Space factories edge closer after experimental capsule survives hypersonic landing

Varda Space Industries achieved a successful autonomous touchdown with its W-6 test craft after re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. The company holds the USA’s first license to fly uncrewed spacecraft that reenter the atmosphere and aims to build small orbital craft with manufacturing facilities for products possible only in microgravity, especially pharmaceuticals. Varda launched the capsule in March to survive hypersonic re-entry using an autonomous navigation system that uses onboard imagery to identify stars and low Earth orbit satellites for precise vehicle positioning. The craft carried thermal protection materials samples and sensor-equipped tiles to record data for NASA. The capsule landed as planned, supporting the thermal and navigation approach needed for orbital manufacturing viability.

"Varda won the USA's first-ever license to first license fly uncrewed spacecraft that reenter the Earth's atmosphere. The company wants to do this so it can build small craft that include manufacturing facilities that create products it's only possible to make in microgravity - mostly pharmaceuticals - and figures that the relatively cheap launch services offered by private launch companies will make orbital factories economically viable."

"In March, Varda therefore launched a capsule called the W-6 that it hoped would survive re-entry at hypersonic speeds, and do so using an autonomous navigation system "that uses onboard imagery to identify resident space objects, including stars and low Earth orbit satellites, to determine precise vehicle position." The company reckons that represents "a critical step toward fully autonomous navigation for hypersonic and reentry vehicles.""

"The craft also carried one nose tile that included samples of advanced thermal protection materials, another two tiles equipped with sensors to record data NASA will use to learn about hypersonic re-entry and the materials that make it possible. Thermal performance matters because if you go to all the trouble of launching an orbiting factory if the product made in space gets cooked during re-entry."

"It all seems to have worked because the capsule touched down as planned on Monday. Varda hasn't said much about the state of the W-6's capsule and its interior when it landed but has ce"

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