SpaceX Starfall, capsules for the development of new drugs and materials in Space

As we know, SpaceX is about to go public, and its listing could be the event of the year in finance, with direct repercussions in the aerospace sector. Elon Musk's company is developing various projects in addition to continuing existing programs such as launches with the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, the Starlink constellation (including version 2 mini), and operations towards the International Space Station with Dragon and Crew Dragon.

SpaceX is also aiming to make the new heavy-lift vehicle Starship operational as soon as possible, launching the first Starlink V3 satellites and implementing a constellation dedicated to Artificial Intelligence with data centers in orbit thanks to AI1 satellites. Another project is related to the Starfall capsules, which will allow for studies and tests in microgravity as well as the production of new medicines and materials, as well as the delivery of payloads in no time.

This concept is not new in itself and is already applied, for example, by Varda Space. Starfall from SpaceX will be much larger and could represent a new commercial outlet for Elon Musk's company to diversify its offerings and earnings. In the documents submitted to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), part of the technical specifications and design that could be used can be seen.

Starfall could also supplement some of the tests and production currently conducted aboard the ISS, which may be scaled down or managed differently with new commercial space stations. Currently, the FAA has approved two reentries of Starfall capsules into the Pacific Ocean, about 1300 kilometers off the coasts of California. These capsules can be launched by both Falcon 9 and Starship with orbital or suborbital trajectories, depending on the type of mission (production or delivery).

The configuration of the capsules will be disk-shaped with a height of 75 centimeters and a diameter of 3.1 meters. To allow for precise movements, the capsules will have attitude control thrusters using cold gas; however, they will not have their own propulsion system or the ability to re-enter autonomously (a second stage or a kick stage will be needed), while atmospheric descent will be slowed by a parachute. The mass will be about 2.1 tons, and they will be made of aluminum with a thermal shield made of composite materials.