US Air Force tests orbital cargo delivery with SpaceX's Starfall capsule

The Air Force Research Laboratory used SpaceX's Starfall reentry capsule to study how survival gear and electronics withstand launch and atmospheric reentry. The capsule flew on a Falcon 9 during the Bandwagon-5 rideshare mission on October 20, carrying sensors and equipment including a satellite tracker, water desalination system and medical supplies. The test supports AFRL's Rocket Cargo program for delivering supplies from space to remote locations.

• Starfall carries up to 1,000 kg and lands by parachute
• Launch took place October 20 on Falcon 9 in the Bandwagon-5 mission
• Cargo included electronics, a tracker, a desalinator and medical gear
• Rocket Cargo aims to deliver tons of supplies anywhere on Earth