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Varda Announces Third Mission Launch, the Company’s Second Launch this Year

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Varda aims to have a monthly launch and reentry cadence, developing a foundation layer for a thriving orbital economy

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Varda Space Industries, Inc., a microgravity-enabled life sciences and reentry company, today announced the successful launch of its third orbital processing and reentry capsule, W-3, just 15 days after the reentry of the company’s second mission, which landed in Australia on Feb. 27, 2025.

The W-3 vehicle, supported by a Rocket Lab-developed Pioneer satellite like its predecessors, lifted off aboard the Transporter-13 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. 

W-3’s payload is an advanced navigation system called an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) developed by the US Air Force and Innovative Scientific Solutions Incorporated (ISSI). This payload will be tested at reentry speeds it was designed to withstand but has never encountered before.

IMUs are electronics that can measure an object’s motion, orientation, and velocity. For example, everything from cars to wearable fitness trackers have similar devices to tell their computer the orientation and location without the aid of an external signal like a GPS, though commercial IMUs are notoriously inaccurate at high-speed conditions. Varda’s capsule can help test these devices for our government and commercial partners to advance research into high-hypersonic technologies.

“The need for robust, plug-and-play IMU technology is a growing capability area that will significantly advance the current state-of-the-art for domain awareness and control of future systems,” said Dr. Steve NeVille, senior scientist at ISSI. “The W-3 reentry flight test with Varda provides an exciting and unique proto-qualification platform to rapidly advance our IMU technology readiness level in a relevant reentry environment, which is the pinnacle of early development testing.”

Varda’s capsule reenters the Earth’s atmosphere at speeds exceeding Mach 25, a unique environment that offers researchers a chance to gather data for multiple applications, expanding the possibilities for the orbital economy and supporting US national security interests in low Earth orbit.

“Varda’s commercial dual-use reentry capability is a game-changer for enabling rapid technology maturation for future systems,” said Technical Lead for AFRL’s Prometheus reentry testbed program, Dr. Erin Vaughan. “Affordable, frequent reentry flight test opportunities support S&T development for early risk reduction studies, reducing cost and schedule for novel technologies.”

The W-3 capsule’s payload is funded through the Prometheus program, an initiative from AFRL in partnership with Varda. The program addresses a national security need to accelerate testing and modernization of high-hypersonic systems and reentry technologies through a low-cost, high-cadence commercial flight testbed.

“High-cadence, routine operations is our goal. We are working to make reentry as commonplace as launch,” said Varda Vice President for Mission Management, Brandi Sippel. “We are looking forward to the day when sending capsules into orbit and back to Earth is seen as routine.”

W-3 will spend a few weeks on orbit before reentering and landing safely at the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia, operated by Southern Launch. Varda’s second capsule, W-2, was Australia’s first-ever commercial land reentry.

Distribution Unlimited; Approved for Public Release. Public Affairs Release # AFRL-2025-1094

About Varda

Varda Space Industries is making reentry as common as launch. We are building the infrastructure for a thriving orbital economy, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. The company operates out of El Segundo, California with office and industrial production space. Follow Varda on X (@vardaspace), Instagram (@vardaspaceindustries), and LinkedIn.

For Investor Inquires: ir@varda.com

For Media Inquiries: media@varda.com

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SOURCE Varda Space Industries Inc.

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Delta Participates in COP31 and CBD COP17, Supporting Electrification and Biodiversity Conservation

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TAIPEI, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Delta marks its 19th consecutive year of participation in the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP31), which opens today in Antalya, Türkiye. Delta will support the host country’s “35×35” initiative, targeting a 35% electrification goal by 2035, by sharing how smart microgrids accelerate electrification at an official side event. Earlier, at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) in late October, Delta partnered with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to showcase the world’s first application of the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric for coral restoration and conservation assessment. Through international collaboration, Delta addresses climate mitigation and adaptation challenges with technological innovation and ecosystem restoration.

Shan-Shan Guo, Vice Chairperson of the Delta Electronics Foundation, said, “As global electrification accelerates and AI drives growing electricity demand, Delta leverages its core technologies to improve energy efficiency and resilience through microgrids and smart energy management, support electrification, and help AI data centers increase their use of clean energy. As Delta celebrates its 55th anniversary, we are participating in international climate conferences under the theme ‘Smarter is Greener.’ At COP31, our EMEA leadership and Foundation colleagues will engage with international thought leaders at official side events and the France Pavilion. We also shared our coral restoration experience and achievements at CBD COP17. Through innovative technology, we hope to collaborate with climate partners and move forward toward a more sustainable future.”

