Rocket Lab’s Varda W-1 spacecraft successfully returned to Earth the world’s first space manufacturing mission conducted outside of the International Space Station. The footage you’re about to see was recorded as it reentered Earth’s atmosphere at Mach 25 near Salt Lake City.
During this 8-month mission, Rocket Lab conducted in-space operations, deorbit, and reentry positioning maneuvers for its spacecraft. This enabled Varda’s reentry capsule and payload of pharmaceutical crystals to return to Earth safely. After completing its tasks, the Varda team took over management of the capsule’s hypersonic reentry, parachute deployment, and touchdown.
- LEGO NASA Space Set - This adult LEGO set features the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Hubble Space Telescope from NASA’s 1990 STS-31 mission...
- Solar System Exploration - Unlock the mysteries of our solar system with this engaging 2,354-piece project, packed with authentic details and...
- Shuttle Features Galore - The space shuttle model has an opening payload bay, retractable landing gear, opening cockpit, moving elevons, space arm...
This mission was a phenomenal feat and impressive display of teamwork between the Rocket Lab and Varda teams to develop a unique and highly capable spacecraft, successfully demonstrate in-space manufacturing, and bring back the capsule and finished pharmaceutical product – all on the first attempt. Being part of the first pharmaceutical in-space mission to happen outside of the International Space Station is immensely exciting and we look forward to building on this success with more Rocket Lab spacecraft in development for Varda right now,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO.
