfield, creating hundreds of new jobs with the potential for additional growth as the project advances * SubSea Craft US, Inc., which will invest $6.9 million to establish its maritime technology manufacturing operations in Southern California * Vast, Inc., which will invest $87 million to expand its space station research, development, and manufacturing footprint in Long Beach, creating 657 new jobs Gov. Newsom released the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint in February 2025. The Blueprint, which is being implemented by the nine state agencies on the California Jobs First Council, outlines key initiatives to support regional growth, invest in 21st century job training, create an attractive environment for job creators and strengthen California's innovation economy. Through the California Jobs First initiative, nearly $1.6 billion in investment was generated in 2025, training over 142,000 workers and helping to create more than 61,000 new jobs. A member of the Group C team for more than three decades, Mary Ellen McCandless has played various roles at the company and currently serves as the Director of Digital Content. In this role, she writes, edits, and manages content for all of the company's brands: Facility Executive, Business Facilities, Turf, Continuity Insights, and Campus Resilience & Security. She earned a B.A. from Rutgers University and her M.A. from Monmouth University. When she's not working, Mary Ellen enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years, her two children, and their dog. Her hobbies include painting, cooking, bird watching, and gardening. Virginia's Greater Richmond Region accelerates next-generation manufacturing with reliable, resilient energy infrastructure and a collaborative approach. From timeless design to purpose-driven growth, Arbor Eyewear proves Lubbock businesses can build products with global appeal while staying rooted in community. Grow your business in Montgomery County, Maryland. North Carolina: Building Boldly - Business Facilities Magazine Aerospace, Metals, Financial Firms Expand In AlabamaAerospace, Metals, Financial Firms Expand In Alabama Business Facilities - Site Selection, Economic Development & Area News Featured location. Entergy's four state territory spanning Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas is home to the largest industrial base in the U.S. Featured video. Move your business to the epicenter of global health and security. With 1 in 3 residents holding advanced degrees and direct proximity to the NIH and FDA, Montgomery County offers an unmatched strategic advantage for expansion.