From Mission Concept to Reentry Support, Benchmark Propels Varda’s W-4 Mission

From Mission Concept to Reentry Support,
Benchmark Propels Varda's W-4 Mission

Varda's W-4 features 5x 20 newton Benchmark thrusters to initiate reentry

Varda Space Industries is building the reentry infrastructure to make in-space manufacturing economically viable, and Benchmark Space Systems is proud to partner in support of this vision.

Varda Space Industries' vehicle launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-14 mission in June 2025 and is Varda’s fourth flight since W-1 launched in 2023. The W-4  vehicle has five Benchmark 20 newton thrusters that will power the vehicle’s reentry burn when the capsule is ready to return to Earth, operations that are the most technically complicated maneuvers on orbit  Varda has built the W-Series capsules for all their missions, but W-4 is Varda’s first spacecraft entirely developed in-house.  

Benchmark was selected as a propulsion partner not just for our engineering expertise, but for our ability to deliver quality, flight-ready systems quickly, and to scale with Varda’s vision for a frequent launch cadence that will continue to increase.

What sets Benchmark apart is how we respond to challenges. Our focus on non-toxic propellants combined with complete vertical integration of expertise and capability enable us to address opportunities and risk on the scale of days.

“Benchmark is more than a propulsion provider. We are a mission delivery partner, with every Benchmark team member relentlessly focused on our customer’s success,“ said Wesley Grove, Benchmark’s CEO. "We leverage this cultural identity together with our vertically integrated and proven capabilities to enable spacecraft manufacturers to execute fast and with confidence, knowing they have a partner focused on their main goal: mission success."

For partners like Varda and others pursuing novel space mobility missions, return logistics, or commercial operations, we deliver:

• Unwavering commitment to mission success

• Quality at scale through vertical integration, dynamic culture and expertise across the
  company

• Reduced lead time flexibility through agility and rapid iteration

With another Benchmark-powered capsule also launched on Transporter-14, The Exploration Company’s Mission Possible, and multiple planned reentry missions in 2026 and beyond, we’re setting the bar for propulsion partners who do more than just build thrusters. We’re in lockstep with our customers throughout the process.

Heading to SmallSat 2025? Come meet the team behind the W-4 propulsion system and learn how Benchmark is helping spacecraft teams turn bold timelines into mission-ready reality.

Booth #700 | Aug 11–13 | Salt Lake City, Utah

Additional Information:

VARDA'S W-4

INDUSTRY NEWS - Varda to launch its first in-house built spacecraft for on-orbit manufacturing