Varda capsule return: First space drug factory stuck in orbit after reentry denial

Alternative solutions being discussed

The California-based company has yet to publish an official comment about the reentry refusal. 

However, on September 15, it stated on X-formerly-Twitter: "We're pleased to report that our spacecraft is healthy across all systems."

The post added, "It was originally designed for a full year on orbit if needed. We look forward to continuing to collaborate w/ our gov partners to bring our capsule back to Earth as soon as possible.” 

Reportedly, the scheduled reentry mission for Earth was initially planned for September 5 or 7. However, the start-up's application was rejected on September 6.

Varda again submitted a request for the FAA to review its decision on September 8; as of now, that request is still awaiting a response.

As a result of its spacecraft being kept in limbo, the company is racing to find a viable solution to this situation. 

The FAA spokesperson told TechCrunchthat the company is “working on presenting alternate plans.” However, any such “alternative plans” or landing sites have not yet been disclosed. 

Space factory successfully crystallized drug

The 264-pound (120-kilogram) mini-space facility was lifted off by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on June 12. 

This mission is the initial experiment to assess the feasibility of employing their satellite technology to manufacture pharmaceuticals in a space-based environment.

The company accomplished this milestone in June by successfully crystallizing Ritonavir, a drug used to treat HIV. The initial drug-production trial lasted 27 hours and ended on June 30.

“For the first time ever, orbital drug processing happened outside of a government-run space station. Our crystallization of Ritonavir appears to have been nominal. This is our first step in commercializing microgravity and building an industrial park in LEO,” announced the company in a Twitter post. 

Working with materials in microgravity offers a very unique setting. 

Drug crystals can sometimes form more effectively without gravity than on Earth. In microgravity, fewer gravitational forces affect the crystal growth, allowing for purer and more well-defined crystal structures. 

This can benefit pharmaceutical research and drug development, as it may lead to improved drug formulation and effectiveness.

“Varda’s microgravity platform provides a unique path to formulating small molecules and biologics to improve shelf-life, bioavailability, and patient compliance,” the company's website mentions. 

However, the present delay remains uncertain how long these crystals can endure in the space environment.