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// technology · 2025

W-Series 2

Experimental manufacturing satellite by Varda Space Industries featuring a reentry capsule. W-Series 2 was launched on January 14, 2025 aboard a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg. Latest status in GCAT: reentered (orbital decay) (Feb 27, 2025).

COSPAR 2025-009BFNORAD 62662United States

Identity

Name in GCAT
W-2
Common name
W-Series 2
Payload designation
Pioneer-02
International designator
2025-009BF
NORAD catalog number
62662
GCAT identifier
S62662
UN registration
ST/SG/SER.E/1270

Mission

Mission type
Technology
Use
Commercial
Program
Photon
Owner
Varda Space
Country
United States
Builder
Rocket Lab USA, Long Beach
Platform (bus)
RL Pioneer

Launch

Date
January 14, 2025 · 19:09 UTC
Launch record
2025-009Success
Rocket
Falcon 9
Spaceport
Vandenberg · pad SLC4E

Orbit and fate

Orbit class (GCAT)
LLEO/S
Perigee
512 km
Apogee
518 km
Inclination
97.44°
Status
Reentered (orbital decay)
Status date
February 27, 2025
Last known active
Jan 14, 2025
End of operations
Feb 27, 2025

Size

Mass
275 kg
Dry mass
55 kg
Total mass with attached objects
300 kg
Length
1.0 m
Diameter
1.40 m
Span
1.4 m

Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q124611950 (CC0).