Rocket Lab USA completes record-breaking run of two payload return missions for Varda Space Industries, delivering the W-3 capsule to Earth 14 May Fr. 02:07 UTC. This is the third successful operation within Varda's W series of missions, which involve a hypersonic return from orbit.
For the second time this year, Rocket Lab's Pioneer space platform — a medium-thrust, highly configurable space platform — has successfully delivered cargo back to Earth. To date, Rocket Lab has completed the full cycle of work for three of the four planned W-series missions: designing, integration, orbital mission control and return.
Each Pioneer vehicle in the mission series performed functions critical to the operation of the weight capsule 120 Kg: power supply, communication, orientation, traffic management and ensuring stability. All platforms have been developed, manufactured and tested at the Rocket Lab manufacturing facility in Long Beach, California.
The design of the device includes Rocket Lab's own components — star trackers, reaction wheels, engines, solar panels, Flight software, radio systems, composite structures, tanks, separation systems, etc.
The fourth W-series vehicle is currently undergoing integration and testing at Rocket Lab's main facility, and its launch is expected in the near future.
This cycle of missions demonstrates the growth of Rocket Lab's capabilities as an integrator of complex space missions, capable not only of launching devices into orbit, but also to return them safely back to Earth.