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Varda Space Industries has declared the triumphant launch of the company’s second orbital processing spacecraft and re-entry capsule, W-2, which ascended on the Transporter-12 rideshare mission in collaboration with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base located in California.
The W-2 capsule is set to circle the Earth for the upcoming weeks before re-entering the atmosphere and landing at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. This event marks Australia’s inaugural commercial spacecraft re-entry, signifying an exhilarating new chapter in our nation’s space exploration journey.
Southern Launch was tasked with obtaining all necessary Australian clearances for the mission and has managed an all-inclusive service for overseeing the re-entry procedure and recovery of the capsule from the Australian desert once it returns to Earth.
Varda Space Industries are at the forefront of crafting orbital manufacturing capsules and have chosen Southern Launch for their next trio of W-Series missions. The inherent advantages of the space environment, particularly microgravity, facilitate the creation of enhanced pharmaceutical formulations that cannot be produced anywhere on our planet.
The W-2 capsule transports payloads from Varda’s partners, including a spectrometer from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and utilizes a heat shield with a Thermal Protection System (TPS) that was developed in collaboration with NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. These payloads supplement Varda’s enhanced pharmaceutical reactor. Southern Launch manages the Koonibba Test Range in conjunction with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.
The Koonibba Test Range provides maximum return flexibility due to its low airspace and uninhabited areas. Prior to the inaugural Varda mission in 2023, all manufacturing performed in space was conducted aboard the International Space Station. The W-Series missions are set to pave the way for a new epoch of commercial in-space manufacturing.
The return approval for the mission was issued by the Australian Government in October 2024 and was the initial authorization granted for a domestically returning spacecraft under the revised Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018.
Lloyd Damp, CEO of Southern Launch, remarked, “The successful launch of the W-2 capsule is merely the commencement of this extremely thrilling mission. Our team is presently dedicated to the secure return and recovery of the capsule at the Koonibba Test Range.’ ‘By the conclusion of this decade, it is anticipated that we will all be utilizing items that contain elements produced beyond Earth; we are tremendously honored to introduce this industry to South Australia.’ ‘In-space manufacturing is the forthcoming evolution of our industry capabilities as humans. We are incredibly proud to be associated with this mission.to Australia and this initial mission heralds a fresh wave of enthusiasm regarding what is achievable both on our planet and in the cosmos.“
Will Bruey, CEO, Varda Space Industries, stated, “Varda is privileged to execute Australia’s inaugural commercial space re-entry, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with our partners at Southern Launch to bolster the growth of a vibrant Australian space industry. Australia recognizes the potential of orbital pharmaceutical processing, and Southern Launch has paved the way for the future of space infrastructure on Earth.”
Corey McLennan, CEO, Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, remarked, “The Koonibba Test Range encompasses over 41,000 square kilometers of untainted land to facilitate the re-entry of in-space manufacturing capsules,’ states Corey. ‘This expansive area is crucial for accommodating spacecraft returns, making low-earth orbit the foundation of a new era of advanced manufacturing in Australia.”
About Southern Launch
Southern Launch is a launch and range service provider, based in Adelaide, South Australia. Southern Launch manages the Koonibba Test Range and Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex. The Koonibba Test Range ranks among the largest commercial rocket testing facilities globally. This range is utilized for launching sub-orbital missions and accommodating re-entries of space technologies. The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex, located at the tip of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, supports high-frequency orbital launches into the highly coveted polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Southern Launch enhances space exploration from the Southern Hemisphere, providing comprehensive launch services for every space endeavor.
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