Latest news with #WillBruey
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Space pharmaceutical industry hopes to be future of medicine
(NewsNation) — For scientists, space could be the new frontier of medicine, particularly when it comes to creating new pharmaceuticals. California-based Varda Space Industries is one company hoping outer space can be used to create new medications for people on Earth. Co-founder Will Bruey told NewsNation the industry is looking beyond Earth for opportunities to 'manipulate chemistry' in new ways. Strange flying objects reported near Arizona Air Force ranges: FAA 'The reason we make pharmaceuticals in orbit is because the lack of gravity allows us to make drug formulations that you otherwise couldn't on Earth because of Earth's gravity,' he said. 'So it's a whole new way to manipulate chemistry.' The conditions in orbit cannot be replicated on our planet, so scientists on the ground develop pharmaceutical predictions and test them by sending modules to space. The drugs are analyzed once the capsule returns. 'They can take a formulation that used to be an IV bag and turn it into a shot, or a pill to an inhalable,' Bruey said. 'Those are what I mean by different formulations, and you can create those in the microgravity of space and then bring it back for use for people on Earth.' New Orleans man takes 2 million steps in 30 days The growing space industry is allowing for more research, although at the moment, it comes with a significant price tag. Bruey hopes that, with progress, space will become just another laboratory. 'In the next few years, it will be just scaling up, so more flights, until we get to a daily cadence so that we simply look like another piece of lab equipment for the pharmaceutical industry,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Geeky Gadgets
08-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Pharma's Next Frontier: Why Space is Key to Better Medicines
What if the next breakthrough in medicine didn't come from a lab on Earth, but from a capsule orbiting hundreds of miles above it? It's not science fiction—it's a bold reality being shaped by companies like Varda Space Industries. With the unique conditions of microgravity offering untapped opportunities for drug development, the pharmaceutical industry is beginning to look to the stars for its next frontier. In this conversation with Varda co-founder Will Bruey, we explore how space-based manufacturing could redefine the way medicines are created, potentially leading to treatments that are more effective, accessible, and fantastic than ever before. In this interview, Bruey provide more insights into the economic and scientific forces driving this off-planet revolution, from the innovative impact of reusable rockets to the unparalleled precision microgravity offers in pharmaceutical production. You'll discover why space isn't just a playground for exploration but a platform for industrial innovation, and how Varda is pioneering this shift with specialized capsules designed to manufacture drugs in orbit. Could this be the moment when space becomes not just a destination, but a critical partner in solving Earth's most pressing healthcare challenges? Pharma Innovation in Space Reusable Rockets: Transforming Access to Space The advent of reusable rocket technology has fundamentally changed the economics of space exploration and utilization. Companies like SpaceX have pioneered this innovation, drastically reducing the cost of launches and increasing their frequency. What was once a rare and prohibitively expensive endeavor has become a routine operation, akin to the regularity of commercial airline schedules. This newfound affordability has opened the door for ambitious ventures like Varda Space Industries, which envisions manufacturing pharmaceuticals in orbit. By reusing rockets, the cost of transporting materials and equipment to space has dropped significantly, making space-based production not only feasible but also economically viable. This technological leap has laid the foundation for a new era of industrial activity beyond Earth, with pharmaceuticals leading the charge. Microgravity: Unlocking New Possibilities in Drug Development Microgravity, a condition unique to space, offers unparalleled advantages for drug development and manufacturing. On Earth, gravity influences chemical reactions, crystallization processes, and molecular structures, often imposing limitations on the precision and quality of pharmaceutical products. In the microgravity environment of space, these constraints are significantly reduced, allowing the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with exceptional clarity, uniformity, and effectiveness. This environment also fosters the development of innovative drug formulations. For instance, intravenous (IV) medications, which require complex administration methods, could be reformulated into simpler injectable shots, improving accessibility for patients and healthcare providers. These advancements have the potential to enhance treatment options, address unmet medical needs, and improve patient outcomes. The ability to harness microgravity for pharmaceutical innovation represents a significant step forward in the quest to develop more effective and efficient medicines. Why the Future of Pharma is Off-Planet Watch this video on YouTube. Stay informed about the latest in space technology by exploring our other resources and articles. Varda Space Industries: Pioneering Space-Based Manufacturing Varda Space Industries is leading the charge in integrating aerospace technology with pharmaceutical innovation. The company has developed specialized space capsules equipped with advanced tools such as heaters and mixers to produce APIs in orbit. Once the manufacturing process is complete, these capsules return to Earth, delivering high-value pharmaceutical products that could outperform those made under terrestrial conditions. Building on years of research conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Varda is scaling up these efforts into a viable commercial model. This approach not only demonstrates the feasibility of manufacturing in space but also highlights its economic potential. By using the unique properties of microgravity, Varda aims to produce drugs that are more effective, efficient, and accessible, setting a new standard for pharmaceutical production. Economic and Practical Implications of Space-Based Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals are uniquely suited for space-based manufacturing due to their high value and the fantastic impact of microgravity on production processes. Varda's business model could create a self-sustaining cycle: as demand for space-manufactured drugs increases, the frequency of rocket launches will rise, further reducing costs and expanding access to space. This