The second Pioneer spacecraft for Varda Space Industries, Inc. at Rocket Labs’ Spacecraft Production Complex and headquarters in Long Beach, California. (Photo: Rocket Lab)

Rocket Lab USA confirmed Thursday that it finished testing and integration on the second of two Pioneer spacecraft it built for in-space pharmaceutical company, Varda Space Industries. Preparations are now being made for the launch of Varda’s second mission after the company secured launch and reentry permission from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) earlier this month.

Rocket Lab launched the first Pioneer spacecraft for Varda in June 2023. After reaching orbit, Varda said it successfully crystallized the HIV drug Ritonavir in space. Rocket Lab and Varda successfully landed the re-entry capsule in the Utah desert in February 2024.

Rocket Lab will conduct in-space operations, reentry positioning maneuvers, and deorbiting to recover Varda’s capsule for the upcoming second mission.

“Our partnership with Rocket Lab demonstrates the power of collaboration to evolve the orbital economy,” Varda CEO and Co-founder Will Bruey said in a company statement. “Each reentry is a remarkable milestone that paves the way for future innovations, and the day when reentry is as common as launch.”

Rocket Lab Founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck added, “This close collaboration allows us to push the boundaries of innovation, enabling Varda to create high-value products in microgravity and bring them back to Earth. We’re excited to work alongside Varda as they revolutionize manufacturing processes and open new markets through space.”

Rocket Lab designs and builds its Pioneer spacecraft — a configurable medium delta-V platform designed to support large payloads, re-entry capabilities, and dynamic space operations — at its production complex and headquarters in Long Beach, California. Pioneer provides power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control for Varda’s 120 kg reentry capsule.