Varda, a space startup, has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bring its first spacecraft, the W-Series 1 capsule or W-1, back to Earth after spending eight months in orbit. The company has been eagerly awaiting regulatory authorization to attempt a landing at the Air Force’s Utah Test and Training Range. The FAA confirmed on Wednesday that it had issued the license to Varda.
The approval from the FAA is a significant milestone for Varda, allowing the company to proceed with its plans to demonstrate its automated in-space manufacturing process. The W-1 mission successfully produced the drug Ritonavir last year, showcasing the potential of manufacturing products in a weightless environment. While manufacturing in space is not a new concept, Varda aims to take it to the next level by launching and returning space-made products more quickly.
Varda’s system utilizes Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft as the foundation of its operation. The startup adds its manufacturing module and a heatshield-protected capsule to survive the intense reentry process through Earth’s atmosphere. This unique combination allows Varda to manufacture materials that are more lucrative when produced in orbit, such as fiber optic cables, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors.
The W-1 mission is a crucial step for Varda as it showcases the company’s capabilities and paves the way for future endeavors in space manufacturing. With the FAA’s approval, Varda plans to attempt the landing on February 21. The successful return of the W-1 mission will not only mark an achievement for Varda but also demonstrate the potential of in-space manufacturing and its economic benefits.
The company anticipates returning a few kilograms of manufactured material on this mission, highlighting the ability to produce valuable products in a weightless environment. By eliminating the constraints imposed by gravity, Varda aims to unlock new possibilities in various industries, offering enhanced products that are manufactured more efficiently.
Varda’s dedication to safe innovation in the United States is evident in its collaboration with government partners, which has enabled the company to secure the necessary approvals for its mission. With the support of regulatory agencies like the FAA, Varda can continue pushing the boundaries of space manufacturing, ultimately driving advancements in technology and revolutionizing industries on Earth.
The successful return of the W-1 mission will mark a significant milestone for Varda and the space industry as a whole. It will validate the potential of in-space manufacturing and demonstrate the economic advantages it offers. Varda’s innovative approach and partnership with Rocket Lab set the stage for future developments in space manufacturing, paving the way for a new era of possibilities beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
As Varda prepares for the W-1 mission, all eyes are on this groundbreaking endeavor. The successful return of the spacecraft will not only be a testament to Varda’s capabilities but also a stepping stone towards a future where space manufacturing plays a crucial role in advancing technology and driving economic growth.
