Southern Launch signs orbital re-entry contract with Varda Space Industries to 2028
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The news: Southern Launch has signed an agreement with US-based Varda Space Industries to receive 20 orbital space-craft re-entry operations at its Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.
The context: The additional missions will be undertaken out to 2028 and two previous W-Series missions undertaken earlier in the year, including the W-2 mission in February 2025 which was the world’s first commercial spacecraft landing at a commercial spaceport.
Varda’s in-space manufacturing capsules — designed to take advantage of the near-weightless conditions to produce novel pharmaceuticals and conduct experiments — will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and land by parachute at the Koonibba Test Range through the missions.
Varda is anticipated to start conducting spacecraft returns on a near-monthly basis by the end of 2028. Existing W-Series missions, W-4 and W-5, will be completed by the end of the year.
What they said: “This contract is a vote of confidence in our team and our facilities. With each successful mission, we’re proving that the Koonibba Test Range is the best place on Earth to bring space technology home,” Lloyd Damp said.
“Routine re-entries are no longer a dream; they are happening now, and we are proud to lead the way alongside Varda.”
South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas said: “To establish South Australia as the first commercial spaceport to accept commercial returns speaks volumes to our reputation as a global leader in this field”.
