Ever wondered what it's like to hurtle back to Earth from space? Buckle up, because Varda Space Industries just gave us a front-row seat with the incredible re-entry of their W-1 space capsule!
This tiny capsule, about the size of a washing machine (3 feet wide!), successfully landed at the Utah Test and Training Range in February 2024. But the real treat is a 5-minute video captured from inside the capsule, showing the entire breathtaking journey back to Earth.
From the fiery plunge through the atmosphere to the dramatic parachute deployment and bumpy touchdown, the video is a sensory overload in the best way possible. And it's not just visuals – you can also hear the intense sounds of re-entry, making the experience even more real.
But W-1 wasn't just on a joyride. This mission was a major success for Varda Space. Here's why:
- Testing In-Space Manufacturing: W-1 spent eight months in space conducting a ground-breaking experiment – producing crystals of a life-saving drug called ritonavir in microgravity. This paves the way for future space-based manufacturing of medicines that can't be made on Earth.
- A Successful Return: The capsule not only survived re-entry but also landed safely, allowing Varda to retrieve the ritonavir samples and analyse the data from the mission.
- A Collaborative Effort: Varda partnered with Rocket Lab, who provided the spacecraft that carried W-1. This collaboration showcases the power of teamwork in pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
This mission is a huge leap forward for Varda Space and the future of space manufacturing. The success not only paves the way for new medicines but also provides valuable data for future missions, potentially including those carrying humans!
You’ve come this far…
Why not venture a little further into A.S.S. - our exclusive Australian Space Society.
And keep thrusting Australia into the deep unknown…
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