Today SpaceX deployed and demonstrated the Starfall low cost capsule return system. This a demo of a new vehicle that will enable affordable, routine access to the microgravity environment for scientific research and in-space manufacturing. After demonstrating controlled flight, the spacecraft will splash down in the Pacific Ocean
Today’s mission includes a demo of a new vehicle that will enable affordable, routine access to the microgravity environment for scientific research and in-space manufacturing. After demonstrating controlled flight, the spacecraft will splash down in the Pacific Ocean pic.twitter.com/NLwhigtSWC
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 23, 2026
Deployment of Starfall confirmed
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 23, 2026
I have numerous articles explaining how Starfall will unlock massive markets and capabilities. Space hotels, safe mass travel on Starship because it will eventally be able to return people and cargo anywhere on Earth without requiring any launch catch tower or other systems on the ground.
Soyuz capsules are able to land on the ground because they have retro rockets to touch down at less 5 mph instead of 15-20 mph for parachuting into water.
SpaceX has steerable parachutes that have been used over 300 times for precise fairing returns.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
