On February 21, the capsule from Varda Space Industries' W-1 mission landed in northern Utah, bringing back antiviral drug crystals grown in orbit. This achievement positions Varda as the third company, after SpaceX and Boeing, to recover an intact spacecraft from orbit. Gain insight into the experience of returning to Earth inside a space capsule.
W-1 Capsule's Journey from Orbit to Earth's Embrace
Varda Space Industries achieved a significant milestone on February 21, 2024, as their compact W-1 spacecraft safely touched down at the Utah Test and Training Range.
The capsule, measuring a snug 90 cm in width, documented its entire reentry journey in a captivating video, starting from detachment in low Earth orbit to the dynamic reentry through Earth's atmosphere, followed by parachute deployment and a resilient landing.
The 5-minute video concludes by focusing on a pair of legs, clad in mud-caked shoes, approaching to retrieve the parachute and recover the capsule. Beyond visuals, the experience immerses the audience in the impactful sounds of reentry and landing. A full 27-minute unedited raw footage, spanning from separation to touchdown, is readily accessible for those seeking a more comprehensive view.
Varda reported that reentry speeds for the W-1 mission peaked at Mach 25. The spacecraft had spent eight months integrated with a Rocket Lab Photon spacecraft, which served as the upper stage of the Electron rocket, providing essential power, propulsion, and navigation capabilities.
Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, expressed pride in the joint effort, describing the mission as a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the collaborative prowess of both Rocket Lab and Varda teams. This mission not only successfully showcased in-space manufacturing but also marked the retrieval of the capsule and a finished pharmaceutical product on the initial attempt.
Following the triumphant return, the capsule was transported to Varda's California headquarters for a comprehensive examination. Ritonavir samples on board were sent to Improved Pharma, a pharmaceutical company, for detailed analysis. Varda also committed to sharing reentry data with NASA and the Air Force under an existing contract, further contributing to the advancement of space exploration and technology.
The Race of Building Factories in Space
In June 2023, Varda's W-1, aboard a Rocket Lab Photon launched by SpaceX's Transporter-8, tested in-space manufacturing, producing ritonavir crystals for medical applications. Varda aims to enhance commercial access to low Earth orbit infrastructure.
Varda CEO Will Bruey explained the rationale behind "off-planet manufacturing," highlighting the potential unlocked by the absence of gravity. Altering gravity, akin to adjusting a temperature knob, opens up new possibilities for pharmaceutical formulations.
Jeff Bezos endorsed the idea, envisioning heavy manufacturing and polluting industries relocating beyond Earth. Advocates argue that space conditions, including lack of gravity, low temperatures, and near-perfect vacuum, result in higher-quality production, particularly for items like crystals.
Pharmaceutical companies, including Merck and Bristol Myers Squibb, are exploring space for drug manufacturing. The International Space Station (ISS) aids Merck in producing proteins in zero gravity, leading to smaller and more uniform crystals for drugs like Keytruda. Bristol Myers Squibb is researching the use of off-planet resources to enhance drug storage.
NASA, collaborating with commercial partners since 2016, aims to foster a "low-earth orbit" (LEO) economy, reinforcing the U.S.'s tech leadership, though challenges are anticipated in the evolving landscape of space capitalism.
RELATED ARTICLE: Antiviral Drugs Cultivated in Low Earth Orbit Make a Groundbreaking Return: Advancing Commercial Space Initiatives
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