US Army Will Be Able to Request Packages from Orbit

Sierra Space has successfully tested the Ghost capsule, designed for rapid delivery of cargo to any point on Earth. The system allows supplies to be delivered in 90 minutes from orbit.

The concept involves placing capsules in orbit for up to five years. The military can activate a cargo drop on demand, creating an orbital warehouse effect.

Testing was conducted as part of the US Space Command's Apollo Nexus exercises. These were the first tests of the technology in nearly two years.

• The capsule was dropped from high-altitude balloons at altitudes of approximately 11 and 21 km
• A radio station and a bottle of whiskey were placed inside to test durability
• The goal was to confirm the integrity of fragile electronics and liquids after reentry

The US Air Force Research Laboratory is already exploring ways to increase the capsule's payload capacity. Details about the test results are available on the Aviation Week website.

Sierra Space Ghost reentry vehicle logistics test