# W-Series 4 Reentry Vehicle

> reentry vehicle for Varda Space Industries' W-Series 4 spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q135192088](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135192088)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/w-series-4-reentry-vehicle

## Summary
The W-Series 4 Reentry Vehicle is a spacecraft module manufactured and operated by Varda Space Industries, designed to reenter Earth's atmosphere intact. It served as the return mechanism for the W-Series 4 experimental manufacturing satellite, launching on June 23, 2025. The capsule is notable for its compact size, with a mass of less than 90 kilograms and a diameter of roughly 90 centimeters.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** June 23, 2025, at 21:25:00.
- **Operator & Manufacturer:** Varda Space Industries.
- **Parent Spacecraft:** Component of the W-Series 4 experimental manufacturing satellite.
- **Classification:** Instance of a reentry capsule.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster serial B1071, flight B1071.26).
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.
- **Mass:** Less than 90 kilograms.
- **Dimensions:** 89.9 cm diameter; 73.9 cm height.
- **Power Source:** Lithium-ion battery.

## FAQs
### Q: When was the W-Series 4 Reentry Vehicle launched?
A: The vehicle launched on June 23, 2025, at 21:25:00. It was deployed from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch the W-Series 4 Reentry Vehicle?
A: The vehicle was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5. The specific booster used was B1071, marking its 26th flight.

### Q: What are the physical specifications of the W-Series 4 Reentry Vehicle?
A: The reentry vehicle has a diameter of 89.9 centimeters and a height of 73.9 centimeters. It has a reported mass of less than 90 kilograms.

## Why It Matters
The W-Series 4 Reentry Vehicle represents a critical component in the commercialization of low Earth orbit, specifically enabling "in-space manufacturing." As the return mechanism for the W-Series 4 satellite, this vehicle facilitates the delivery of materials produced in the unique microgravity environment of space back to Earth. Its existence demonstrates the operational capability of private companies like Varda Space Industries to not only manufacture in orbit but also to safely recover valuable payloads.

Technically, the vehicle is significant for its compact and efficient design. With a mass of less than 90 kilograms and dimensions under one meter in height and diameter, it exemplifies the trend toward smaller, more cost-effective satellite hardware. Its integration with the Falcon 9 Block 5—a workhorse of the space industry—highlights its compatibility with established launch infrastructure, paving the way for more frequent and routine return missions for industrial space applications.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Function:** Designed specifically to support experimental manufacturing in space and return the products to Earth.
- **Compact Design:** Features a small form factor (under 90 kg) optimized for secondary payload opportunities.
- **Advanced Reusability Integration:** Launched on the 26th flight of Falcon 9 Booster B1071, highlighting its role in the modern reusable launch economy.
- **Rapid Development Cycle:** Part of Varda Space Industries' iterative "W-Series" development program.

## Body
### Design and Specifications
The W-Series 4 Reentry Vehicle is classified as a reentry capsule, a type of spacecraft module engineered to survive the intense heat and forces of atmospheric reentry. The vehicle is physically compact, measuring 73.9 centimeters in height and 89.9 centimeters in diameter. The total mass of the vehicle is strictly controlled, listed as less than 90 kilograms.

### Power and Operations
The capsule operates using a lithium-ion battery power system. It is operated and manufactured by Varda Space Industries, a United States-based company. The vehicle functions as a distinct, recoverable part of the larger W-Series 4 spacecraft, which is categorized as an experimental manufacturing satellite.

### Launch and Mission Profile
The W-Series 4 Reentry Vehicle was successfully launched on June 23, 2025. The launch occurred at 21:25:00 from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The mission utilized a Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle, specifically deploying using the B1071 booster on its 26th flight (designated B1071.26). This event marked a significant "rocket launch" milestone for the program, deploying the vehicle from the United States into its operational trajectory.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/w-series-4.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.faa.gov/media/75521)