Rocket Lab Just Helped Launch A Commercial Space Factory
Only days ago on the 12th, SpaceX launched another Falcon 9 rideshare mission. This one was very special however because it was carrying a space factory from Varda, supported by a host of Rocket Lab technology. This was the first of four missions Rocket Lab is apart of and so far the results are very promising.
Specifically, Rocket Lab will produce four Photon spacecraft for in-space manufacturing company Varda Space Industries that will integrate with Varda’s space factories, enabling high-value products to be manufactured in space and returned to Earth in a re-entry capsule. With the first already in orbit, we can expect some actual results in the coming weeks.
What's most interesting is how much unique technology Rocket Lab provided. It proves that the company is far more than just a launch provider, but also a key supplier of software, reaction wheels, separation systems, spacecraft buses, etc. Here I will go more in-depth into the recent launch, how Rocket Lab facilitated this mission, what to expect in the coming months, and more.
For more space-related content check out - https://thespacebucket.com/
Credit:
SpaceX - / spacex
NASA - / @nasa
Rocket Lab - / rocketlabnz
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:54 - Factory In Orbit
3:51 - Future Missions