When Will Bruey envisions the future, he sees a world where space travel and pharmaceutical manufacturing intersect in ways that could revolutionize the industry. As the CEO of Varda Space Industries, Bruey predicts a future where multiple spacecraft carrying pharmaceuticals manufactured in space will be visible from Earth within the next 10 years. He envisions a scenario where it will be more cost-effective to send working-class employees to orbit for a month than to keep them on Earth within 15 to 20 years.
Bruey’s confidence in these projections stems from his experience as an engineer at SpaceX, where he witnessed the successful development of reusable rockets, a concept that seemed futuristic at the time. Varda Space Industries has already made significant strides in the field of space pharmaceutical manufacturing, becoming only the third corporate entity to bring something back from orbit after successfully completing missions to manufacture pharmaceutical crystals in space.
The process of manufacturing pharmaceuticals in space offers unique advantages, such as the ability to create crystals with greater precision due to the absence of gravitational forces that interfere with crystal formation on Earth. This results in drugs with improved stability, purity, and longer shelf life. Varda’s W-1 capsule, which is used to transport the pharmaceuticals back to Earth, undergoes a rigorous re-entry process at speeds exceeding Mach 25 before landing safely.
Varda’s approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing in space is not focused on discovering new drugs but rather on enhancing the capabilities of existing approved drugs. By leveraging the advantages of microgravity, Varda aims to provide pharmaceutical companies with new opportunities for drug development and production.
The commercial viability of Varda’s operations is under scrutiny, but Bruey’s “seven domino theory” outlines a compelling vision for the company’s future success. By establishing a continuous cycle of drug manufacturing runs that require regular launches, Varda aims to create a scalable demand for space launches that could drive down costs and make space-manufactured drugs more economically viable.
As Varda continues to scale its operations and expand its product offerings, the potential benefits extend beyond the company itself. The virtuous cycle of reduced launch costs and increased accessibility to space manufacturing could have far-reaching implications for the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. With ongoing advancements in space technology and a growing demand for innovative pharmaceutical solutions, Varda Space Industries is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of space-based pharmaceutical manufacturing. Lowering the costs of launching spacecraft into orbit has opened up new opportunities for industries beyond traditional space exploration. Sectors such as semiconductors, fiber optics, and exotic materials can now benefit from the unique environment of microgravity, which was previously too expensive to access.
According to Bruey, as launch costs continue to decrease, it may become more cost-effective to send employees into orbit for extended periods rather than invest in additional automation. He envisions a scenario where an employee, let’s call her Jane, travels to space for a month to work at a drug manufacturing facility. Upon returning to Earth, Jane would have generated more value than the cost of her trip, making her the first person to demonstrate the economic viability of such ventures.
This shift towards affordable space travel represents a significant milestone in the commercialization of space. It signals the moment when the free market economy begins to lift humanity off the confines of our home planet.
The journey towards leveraging microgravity for drug deliveries faced a near-death experience early on. Varda launched its W-1 capsule in June 2023 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission. The capsule successfully conducted pharmaceutical manufacturing experiments in orbit, producing valuable crystals of Form III ritonavir. However, due to logistical challenges, the capsule remained in orbit for six months without approval for reentry.
The delay in securing a landing site at the Utah Test and Training Range highlighted the complexities of commercial space operations. Varda faced uncertainties and regulatory hurdles, with its mission hanging in limbo. Despite external perceptions of recklessness, the company had received authorization from the FAA to proceed with the launch, reflecting the agency’s support for commercial reentry initiatives.
Overcoming obstacles, Varda persisted in its mission to bring the capsule back to Earth. In February 2024, after eight months in orbit, the W-1 capsule successfully landed at the Utah Test and Training Range, marking a historic achievement in commercial spaceflight. Varda’s pioneering efforts led to the development of hypersonic testing capabilities, enabling real-world experiments at speeds of Mach 25.
The company’s innovative approach has attracted significant investment, with $329 million raised in funding rounds to expand its pharmaceutical operations and research capabilities. With a focus on advancing biologics and complex molecules, Varda aims to tap into lucrative markets such as monoclonal antibodies, poised for substantial growth.
As Varda continues to push the boundaries of commercial space exploration, the company stands at the forefront of a new era in space technology. By harnessing the potential of microgravity and hypersonic testing, Varda is shaping the future of space-based industries and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in science and commerce. Title: “The Art of Mindful Eating: How to Savor Every Bite and Improve Your Relationship with Food”
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the habit of mindlessly eating while multitasking or rushing through meals. However, practicing mindful eating can not only help you savor the flavors of your food but also improve your overall relationship with food and your body.
Mindful eating is about being present in the moment and fully engaging your senses while you eat. It involves paying attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of your food, as well as your body’s hunger and fullness cues. By slowing down and being mindful of what you’re eating, you can better appreciate the flavors and textures of your food, leading to a more satisfying and enjoyable eating experience.
One way to practice mindful eating is to start by setting aside dedicated time for meals without distractions, such as phones, computers, or television. Sit down at a table, take a few deep breaths to center yourself, and focus on the food in front of you. Take small bites, chew slowly, and really savor the flavors as you eat. Pay attention to how the food feels in your mouth, how it smells, and how it nourishes your body.
Another important aspect of mindful eating is listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Instead of eating on autopilot or based on external cues, such as the time of day or emotional triggers, tune in to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re satisfied, not when you’re stuffed. This can help prevent overeating and promote a healthier relationship with food.
Incorporating mindfulness into your eating habits can also help you become more aware of your emotions and how they influence your eating choices. Many people turn to food as a way to cope with stress, boredom, or other emotions, but mindful eating can help you become more aware of these patterns and find healthier ways to address them.
Overall, practicing mindful eating can lead to a more positive relationship with food, improved digestion, and a greater sense of satisfaction and enjoyment from your meals. So next time you sit down to eat, take a moment to slow down, savor each bite, and nourish your body with mindfulness.