Varda Space made an HIV drug in Earth orbit. Here's why that's a big deal

[Admin]

Varda Space has written up the results of its groundbreaking W-1 mission, which successfully crystalized the metastable Form III of the antiviral drug ritonavir in space and returned it to Earth.

Varda Space made an HIV drug in Earth orbit. Here's why that's a big deal : Read more

 

[Meteoric Marmot]

This is obviously a high-value product. I wonder what security measures they plan to incorporate to prevent the capsule being snatched during the parachute descent phase?

 

[billslugg]

The capsules will land at Dugway Proving Ground and Utah Test and Training Range, both US military reservations. They have tight security.

 

[Unclear Engineer]

It would be a lot more educational if this article had provided some info about the reasons that making drugs in microgravity (orbit) is worth all the trouble and expense.

 

[Meteoric Marmot]

The capsules will land at Dugway Proving Ground and Utah Test and Training Range, both US military reservations. They have tight security.

I'm sure the ground security is tight. What I was wondering about is if they have any planned security during the descent phase where snagging the parachute using an aircraft is a proven technique for airborne recovery of returning capsules.

 

[Unclear Engineer]

I would expect air security would be even better than ground security at a military test range.

 

[billslugg]

Flying an airplane anywhere near a military installation without a transponder that they recognize is asking for big trouble. They'd be on you in a heartbeat. You would be known as an unidentified incoming threat, a "bogie". They give them a warning and then shoot them down if they don't like them. They have all certain rules but I can tell you, you would not get anywhere near that incoming capsule.