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Australia's First Commercial Spacecraft Launches with NASA Tech

1/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Varda Space Industries has made history by launching its W-2 orbital processing capsule on SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission from California. This groundbreaking event signifies Australia’s inaugural commercial spacecraft re-entry, destined for the Koonibba Test Range. Equipped with cutting-edge thermal protection systems developed alongside NASA, the capsule is set to elevate hypersonic testing for the Air Force Research Laboratory.

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Story summary

Varda Space Industries has made history by launching its W-2 orbital processing capsule on SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission from California. This groundbreaking event signifies Australia’s inaugural commercial spacecraft re-entry, destined for the Koonibba Test Range. Equipped with cutting-edge thermal protection systems developed alongside NASA, the capsule is set to elevate hypersonic testing for the Air Force Research Laboratory.