Rocket Lab launches third Pioneer spacecraft for Varda

Rocket Lab successfully launched its third Pioneer spacecraft for Varda Space Industries on March 14, 2025. This mission, known as W-3, follows the recent completion of Varda's W-2 mission, which re-entered Earth’s atmosphere just 15 days earlier. The Pioneer spacecraft supports Varda's in-space manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, utilizing microgravity conditions. Rocket Lab has now completed three missions for Varda, with the first two successfully landing in Utah and South Australia. Rocket Lab is currently assembling a fourth Pioneer spacecraft for Varda. This rapid succession of missions marks a significant advancement in commercial in-space manufacturing capabilities.