The W-2 mission, part of the W-Series re-entries, is scheduled for early 2025 and will carry payloads from NASA, U.S. government partners, and Varda's research.

Palermo also highlighted the broader implications of this authorization for Australia's position in the global space industry.

With this approval, Varda is now authorized for spacecraft re-entry in both Australia and the United States, having previously secured a re-entry license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority.

The Australian Government has granted Southern Launch and Varda Space Industries approval for spacecraft re-entries at the Koonibba Test Range, marking a significant milestone under the revised Space (Launches and Returns) Act 2018.

Lloyd Damp, CEO of Southern Launch, praised this approval as a testament to the hard work both companies put into the approval process.

Varda's CEO, Will Bruey, emphasized the importance of this achievement for both companies and its potential to foster growth in the Australian space sector.

Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, noted that the Technology Safeguards Agreement with the U.S. is enhancing investment and infrastructure for local space activities.

Corey McLennan, CEO of the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, highlighted the advantages of the Koonibba Test Range, which provides extensive uninhabited land suitable for spacecraft re-entries.

Varda specializes in developing orbital manufacturing capsules that leverage microgravity for pharmaceutical production, a process not achievable on Earth.