Varda Space Industries partners with Southern Launch
27 October 2023
Varda Space Industries and Southern Launch announced a partnership to conduct re-entry operations at the Koonibba Test Range.
Varda Space Industries are pioneers in developing orbital manufacturing and space re-entry systems.
The natural advantages of the space environment, in particular microgravity and vacuum, enable the production of goods that cannot be manufactured on Earth.
Varda Space Industries will develop life-saving pharmaceuticals in space and return the goods to Earth using their specialised return capsule.
“In-space manufacturing is the next evolution of humanity’s industrial capacity, and elements produced in-orbit have the potential to change the course of history,” said Southern Launch chief executive officer, Lloyd Damp.
“We are excited to be partnering with Varda Space Industries to bring this emerging industry to Australia through the Koonibba Test Range.”
The Koonibba Test Range, which Southern Launch operates in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, offers over 23,000 square kilometres of uninhabited land to accept the re-entry of in-space manufacturing capsules.
US based Varda Space Industries will use the range to conduct a re-entry operation as soon as its second orbital mission, scheduled for mid-2024.
Varda Space Industries chief executive officer, Will Bruey says, “Our partnership with the Koonibba Test Range is a great example of the ongoing collaboration between the United States and Australia within aerospace and defence.”
“In the future, you will know this partnership has been successful when you look up at the sky above South Australia to see our spacecraft create a shooting star before landing softly on the desert floor.”
Southern Launch will support Varda Space Industries to conduct high cadence re-entry operations at the Koonibba Test Range to meet a wide range of Varda’s customer needs.
The first re-entry of a Varda Space Industries capsule to the Koonibba Test Range is scheduled for mid-2024.
Source: Manufacturers’ Monthly