The United States military aims to utilize rockets as a rapid logistics transport vehicle, capable of reaching any point on Earth whenever needed. Companies including Rocket Lab, Blue Origin, Anduril, and SpaceX have been awarded contracts to develop a system known as "Rocket Cargo." As a precursor to full-scale cargo delivery, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) conducted a test last week involving the delivery of emergency aid.
Starfall
The test took place on October 20, utilizing a SpaceX capsule named "Starfall." This disc-shaped capsule was launched as part of the "Bandwagon-5" mission aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Upon reaching space, Starfall returned to Earth, descending via parachute. The objective of this test was to evaluate whether commercial rockets could be employed to deliver supplies or equipment to any global location within a very short timeframe.
Rocket Cargo
Starfall was equipped with temperature, impact, and vibration sensors to ensure that all parameters remained within safe limits, preventing damage to the cargo on board. The capsule carried a SATCOM-based tracking device, batteries, medical supplies, survival gear, and a water desalination system.
In the future, such emergency aid supplies could be delivered anywhere in the world to support military logistics in conflict zones, rescue missions, natural disaster relief, and responses to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Furthermore, advanced rocket systems are expected to be developed to transport cargo weighing up to 1,000 kilograms.
