Home / Technology / SpaceX's Starfall Lands First Customer for Orbital Returns
SpaceX's Starfall Lands First Customer for Orbital Returns
15 Sep
Summary
- Space Cargo's BentoBox system will fly on SpaceX's Starfall capsule.
- The first commercial mission is targeted for launch in 2028.
- Starfall aims to return substantial payloads from Earth's orbit.
SpaceX's new Starfall business has secured its first customer, Luxembourg-based integrator Space Cargo. This marks a significant milestone for Starfall, which is dedicated to returning products and payloads from Earth's orbit.
Space Cargo plans to utilize SpaceX's Starship for its initial mission, scheduled for 2028. Their "BentoBox" system will be housed within Starfall's disk-shaped capsule, designed for microgravity product development and research.
This collaboration is poised to significantly increase payload capacity for orbital returns, moving from hundreds of kilograms to tons. Such capabilities are vital for industries like life sciences, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
The Starfall program leverages SpaceX's extensive experience with heatshield technology from its Dragon capsule missions. The 2028 target for the first commercial Starship mission indicates earlier flights will likely support SpaceX's Starlink satellite deployments.
Space Cargo's initiative is part of a growing reentry services industry, facing competition from companies like Varda Space. The Pentagon also views these missions as valuable for advanced weapons research and defense system testing.
