The company developed the new saucer-shaped reentry pod, called Starfall, under a veil of secrecy. Its purpose is to support the “transport and delivery of goods through space,” according to an environmental assessment published by the Federal Aviation Administration last month.

SpaceX launched its first-ever Starfall spacecraft, demonstrating the new vehicle's ability to operate in space and return safely back to Earth.

Today SpaceX deployed and demonstrated the Starfall low cost capsule return system. This a demo of a new vehicle that will enable affordable, routine access

SpaceX said the capsule could help businesses develop and manufacture products in space.

Live updates from the SpaceX Starfall demo mission, which launched 6:53 a.m. Tuesday, June 23 from Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX Starfall launches Tuesday from Cape Canaveral on its first demo flight — a disk-shaped reentry capsule that can return 1,000 kilograms from orbit, roughly 30 times more than current orbital manufacturing rivals,