# AFRL Tests Rocket Cargo at Cape Canaveral

On October 20, 2026, the Air Force Research Laboratory tested Rocket Cargo equipment aboard a SpaceX Starfall capsule launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The demonstration is assessing cargo-environment conditions and agile cargo-pod designs for point-to-point delivery; the report identifies no contract award, solicitation, funding value, or procurement timeline.

- The test highlights technical areas relevant to potential future Rocket Cargo requirements, including cargo performance in the capsule environment and adaptable pod design.
- Space and logistics contractors can use the demonstration’s stated focus areas to assess whether their launch, cargo-pod, and delivery capabilities align with the program’s technical direction.
- No active procurement opportunity or deadline is identified, so the test should be treated as technology-development activity rather than an announced solicitation.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Transportation
**Published:** October 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

### Vendors
- SpaceX (Launch service provider and capsule operator)

### Sources
- [AFRL Rocket Cargo Concept Tested on SpaceX Starfall Capsule - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/afrl-rocket-cargo-concept-tested-on-spacex-starfall-capsule/space) - Defense Daily