Tech Today with Eric Tarczynski Varda’s Historic Second Mission with Delian Asparouhov
Mar 7, 2025
Delian Asparouhov, co-founder and president of Varda Space Industries, shares insights from Varda's successful second mission that aims to revolutionize pharmaceutical production in space. He discusses ambitious plans for the W-3 launch and a decade-long roadmap for space-based drug trials. Delian recounts the founding story of Varda, driven by a pivotal moment involving a Merck dataset. The conversation also touches on tech news, including Klarna's $15 billion IPO and the exciting creation of 'woolly mice' by Colossal Biosciences.
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Varda's Vision
- Varda Space Industries manufactures pharmaceuticals in space.
- Their long-term vision involves large space biolabs with nearby crew compartments for maintenance.
Founding of Varda
- Delian Asparouhov found a Merck dataset in 2019 showing improved drug delivery in space.
- This inspired him to start Varda Space Industries after others dismissed the idea.
A Bet on Space
- Delian Asparouhov made a bet in 2018 that a company would produce commercial materials in orbit within five years.
- He ended up fulfilling the bet himself by founding Varda.