Varda Space Industries' Capsule Successfully Returns to Earth After Eight-Month Mission

The capsule, which spent months in space manufacturing pharmaceuticals, has provided stunning footage of its reentry, marking a significant step for in-space production.

Varda Space Industries' W-1 spacecraft landed back on Earth on February 21, 2024, after an eight-month mission in space.
The mission aimed to manufacture pharmaceuticals in microgravity, including crystals of the antiviral drug ritonavir.
Stunning footage captured by the capsule shows its journey through Earth's atmosphere at 25 times the speed of sound.
The capsule's return was delayed due to regulatory hurdles but successfully completed with FAA clearance.
The mission's success demonstrates the potential for in-space manufacturing and could lead to new pharmaceutical production methods.