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USAF tests SpaceX Starfall cargo pods for resupply from space
Key points
- AFRL tested Rocket Cargo using a SpaceX Starfall capsule.
- Capsule launched on a Falcon 9, splashed down in Pacific.
- Test demonstrated point-to-point delivery (P2D) capabilities.
- Starfall capsule has 2,200-pound capacity, uses heat shield and parachute.
Successful Rocket Cargo Test
The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) conducted a successful test of its Rocket Cargo capabilities. This involved launching a SpaceX Starfall capsule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as part of the Bandwagon-5 "rideshare" mission on a Falcon 9 rocket. The capsule subsequently splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.
Cargo and Capabilities
The Starfall capsule carried mission equipment, including MREs, bottled water, a SATCOM-enabled tracker, and spare batteries. The test demonstrated point-to-point delivery (P2D), a system designed to resupply military forces globally without deploying aircraft or aircrews, particularly in combat zones. The AFRL also assessed the fit of a UNI-PAC III life raft for future tests.
Starfall Capsule Specifications
The Starfall capsule is approximately 10 feet across and has a capacity of up to 2,200 pounds. It features a carbon fiber heat shield for atmospheric reentry protection, compressed gas thrusters for attitude control, and a parachute system for landing. The Air Force is exploring increasing the capacity to tens of tons for larger cargo, which would require larger rockets like the SpaceX Starship, currently under development.
Industry Involvement
While SpaceX technologies were central to this test, other companies are also developing similar capabilities for the U.S. military. Sierra Space, for example, is working on its Ghost reentry vehicle and has conducted test drops from altitudes of 35,000 and 68,500 feet.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) successfully tested Rocket Cargo capabilities by dropping cargo pods from a SpaceX Starfall capsule launched on a Falcon 9 rocket. This demonstration of point-to-point delivery (P2D) aims to enable rapid global resupply for military units without risking traditional air assets. The test involved a capsule splashing down in the Pacific Ocean with mission equipment.