# W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle

> reentry vehicle for Varda Space Industries' W-Series 2 spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q135168483](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135168483)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/w-series-2-reentry-vehicle

## Summary
The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle (W-2 RV) is a reentry capsule designed for Varda Space Industries' W-Series 2 spacecraft, featuring a mass of less than 90 kilograms, a height of 73.9 centimeters, and a diameter of 89.9 centimeters. It was launched on January 14, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket and successfully landed in Australia on February 27, 2025.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Reentry capsule
- **Mass**: Less than 90 kilograms
- **Height**: 73.9 centimeters
- **Diameter**: 89.9 centimeters
- **Power Source**: Lithium-ion battery (92 units)
- **Operator**: Varda Space Industries
- **Manufacturer**: Varda Space Industries
- **Launch Date**: January 14, 2025, at 19:09 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1088.2)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Landing Date**: February 27, 2025, at 13:32 UTC
- **Landing Location**: Koonibba Test Range, Australia
- **Country of Origin**: United States

## FAQs
### Q: What is the W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle?
A: The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle (W-2 RV) is a reentry capsule designed for Varda Space Industries' W-Series 2 spacecraft. It features a mass of less than 90 kilograms, a height of 73.9 centimeters, and a diameter of 89.9 centimeters. It was launched on January 14, 2025, and successfully landed in Australia on February 27, 2025.

### Q: What powers the W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle?
A: The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion battery, with 92 units providing its energy.

### Q: Where was the W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle launched from?
A: The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East on January 14, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket.

### Q: Where did the W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle land?
A: The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle successfully landed at the Koonibba Test Range in Australia on February 27, 2025.

### Q: What is the significance of the W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle?
A: The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle is significant as it represents a key component of Varda Space Industries' experimental manufacturing satellite program. Its successful reentry and landing demonstrate advancements in spacecraft reentry technology and in-space manufacturing capabilities.

## Why It Matters
The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle is a critical component of Varda Space Industries' W-Series 2 spacecraft, designed to facilitate in-space manufacturing and material processing. Its successful launch, reentry, and landing mark a significant milestone in the field of space-based manufacturing. The vehicle's ability to withstand atmospheric reentry and land intact is a testament to advancements in spacecraft design and reentry technology. This achievement underscores Varda Space Industries' commitment to pioneering new approaches in space manufacturing, potentially enabling future missions to produce materials and components in orbit. The successful recovery of the reentry vehicle also highlights the growing capability of private companies to conduct complex space missions, contributing to the broader goals of commercial space exploration and utilization.

## Notable For
- **First Successful Reentry and Landing**: The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle was the first of its kind to successfully reenter Earth's atmosphere and land intact, demonstrating Varda Space Industries' capability in spacecraft reentry technology.
- **In-Space Manufacturing**: The vehicle supports Varda's experimental manufacturing satellite, enabling in-space material processing and production.
- **Private Space Mission**: As part of Varda Space Industries' private space program, the W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle represents a significant achievement in commercial space exploration.
- **Advanced Power System**: The use of a lithium-ion battery with 92 units highlights the vehicle's advanced power capabilities for in-space operations.
- **International Collaboration**: The landing at the Koonibba Test Range in Australia demonstrates international cooperation in space mission recovery.

## Body
### Design and Specifications
The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle is a reentry capsule with a mass of less than 90 kilograms, a height of 73.9 centimeters, and a diameter of 89.9 centimeters. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery, with 92 units providing its energy. The vehicle is designed to withstand the extreme conditions of atmospheric reentry and facilitate the recovery of materials and components produced in space.

### Mission Details
The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle was launched on January 14, 2025, at 19:09 UTC, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (Booster B1088.2) from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The vehicle successfully reentered Earth's atmosphere on February 27, 2025, and landed at the Koonibba Test Range in Australia at 13:32 UTC.

### Significance
The W-Series 2 Reentry Vehicle is a key component of Varda Space Industries' W-Series 2 spacecraft, designed to support experimental manufacturing in space. Its successful reentry and landing demonstrate advancements in spacecraft reentry technology and in-space manufacturing capabilities. The mission highlights Varda's commitment to pioneering new approaches in space-based manufacturing, potentially enabling future missions to produce materials and components in orbit. The successful recovery of the reentry vehicle also underscores the growing capability of private companies to conduct complex space missions, contributing to the broader goals of commercial space exploration and utilization.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/w-series-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.faa.gov/media/75521)
4. [Source](https://x.com/VardaSpace/status/1895294326701466037)
5. [Source](https://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2025/02/28/vardas-second-capsule-successfully-lands-in-australia/)