Varda's Orbiting Experiment Capsule Barred from Reentry

Varda Space Industries' commercial spacecraft, which has been in orbit for two months longer than planned, is unable to return to Earth due to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Air Force denying the company's request for a reentry license. The spacecraft was designed to demonstrate the production of commercial materials, particularly pharmaceuticals, in a recoverable capsule. Varda's application for a commercial reentry license was turned down by the FAA for non-compliance with regulatory requirements. The company has requested reconsideration, and alternative recovery options are being explored. The FAA's Office of Commercial Space Operations has seen a significant increase in commercial launch licenses, driven primarily by SpaceX's activities.