SpaceX’s Disk-Driven Reentry Demo Could Redefine Orbital Manufacturing
SpaceX plans the first Starfall prototype flight on Tuesday (June 23)—a 3.1 m disk-shaped reentry capsule capable of returning up to 1,000 kg from orbit—carried by Falcon 9 for a reentry, splashdown, and sea-recovery demo. The test will validate the disk geometry, parachute recovery, and retrieval of both the top plate and heat shield, and will explore maintaining telemetry through plasma blackout by mounting Starlink terminals on the vehicle. If successful, Starfall could dramatically lower per-kilogram costs for orbital manufacturing and shift competition away from Varda Space Industries; a second FAA-approved demo and licensing would be needed for commercial service.