cycle of innovation and affordability has the potential to accelerate the commercialization of space, transforming it into a hub for industrial activity. The economic implications extend beyond pharmaceuticals. As the cost of accessing space continues to decline, other industries could also benefit from space-based manufacturing. For example, semiconductor and fiber optic production could achieve higher precision and quality in microgravity, unlocking new possibilities for technological advancement. This broader vision of space as a platform for industrial innovation underscores the fantastic potential of space-based manufacturing. Challenges and Opportunities on the Path Forward Despite its promise, space-based manufacturing faces significant challenges. Proving the concept and refining the economics of production are critical steps that companies like Varda must navigate. The costs and logistical complexities of operating in space remain substantial, and demonstrating that the benefits of microgravity outweigh these challenges is essential for long-term success. However, the opportunities are vast. Beyond pharmaceuticals, industries such as electronics, materials science, and advanced manufacturing could benefit from the unique conditions of space. These advancements have the potential to drive innovation across multiple sectors, further justifying investments in space-based manufacturing. As technology continues to evolve and costs decline, the vision of a thriving commercial space industry becomes increasingly attainable. From Exploration to Industrialization: A New Era in Space The transition from single-use rockets to reusable ones has marked a turning point in the history of space exploration. This innovation has transformed space from a domain of government-led exploration into a commercially viable sector. Companies like Varda are capitalizing on this shift, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space and paving the way for industrialization beyond Earth. As the cost of accessing space continues to decrease, the potential for industrial applications grows exponentially. This transition represents a new era where space is no longer just a destination for exploration but a platform for economic activity. By harnessing the unique properties of microgravity and using advancements in aerospace technology, the future of pharmaceuticals—and potentially many other industries—lies beyond Earth. Media Credit: Freethink Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California company celebrates successful return of medical research space capsule
A Southern California company is celebrating the successful launch and return of a space capsule designed to change how pharmaceuticals are processed in Earth's low orbit. Varda Space Industries, based in El Segundo, launched its W-2 capsule aboard a Space X rocket in mid-January. It carried an array of research equipment and was protected by a heat shield developed in conjunction with NASA, the company said in a news release. After six weeks in orbit, the turtle-shaped capsule descended back to Earth last Friday at speeds exceeding Mach 25, or 19,100 miles per hour. It touched down via parachute at a test range in southern Australia. Footage of the entire mission, from launch to landing, was shared on Varda's X account. This is the second time Varda has successfully landed a W-2 capsule and the first time a commercial space capsule has landed on Australian soil, the company said. 'We are ecstatic to have W-2 back on our home planet safely and are proud to support significant reentry research for our government partners as we continue building a thriving foundation for economic expansion to low Earth orbit,' Varda CEO Will Bruey said in a statement. 'What's next?' Experts say the lack of gravity in space provides a unique laboratory for medical research, including the development of new drugs and therapies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Varda space capsule returns to Earth in 1st commercial landing in Australian Outback (photos)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Varda Space has successfully landed a reentry capsule in Australia, delivering critical data that could advance in-space manufacturing and hypersonic technologies. California-based startup Varda's Winnebago-2 (W-2) capsule launched along with 130 other payloads on Jan. 14 atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, on the Transporter 12 rideshare mission. After six weeks in orbit, the capsule made a fiery plunge through Earth's atmosphere, landing Feb. 28 at Koonibba Test Range in South Australia, which is operated by Southern Launch. W-2 contained a spectrometer from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and a Varda enhanced pharmaceutical reactor for the company's in-orbit manufacturing plans. The capsule used a heat shield with a Thermal Protection System (TPS) developed in collaboration with NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. The spectrometer, the Optical Sensing of Plasmas in the Reentry Environment (OSPREE) sensor, is expected to provide the first-ever in situ optical emission measurements of the reentry environment past Mach 15, according to Varda. The instrument is part of a longer-term partnership between Varda and AFRL for testing hypersonic systems and reentry technologies. Related: Private Varda Space capsule returns to Earth with space-grown antiviral drug aboard "We are ecstatic to have W-2 back on our home planet safely and are proud to support significant reentry research for our government partners as we continue building a thriving foundation for economic expansion to low Earth orbit," Will Bruey, CEO of Varda Space Industries, said in a statement. The 265-pound (120 kilograms) capsule was supported in orbit by a Pioneer satellite bus built by Rocket Lab, which provided power, communications, propulsion and other necessary capabilities. RELATED STORIES: — 'Them space drugs cooked real good:' Varda Space just made an HIV medicine in Earth orbit — See Varda Space's private in-space manufacturing capsule's historic return to Earth in photos — In-space manufacturing could help humanity fight climate change, startup says The successful return to Earth of W-2 also marked a breakthrough for the Australian space sector, according to officials. "This return highlights the opportunity for Australia to become a responsible launch and return hub for the global space community — capitalizing off the geographic advantages of our expansive continent," said Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency, in a statement. The W-2 landing came a year after the company's first mission, W-1, which landed in Utah in February 2024. The mission saw W-1 in orbit for eight months before delivering to Earth crystals of an antiviral drug that were grown in orbit.
