TheTechno Optimist.

Atmos Space Cargo—Atmos Space Cargo raises €25.7 million Series A to deploy PHOENIX 2 fleet

Atmos Space Cargo

European orbital return, PHOENIX capsule

DE$31M est. privateest. 2021atmos-space-cargo.com (opens atmos-space-cargo.com)Checked 10 Oct

The brief

Analyst view
  • PHOENIX 1 flew in April 2025, deploying an inflatable heat shield in orbit and splashing down in the South Atlantic.
  • Series A funding of €25.7 million in April 2026 will deploy a three-vehicle PHOENIX 2 fleet and expand into government contracts.
  • Targets routine orbital cargo recovery using reusable inflatable heat shields, competing with point-to-point air cargo logistics.

Technical approach

As reported
Heat Shield

Inflatable atmospheric decelerator

PHOENIX deploys an inflatable heat shield to slow descent, replacing ceramic tiles with a lighter reusable system.

Logistics

Circular orbital infrastructure

Multiple vehicles cycle continuously: launch with payload, operate in orbit, and return to Earth on a fixed schedule.

Reusability

Fleet operations

A fleet of PHOENIX vehicles enables regular departure and return windows like airlift services.

Primer