09:26 AM EDT, 09/26/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Rocket Lab USA ( RKLB ) said Thursday it has completed testing and integration of its second Pioneer spacecraft for Varda Space Industries.

The company said this follows the launch and recovery of Varda's first mission earlier this year, where the HIV drug Ritonavir was crystallized in space and the re-entry capsule was retrieved.

The second mission, now in preparation, will involve similar in-space operations and re-entry, Rocket Lab said, adding Varda has obtained a US Federal Aviation Administration re-entry license.

The Pioneer spacecraft will support Varda's re-entry capsule with essential systems, including power and communications, the company said.

Shares of Rocket Lab were up 3% in recent premarket activity.

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