Rocket Lab's Second Pioneer Spacecraft For Varda Takes Orbit: Details

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. RKLB shares are trading relatively flat premarket on Thursday. The company disclosed that its second Pioneer spacecraft for Varda Space Industries, Inc. is successfully operating in orbit.

The mission launched on January 14 from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 11:09 PDT (19:09 UTC).

Varda’s W-2 mission includes a Rocket Lab Pioneer spacecraft and a re-entry capsule carrying an Air Force Research Laboratory spectrometer.

The capsule features a heatshield with a Thermal Protection System (TPS) developed with NASA’s Ames Research Center. Additionally, Varda’s expanded pharmaceutical reactor enhances processing capability.

The W-2 Pioneer spacecraft supports Varda’s 120kg capsule by providing power, communications, propulsion, and attitude control.

After payload processing in orbit, the spacecraft will position the capsule for deorbit and guide it through hypersonic re-entry for recovery at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia.

This mission builds on Rocket Lab’s first successful orbital manufacturing mission for Varda, which operated for eight months before returning to Earth in early 2024.

The W-2 mission is the second of four spacecraft ordered by Varda for orbital processing, with the third spacecraft complete and awaiting shipment for launch.

Last week, the company disclosed an agreement with NASA to include its Neutron rocket under the existing Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare contract.

Investors can gain exposure to the stock via ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF ARKX and ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF ARKQ.

Price Action: RKLB shares are up 0.20% at $24.92 premarket at the last check Thursday.

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