W-5 was on Transporter-15, right? Do we have confirmation that it is operating?
We can confirm that W-5 is operating nominally on orbit.
Optical emission spectroscopy measurements of the reentry shock layer can provide invaluable information about the dynamic aerothermal chemistry during atmospheric reentry and yield critical data needed to improve fluid dynamics modeling of reentry systems. On 28 February 2025, the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory successfully executed the Optical Sensing of Plasmas in the ReEntry Environment (OSPREE) experiment using Varda Space Industries’ W-2 hypersonic test-bed vehicle, obtaining in situ shock-layer radiative emission measurements during reentry from an altitude of 105 km down through 50 km, encompassing a range of Mach numbers between 29.5 and 15.0. We present a summary of the reconstructed trajectory and the optical emission spectra obtained during flight, noting key emissions pointing to evolving shock-layer thermochemistry and interactions between the flowfield and vehicle thermal protection system. Temporal evolution of the spectral radiance of key molecules (CN, C2 , CH) and atoms (O, O+ , N, and H) is analyzed across the flight trajectory. Rotational and vibrational temperatures from spectral fits are computed to provide thermometric measurements of the shock layer over time.
W-4 launched June 23, 2025 and we are excited to announce it’s coming home soon. Expect more updates.
Varda Space Industries@VardaSpaceA W-4 update: After two on-orbit maneuver burns, we waved off a third reentry burn so we can further evaluate the propellant feed system. The spacecraft is safe and stable in its orbit. The next reentry opportunity for W-4 is after W-5's reentry next month. More updates to come on our ever-expanding fleet.8:21 PM · Dec 16, 2025
A Temporary Restricted Area and Temporary Danger Area will be established on the target return date for a window of approximately 50 minutes. Final enforcement timings will be promulgated through the NOTAM.
2026 preview. Buckle up.
