Varda says it has proven space manufacturing works — now it wants to make it boring

Will Bruey, the CEO of Varda Space Industries, envisions a future where the night sky is filled with specialized spacecraft, each delivering pharmaceuticals manufactured in space. He predicts that within a decade, it could become common to witness multiple spacecraft returning to Earth every night, and in 15 to 20 years, sending a person to orbit for a month could cost less than keeping them on the ground. Bruey's confidence is rooted in his prior experience at SpaceX, where he witnessed extraordinary advancements in rocket technology. Reflecting on the evolution of reusable rockets, he noted that the Falcon 9 has completed nearly 600 successful missions, a feat that once seemed far-fetched. Varda has already taken significant strides in proving its concept. In February 2024, the company joined an elite group, becoming only the third entity to successfully retrieve materials from orbit, following SpaceX and Boeing. This milestone was achieved with the return of ritonavir crystals, a medication used for HIV. The company utilizes its W-1 capsule, a small spacecraft designed to transport these pharmaceuticals back to Earth. Each capsule is launched on a SpaceX rideshare mission, made possible through a partnership with Rocket Lab, which provides the necessary support systems in orbit. The microgravity environment allows for a more controlled crystallization process, which results in pharmaceuticals with improved stability, purity, and shelf life. While the manufacturing process in space can be lengthy, the results are promising. Once complete, the capsule reenters the atmosphere at incredible speeds, safeguarded by a heat shield to protect the cargo during descent. Bruey emphasizes that Varda isn't just part of the space industry; it's redefining it by using space as a platform for manufacturing. The company's focus is on enhancing existing drugs rather than creating new ones. This approach has been validated by pharmaceutical giants conducting crystallization research on the International Space Station, proving that manufacturing in microgravity is feasible. Varda's journey faced challenges, particularly with regulatory hurdles that delayed the return of its W-1 capsule after its inaugural mission. However, perseverance led to successful landings, marking a significant achievement in commercial space operations. With newly acquired FAA licenses, Varda can now conduct multiple reentries without redundant safety documentation. The company also ventured into hypersonic testing, providing valuable data for defense agencies needing to test equipment under extreme conditions encountered during reentry. Investors are taking notice of Varda's potential, with substantial funding aimed at expanding its pharmaceutical capabilities and exploring advanced drug formulations, including biologics. As Varda continues to innovate and refine its operations, Bruey believes the future of space-based drug manufacturing is not just a distant dream but an imminent reality, bringing transformative changes to both the space and pharmaceutical industries.