What does Varda Space Industries do?

Varda Space Industries is a commercial space company founded in late 2020 and officially incorporated in January 2021. Headquartered in El Segundo, California, with additional offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Varda specializes in microgravity manufacturing to create high-value materials in orbit for applications on Earth. The company employs 147 people and aims to accelerate the orbital economy by developing infrastructure for in-space manufacturing and reliable reentry capsules. Varda's core technology includes the W-Series autonomous vehicles, which facilitate orbital processing and safe return to Earth. Key applications involve producing unique pharmaceuticals and advanced materials, leveraging microgravity for innovations in life sciences and manufacturing. The company partners with SpaceX and Rocket Lab for launch services and has secured significant contracts, including a $60 million agreement with the U.S. Air Force for reentry technology. Varda is positioned as a leader in commercial space factories, focusing on diverse leadership and collaboration with various research and military organizations.