During COP31, Delta will host its 9th official side event in the Blue Zone, joining the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) and the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) to exchange insights on microgrid applications. Delta will also share its experience deploying microgrids in Indigenous communities to strengthen disaster resilience. In 2025, renewable electricity accounted for 91% of Delta’s global electricity consumption, and Delta achieved its RE100 target in 32 countries.

Delta Presents World-Leading Coral Restoration Experience at CBD COP17

Wim Chang, CEO of the Delta Electronics Foundation, said, “Delta combines technology with coral restoration and conservation, aiming to preserve more than half of the coral species in the Pacific Ocean by 2030. This year, in partnership with IUCN, we became the first globally to apply the STAR metric to coral reef areas where Delta conducts restoration. By scientifically quantifying threats to species survival, we aim to make conservation outcomes more measurable and credible.”

Nicholas Macfarlane, Head of Conservation Science and Technology at IUCN, said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Delta on the world’s first application of the marine STAR metric. This collaboration demonstrates the potential of corporate and scientific partnerships, and we look forward to advancing marine biodiversity through innovative, measurable conservation strategies.”

At CBD COP17 in late October, Delta presented its research at the Nature Pavilion, a flagship venue hosted by IUCN. This year, Delta applied the STAR methodology to coral reef areas in Kenting, Taiwan, and calibrated the results against IUCN’s global database, aligning its restoration methodology with international standards.

Delta also invited Professor David Obura, lead author of the coral chapter of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, to a side event at the Ocean Pavilion. Together with international organizations including the UK’s Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the International Coral Reef Society (ICRS), participants discussed ways to strengthen coral reef resilience.

From biodiversity conservation to electrification goals, leveraging scientific research and technological innovation to address global environmental challenges remains a core focus for the United Nations. To help the international community combat climate change and biodiversity loss, Delta has participated in two COP summits 22 times, and hosted or been invited to 43 side events to date.

ABOUT DELTA

Delta, founded in 1971, and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (code:2308), is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of IoT-based smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data center infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, “To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.

Throughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index (formerly the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices) for 15 consecutive years. Delta has also won CDP with double A List for 4 times for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues and has been named Supplier Engagement Leader for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain for 8 consecutive years.

For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com

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SOURCE Delta

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China, Europe and Africa Explore New Paths for Green Energy Cooperation

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WENZHOU, China, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Under the theme “Deepen Green Partnerships, Build a Shared Zero-Carbon Future”, the 2026 China-Europe-Africa Green Energy Development Forum was held in Zhejiang, China. The forum was organized by the CPAFFC and the China-EU Association, with the Commonweal Foundation of CHINT and StarTimes Group serving as co-organizers.

The forum aimed to strengthen collaboration among China, Europe, and Africa in the renewable energy sector, while fostering joint efforts to advance the global energy transition and address the challenges posed by climate change.

Discussions focused on key issues, including cross-regional industrial cooperation amid the new global climate governance landscape, innovative green finance for developing countries, technological innovation and digital transformation, and global green value chain development.

Forum participants and experts emphasized the significant potential for China, Europe and Africa to work together on the green transition. Stronger cross-regional partnerships can help address climate challenges, support global economic stability and extend the benefits of green development to more countries and communities.

They also stressed the need for greater coordination on technical standards, certification and carbon markets, alongside innovative financing mechanisms. Expanding access to small-scale solar solutions, promoting ecological restoration and strengthening international cooperation were also identified as important steps towards improving energy access and accelerating Africa’s green transition.

Against the backdrop of evolving global climate governance, the forum explored ways to strengthen industrial cooperation by building on the complementary strengths of the three regions. These include China’s established green energy solutions, Africa’s abundant energy resources, and Europe’s market expertise and technological capabilities.

At the business level, companies are increasingly turning these complementary strengths into practical partnerships. CHINT, a trusted provider of integrated power and energy solutions, has established smart manufacturing facilities, and delivered solar and energy storage projects worldwide. In Africa, its affordable solar solutions for off-grid and weak-grid areas are bringing reliable, clean electricity to remote communities.

The forum also served as a platform for cross-regional dialogue, business exchange and partnership building, creating opportunities to turn shared ambitions into tangible initiatives.

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Telespazio Partners with Rivada for Secure Connectivity

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The Outernet’s backbone in space brings an unparalleled level of security to government & enterprise communications

Outernet is a constellation of 600 ultra-secure, networked low-earth orbit satellitesCombining the speed of fiber with the reach of satelliteOrbital mesh network with no terrestrial gateways ensures security by design

MUNICH, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rivada Space Networks is partnering with Telespazio, a 67/33 joint venture between Leonardo and Thales, through its subsidiary Telespazio Brasil, to provide a unique next generation connectivity network with the necessary security and performance to drive digital innovation and transformation. Rivada has now lined up over $US 20 billion of business globally for its unique LEO network.   

