Varda Space Industries’ Commercial Spacecraft Stuck in Orbit Due to Government Approval Delay
Varda Space Industries, a leading aerospace company, finds itself in a predicament as its commercial spacecraft has remained in orbit for two months longer than planned. The spacecraft has been patiently waiting for government approval to return to Earth, carrying valuable pharmaceutical specimens.
The satellite was launched on June 12, initially scheduled for a month-long mission aimed at showcasing the company’s cutting-edge technology for producing commercial materials, with a specific focus on pharmaceuticals. However, the recovery of Varda’s spacecraft is currently on hold as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Air Force declined to give approval for it to land in a remote part of Utah.
The FAA denied Varda’s application for a commercial reentry license as the company launched its vehicle without obtaining a reentry license in the first place. Varda has since requested a reconsideration of the decision, which is currently pending.
The company had identified landing opportunities on September 5 and 7 at the Utah Test and Training Range, but the Air Force also denied permission for landing, leaving Varda in a state of uncertainty.
Despite the setback, Varda asserts that its spacecraft remains in good condition across all systems. It was purposefully designed for a full year in orbit if needed. Nonetheless, the delay in receiving government approval is causing frustration for the company and potentially jeopardizing its mission’s success.
The FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Operations primarily handles applications for launch licenses. The increasing commercial launch activities in recent years have led to a growing need for additional personnel and funding. This surge is evident as the FAA has already approved 82 commercial launches this year, surpassing the number licensed in 2022. The expansion of the commercial space industry, largely driven by companies like SpaceX, has resulted in a significant boost in demand.
Varda Space Industries remains hopeful that the government will grant the necessary approvals soon, allowing its spacecraft to safely return to Earth with the pharmaceutical specimens. Until then, the industry and space enthusiasts eagerly await a resolution that will propel Varda’s mission forward and contribute to the ever-expanding commercial space sector.
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