Southern Launch has successfully supported the re-entry and recovery of Varda Space Industries’ W-5 capsule at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. It is the third orbital capsule to land at the site in less than 12 months, further cementing Southern Launch’s role in global spaceflight operations.
The W-5 capsule was launched on 28 November 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-15 mission from California. After spending 63 days in orbit attached to Varda’s next-generation spacecraft, the capsule separated over Antarctica at 12.09am on Friday, 30 January 2026. It then re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of around 30,000 kilometres per hour before descending safely by parachute onto the Koonibba Test Range.
The fiery re-entry was visible across parts of South Australia and was captured by acclaimed astrophotographer Will Godward, along with residents from the Koonibba and Ceduna communities. Their images show the capsule carving a bright arc across the night sky, highlighting both the visual drama and technical precision of an orbital return.
Southern Launch chief executive Lloyd Damp said the successful mission reinforced Australia’s standing as a trusted destination for spacecraft re-entries.
“Every spacecraft return strengthens Australia’s reputation as a safe and reliable place for orbital re-entries,” Damp said. “The W-5 mission builds on our collaboration with Varda and showcases the capability – and the sense of awe – that South Australia can deliver.”
The W-5 mission also demonstrated the reliability of Varda’s W-Series capsules, which are designed to return in-orbit-manufactured materials and research samples to Earth. These materials have applications in medicine, science and advanced manufacturing that are not possible under normal gravity.
Varda Space Industries chief technology officer Nick Ciadella said the mission highlighted the advantages of Varda’s integrated approach.
“By owning the spacecraft, the capsule and mission operations end-to-end, we can iterate faster, fly more often and reliably bring complex manufacturing processes back to Earth,” he said.
For the mission, Southern Launch managed all aspects of the re-entry, including regulatory approvals, range safety, airspace coordination, tracking and recovery of the capsule.
The Koonibba Test Range is considered one of the most suitable locations in the world for spacecraft returns, with low air and maritime traffic and more than 41,000 square kilometres of sparsely populated land.
Southern Launch operates the range in partnership with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation, with cultural monitors appointed by the Far West Coast Aboriginal Corporation and the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation overseeing the mission and recovery.
Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Corey McLennan said the partnership was a source of pride for the local community.
“The Koonibba community takes immense pride in partnering with Southern Launch,” McLennan said. “Every mission is a shared achievement built on respect for culture and collaboration. Together, we’re showing that a small community can play a big role in Australia’s space future.”
Based in Adelaide, Southern Launch provides end-to-end mission services for orbital launches, suborbital and hypersonic flights, orbital re-entries and range operations. The company operates two spaceports: the Koonibba Test Range and the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex.