Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) said Tuesday it delivered a second spacecraft to Vandenberg Space Force Base and completed production of a third for Varda Space Industries under a four-spacecraft contract supporting in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing and reentry operations.

The company said the Pioneer spacecraft, built by Rocket Lab, supports Varda's capsule, which uses microgravity to conduct space-based operations.

Rocket Lab said it provides power, communication, propulsion, and control systems, as well as operational support.

The first Pioneer spacecraft, launched in 2023, supported the production of an HIV/AIDS drug in orbit, with the capsule successfully landing in Utah earlier this year, the company said. A second mission is planned for early 2025, with a capsule landing set for South Australia, it added.