Telespazio Brasil S.A. the Brazilian subsidiary of Telespazio has operated in the country since 1997 and is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. It is a leading provider of satellite communications, earth observation, and satellite ground systems services for both government and enterprise customers across Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru.

In Latin America, sovereign communications and critical infrastructure resilience are increasingly key requirements  to support military, government and high-end enterprise connectivity. Telespazio Brazil, is a long-established and trusted provider of tailored communications solutions for business applications, mission-critical operations and network expansion for governments, defense organizations, energy companies and telecom operators across Latin America.  And with the increasing demand to move large quantities of data securely and quickly around the world placing existing digital infrastructure under greater pressure than ever, organisations in banking, security, defense and telecommunications are looking for innovative and future-forward networking technologies that are secure, fast and reliable.

As the first unified global communications network, Rivada’s Outernet is transformative. A global low-latency point-to-point network of 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, it is a unique next-generation constellation combining inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard processing and routing to create a ubiquitous optical mesh network in space. This “orbital network,” in which data stays in space from origin to destination, creates an ultra-secure satellite network with pole-to-pole coverage, offering end-to-end latencies much lower than terrestrial fiber over long distances. And by routing traffic on a physically separated network in space, it provides a layer of defense for any organization that needs to share data securely between widely distributed sites.

Marzio Laurenti CEO of Telespazio Brasil said: “Rivada is building a uniquely capable LEO constellation with a new level of cybersecurity for the enterprise and government sectors.  By establishing a highly secure global communications infrastructure in space, the Outernet’s fast, seamless and secure connectivity will ramp up network performance and enable true digital transformation and new business opportunities through multi-gigabit bi-directional performance, combined with worldwide reach”.

Declan Ganley, CEO, Rivada Space Networks, said: “We are delighted to be working with Telespazio to enhance their ability to provide data security and data sovereignty. The space domain now plays a critical role in securing network infrastructure and addressing rising cybersecurity issues. With the Outernet’s unique architecture, satellites  become routers in the sky and space now provides secure, high-performance data transport instead of merely providing the last hop to the internet. The future is not just more satellites. It is true orbital networks that offer more than the “gap-filler” LEO systems which bridge the last mile between the satellite and the nearest terrestrial gateway. Our unique gateway-free architecture redefines connectivity in terms of security, latency, capacity, efficiency, and coverage. “

Telespazio will join Rivada’s Customer Advisory Board and conduct a series of technical workshops to structure the collaboration and exchange information on the Outernet’s capabilities.

About Rivada Space Networks
Rivada Space Networks GmbH is deploying the first true “Outernet”: a global, low-latency, point-to-point connectivity network of LEO satellites. By connecting its satellites with lasers, Rivada will provide resellers and B2B customers with the ability to securely connect any two points on the globe with low latency and high bandwidth. The constellation, comprising 600 low-earth-orbit communications satellites, will represent a fundamental change in the availability of secure, global, end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity for Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets. The Outernet is being built using Rivada’s German filings for high-priority Ka-band spectrum, called Outernet-1.  Rivada Space Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivada Networks, Inc. www.rivadaspace.com  

Follow Rivada Space Networks on: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rivada-space/
Twitter: @rivadaspace  

Media Contacts
Melanie Dickie, Chief Marketing & Communication Officer
Rivada Space Networks GmbH
Tel: +31 6 14 22 97 62
Email: mdickie@rivadaspace.com 

Brian Carney, SVP Corporate Communications 
Rivada Networks, Inc
Tel: +1 (207) 256-0386
Email: bcarney@rivada.com  

About Telespazio

Telespazio, a Leonardo and Thales 67:33 joint venture, is one of the world’s leading operators in space services. Its activities range from the design and development of space systems to the management of launch services and in-orbit satellite control, from Earth observation, integrated communications, satellite navigation and localisation services to scientific programmes. The company plays a leading role in the reference markets, supported by its infrastructure and the technological experience acquired in 65 years of activity, which include participation in space programmes such as Galileo, EGNOS, Copernicus, COSMO-SkyMed and Moonlight. Telespazio, which is Thales Alenia Space’s partner in the “Space Alliance”, generated sales of €850 million in 2025 while employing 3,500 people in 16 different countries.

Media Contact
Beatriz Villanueva
Telespazio Brasil S.A.
Tel: +55 (21) 98861-1155 
Email: beatriz.villanueva@telespazio.com

 

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SOURCE Rivada Space Networks

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