SpaceX is launching a secret spacecraft that could change how things are made in space

teslarati.com Jun 22, 2026

SpaceX is launching a secret spacecraft that could change how things are made in space

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 22, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

SpaceX is launching Starfall, a reentry capsule, on June 23, with a backup window on June 24. The capsule has a unique flat disk shape, measuring 10.2 feet wide and 2.5 feet tall, and can return up to 2,200 pounds of payload from orbit. Starfall is designed for orbital manufacturing, producing items like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors that cannot be made in gravity. The capsule's specifications allow for mass production and launch on Falcon 9 or Starship, putting SpaceX in competition with companies it currently launches for. Starfall's purpose is to build a commercial in-space manufacturing market, potentially succeeding the International Space Station's industrial capabilities.

💡 Why It Matters

· By controlling Starfall, SpaceX gains vertical ownership of the orbital manufacturing return space, allowing it to capture service revenue directly.
· This move positions SpaceX to dominate the market, leveraging its existing launch access to offer a comprehensive service.

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Chinese spaceplane releases object into orbit, according to commercial space surveillance

China's secretive spaceplane, Shenlong, has released an object into orbit during its fourth mission, according to commercial space surveillance firm LeoLabs. The object was detected by LeoLabs' Kiwi Space Radar tracking radar in New Zealand and did not correlate to any other object in the firm's catalog. This marks a pattern of China's spaceplane releasing subsatellites after reaching orbit, similar to its second and third orbital missions. The spaceplane's mission is part of China's broader push toward reusability in space exploration.

💡 The detection of the object highlights China's advancements in reusable space technology, which could potentially rival the capabilities of the US Space Force's X-37B spaceplane.

space.com · Jun 23

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope arrives in Florida ahead of SpaceX Falcon Heavy…

NASA's Nancy Roman Grace Space Telescope arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 21, marking the final stop before its launch later this summer. The telescope, which will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, is set to join other flagship observatories like Hubble, Webb, Chandra, and Spitzer at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point two (L2). Roman will undergo tests and preparations before its liftoff, currently targeted for August 30, eight weeks ahead of the original schedule.

💡 The Roman Space Telescope's mission to hunt down dark energy and the accelerating expansion of the universe could provide a groundbreaking understanding of the cosmos, potentially leading to new discoveries about billions of galaxies, exoplanets, and black holes.

spacenews.com · Jun 23

Rocket Lab launches satellite for U.S. Space Force Victus Haze responsive space…

Rocket Lab launched the Victus Haze Puma spacecraft, a $32 million contract awarded by the U.S. Space Force, from its launch site in Mahia, New Zealand. The spacecraft will participate in a military exercise focused on rapidly identifying and characterizing potential threats in space. The Victus Haze mission is part of the Space Force's Tactically Responsive Space program, which aims to prove commercial providers can launch spacecraft on military timelines while performing sophisticated missions. The exercise builds on lessons from the 2023 Victus Nox demonstration and seeks to transform responsive launch into an operational military capability.

💡 The Victus Haze mission showcases the Space Force's ability to rapidly deploy spacecraft capable of maneuvering, inspecting, and characterizing objects in orbit, a crucial capability for future conflicts where satellites may need to be quickly replaced or deployed.

spacenews.com · Jun 23

NASA and Boeing still uncertain about when Starliner will return to flight

NASA and Boeing are uncertain about when the Starliner will return to flight, with safety advisers suggesting it could be up to a year before it flies again. The spacecraft experienced thruster failures on its approach to the International Space Station in June 2024, and an independent report found flawed decision-making and leadership by agency officials. NASA and Boeing are working to address technical issues and implement recommendations from the report, but have not provided significant updates since February. The Starliner-1 uncrewed mission's launch target is under review, with teams working to close final propulsion system issues. Progress has been made in addressing anomalies and organizational changes, but significant issues remain.

💡 The delay in Starliner's return to flight forces NASA to rely on alternative options, such as adding flights to SpaceX's commercial crew contract, to ensure continued access to the International Space Station. NASA's preparation for scenarios where Starliner does not return to service soon or at all underscores the uncertainty surrounding the program's future.

space.com · Jun 22

Could we actually terraform Mars? Scientists are trying to find out

Scientists are researching the possibility of terraforming Mars, transforming the planet into a more habitable place for humans. The research involves assessing the viability of warming Mars' atmosphere, identifying what it would take to make the planet suitable for life, and evaluating the costs and potential risks involved. A research blueprint has been drawn up, outlining several approaches to warming Mars, including the use of aerosols and solid-state greenhouse membranes. The goal is to create sustainable habitats and biospheres beyond Earth, extending human life beyond the planet.

💡 The possibility of terraforming Mars raises fundamental questions about the future of human existence. By exploring the feasibility of warming the Red Planet, scientists are essentially asking whether humanity can become a multi-planetary species, securing its survival and potential for growth beyond Earth's boundaries.

spacenews.com · Jun 22

Astroscale raises funding to support growth strategy

Satellite servicing company Astroscale has secured 30.6 billion yen in funding to support its growth strategy, which involves transitioning from technology demonstrations to repeatable business. The company reported 11.5 billion yen in project income for its 2026 fiscal year, nearly double the 6.1 billion yen recorded in 2025. Astroscale is projecting steady revenue growth, but expects operating losses to remain similar to the previous fiscal year. The company is developing several missions, including refueling and end-of-life disposal of satellites, and aims to establish a supply capacity capable of supporting repeatable business.

💡 The funding boost will enable Astroscale to accelerate its shift towards commercial work, particularly among defense customers, and establish a long-term competitive advantage in the emerging field of on-orbit servicing. By securing repeatable business opportunities, Astroscale can move closer to its goal of making on-orbit servicing commonplace by 2030 and transitioning to a stable and highly profitable business model.