WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has tested a space-based cargo delivery concept using SpaceX’s Starfall reentry capsule, as the U.S. military explores ways to transport supplies across the world within hours using commercial rockets.
The test took place on October 20, 2026, as part of SpaceX’s Bandwagon-5 commercial rideshare mission. A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 32 payloads launched at 7:04 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
AFRL placed military supplies inside a specially designed cargo pod, known as an “agile pod,” within the uncrewed Starfall capsule. Sensors recorded temperature, shock and vibration during launch, spaceflight and atmospheric reentry to help researchers assess how military equipment withstands the journey.
The cargo included Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), water bottles, a reverse-osmosis water desalinator, communications equipment, a satellite-enabled tracker, batteries and emergency medical kits. Engineers also checked whether a UNI-PAC III life raft could fit inside the capsule for potential delivery to stranded sailors or downed aircrew.
AFRL’s Rocket Cargo Programme
The test is part of AFRL’s Rocket Cargo programme, which examines whether commercial rockets can transport military supplies to locations around the world on tactical timelines.
The long-term goal is to deliver cargo comparable in size to a C-17 transport aircraft’s load, amounting to tens of tons, to locations without runways or roads in approximately 90 minutes.
Brig. Gen. Douglas P. Wickert, the Department of the Air Force Technology Executive Officer and AFRL commander, said the test demonstrated how the laboratory is working with industry to reduce technical risks, collect data and develop technologies for operational forces.
Adam Remaly, director of AFRL’s Technology Transition Office, described the flight as a critical achievement in demonstrating the potential of rocket-based delivery for rapid global mobility.
Starfall Capsule Specifications
SpaceX’s Starfall is an uncrewed, disk-shaped reentry capsule designed to return cargo from space to Earth. It measures approximately 10.2 feet (3.1 metres) across and 2.5 feet tall, weighs around 4,600 pounds (2,100 kilograms) when empty, and can return up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of payload under parachutes. Recovery operations are planned in the Pacific Ocean.
The October 20 mission marked Starfall’s second flight, following its first demonstration in June 2026. Although its current payload capacity is limited compared with large military transport aircraft, AFRL views the capsule as a step towards developing faster cargo delivery methods.
Potential applications include resupplying forces in contested areas, supporting expeditionary operations, delivering rescue equipment to stranded personnel, providing disaster relief and responding to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents.
Commercial Partnerships and Next Steps
AFRL is working with several aerospace companies to assess rocket-based logistics, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Sierra Space, Anduril, Inversion Space, Varda Space Industries and Outpost Space.
In June 2026, AFRL awarded Colorado-based Geneva Technologies a $4.3 million contract for architecture studies, system design and demonstrations under the Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics effort. In August, the laboratory expanded Blue Origin’s study contract to approximately $13 million.
Researchers will analyse the environmental data collected during the Starfall flight to determine how electronics, communications equipment and survival supplies withstand launch, spaceflight and atmospheric reentry. AFRL also plans further tests involving commercial rockets and reentry capsules to assess the feasibility of rapid global cargo delivery.
The programme is intended to determine whether commercial rocket services can complement existing military transport by delivering supplies quickly to locations that are difficult to reach by conventional aircraft or ground transport.
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