SpaceX is preparing to launch the Starfall returnable capsule as part of the Bandwagon-5 mission. The unmanned vehicle, designed for microgravity research and orbital manufacturing, will launch on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on October 19 at 13:30 Moscow time. Weather conditions currently show a 55% probability of suitability for the launch.
The Starfall capsule measures 3.1 meters in diameter and 0.75 meters in height, with a mass of approximately 2,100 kg and a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kg. Alongside Starfall, the mission will carry 31 additional payloads, including the W-Series 7 capsule from Varda Space Industries. The W-7 mission aims to study the crystallization of the Protac drug candidate in microgravity to improve its solubility for cancer treatment development.
The mission manifest includes 20 satellites managed by Exolaunch, such as four HawkEye 360 radio-frequency monitoring satellites, four Iceye units, and six Xona Space Systems navigation satellites. Additionally, the 260 kg Starburst-1 demonstration vehicle from Portal Space Systems will test orbital maneuvers, carrying a secondary payload capacity of 50 kg ahead of planned commercial operations in 2027.
The Falcon 9 first stage, B1085, is scheduled for its 19th flight. SpaceX plans to land the booster on the A Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship approximately nine minutes after liftoff. This landing attempt marks the 167th for this specific platform and the 672nd overall recovery of a Falcon first stage, though mission controllers are monitoring moderate to high risks of unfavorable conditions at the landing site.
