tech
With Starfall, SpaceX eyes an edge in global cargo delivery from orbit
The purpose of Starfall is to support the “transport and delivery of goods through space.”
TL;DR
- SpaceX launched a new cargo reentry vehicle called Starfall from Cape Canaveral.
- Starfall is designed for rapid, point-to-point cargo delivery from low-Earth orbit.
- The vehicle's purpose includes supporting in-space manufacturing and delivering goods globally.
- The FAA approved two Starfall reentry demonstrations.
- Starfall is cylindrical, 10.2 feet in diameter, 2.5 feet high, and weighs about 4,600 pounds.
- It has a payload capacity of 2,200 pounds and is smaller than Crew Dragon.
- The US military is exploring similar rapid global cargo delivery concepts with SpaceX and other companies.
- SpaceX may have an early advantage with the Starfall vehicle.