We are thrilled to announce that our portfolio company, ATMOS Space Cargo, is set to make history as the first private European entity to attempt space re-entry. Their innovative PHOENIX capsule is scheduled to launch aboard SpaceX’s Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission in April 2025.
This mission aims to achieve a remarkable down mass efficiency ratio of 1:2, significantly surpassing current industry standards. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted a positive payload determination for the PHOENIX capsule in January 2025, marking a significant regulatory milestone for ATMOS.
The PHOENIX capsule features a pioneering Inflatable Heat Shield, which inflates in orbit to decelerate the spacecraft early during re-entry from orbital speeds (~7800 m/s) down to acceptable speeds for a controlled water landing without parachutes. This shield combines advanced aerodynamics with cutting-edge thermal materials to protect sensitive payloads from extreme heat while maintaining flight stability with low accelerations.
The upcoming test flight will carry four diverse payloads, including biological experiments and technological demonstrations in microgravity. Notably, the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine will be testing its M-42 radiation detector to measure the radiation environment in space.
This mission represents a significant leap forward in space logistics and re-entry technology. We are proud to support ATMOS Space Cargo as they pave the way for more efficient and sustainable space operations.
“Our first test flight is what the team at ATMOS has been working towards relentlessly. I am proud to lead this mission at such a crucial moment for Europe. Our space industry needs disruptive innovation to compete on a global scale. While all eyes are on this first test flight, we are already developing the next generation of reusable spacecraft, enabling breakthroughs for biomedical research, factories in orbit, and space transportation.” Sebastian Klaus, CEO and Co-Founder of ATMOS Space Cargo
