ATMOS Space Cargo: Company Profile

Background

Overview

ATMOS Space Cargo is a European aerospace company specializing in the development and operation of space logistics and return capabilities. Founded in 2021, the company is headquartered in Lichtenau, Germany, with an additional office in Strasbourg, France. ATMOS focuses on providing controlled, repeatable access to orbit and secure return to Earth, transforming spaceflight from one-off missions into dependable operations.

Mission and Vision

ATMOS aims to build sovereign space infrastructure that strengthens Europe's long-term autonomy and accountable access to space. The company's vision is to establish a reliable, sustainable, and responsible space logistics platform, enabling routine access to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and facilitating the return of payloads to Earth.

Primary Area of Focus

ATMOS specializes in developing reusable spacecraft and return logistics systems, with a particular emphasis on the PHOENIX series of return capsules. These capsules are designed to safely and efficiently return scientific, commercial, and dual-use payloads from space, addressing the growing need for in-orbit research and manufacturing capabilities.

Industry Significance

As the demand for in-orbit research and manufacturing increases, ATMOS plays a crucial role in providing the necessary infrastructure for payload return services. By offering reliable and cost-effective solutions for returning materials from space, ATMOS supports advancements in life sciences, materials science, and other sectors that benefit from microgravity environments.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Sovereign Space Infrastructure: Develop and operate European space logistics and return capabilities to enhance autonomy and accountability in space operations.

• Routine Access to Orbit: Provide controlled, repeatable access to LEO, enabling continuous in-orbit operations for governments and industry.

• Payload Return Services: Offer safe and efficient return of payloads from space, supporting a wide range of applications, including scientific research and in-orbit manufacturing.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Reusable Spacecraft: Design and manufacture the PHOENIX series of return capsules, capable of carrying payloads up to 100 kilograms.

• Inflatable Atmospheric Decelerators (IADs): Develop innovative IAD technology that serves as both a heat shield and a high-velocity parachute, facilitating controlled re-entry and recovery.

Key Technologies Utilized

• PHOENIX Return Capsules: Reusable spacecraft designed for the return of payloads from space to Earth.

• Inflatable Atmospheric Decelerators (IADs): Technology that acts as a heat shield and parachute, enabling safe re-entry and recovery of payloads.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Life Sciences Research: Facilitate the return of biological samples and experiments conducted in microgravity environments.

• Materials Science: Support the return of materials and products manufactured in space for analysis and commercialization.

• In-Orbit Manufacturing: Enable the return of components and products created in space for further development and use on Earth.

Financials and Funding

Total Funds Raised

ATMOS Space Cargo has secured over €18 million in funding to date.

Recent Funding Rounds

• February 2024: Raised an additional €1.3 million, bringing the total funding to over €18 million.

• June 2023: Completed a €4 million seed funding round led by High-Tech Gründerfonds and the Amadeus APEX Technology Fund, with participation from Seraphim, E2MC, VENTIS, and another.vc.

Notable Investors

• High-Tech Gründerfonds: A German venture capital firm supporting innovative technology startups.

• Amadeus APEX Technology Fund: A venture capital fund investing in deep-tech companies.

• Seraphim Capital: A venture capital firm specializing in space technology investments.

• E2MC: An investment firm focusing on early-stage technology companies.

• VENTIS: A venture capital firm supporting high-growth companies.

• another.vc: A venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are allocated towards expanding operations, advancing the development of the PHOENIX return capsules, and supporting upcoming missions, including the first demonstration flight scheduled for the end of 2024.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• PHOENIX 1 Capsule: The first prototype capsule, designed to carry payloads up to 100 kilograms.

• PHOENIX 2 Capsule: An advanced version under development, capable of handling larger payloads and extended missions.

Stages of Product Development

• PHOENIX 1: Completed its first test flight on April 21, 2025, demonstrating the capsule's re-entry and recovery capabilities.

• PHOENIX 2: Currently in development, with plans for its first mission in 2026.

Target Conditions

• Microgravity Research: Facilitate the return of experiments conducted in microgravity environments.

• In-Orbit Manufacturing: Support the return of materials and products manufactured in space.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

• End of 2024: First demonstration flight of the PHOENIX 1 capsule.

• 2026: First mission of the PHOENIX 2 capsule, in collaboration with Space Cargo Unlimited.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Inflatable Atmospheric Decelerators (IADs): Innovative technology that serves as both a heat shield and a high-velocity parachute, enabling safe re-entry and recovery of payloads.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Modular Space Systems: Development of open-source and modular space systems to promote replicable and reliable scientific results for autonomous control of spacecraft.

Leadership Team

Sebastian Klaus: Co-Founder and CEO. Holds an MSc in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on atmospheric re-entry and reusable rocket engines. Former officer in the German Armed Forces Special Forces (KSK).

Marta Oliveira: Co-Founder and COO. Aerospace engineer with experience at NASA, ESA, and CNES. Holds double MSc degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Space Studies.

Jeffrey Hendrikse: Co-Founder and CTO. Over 24 years of experience in European and international space missions, including roles at Airbus Defence & Space. Background in Applied Physics and human spaceflight.

Dr.-Ing. Christian Grimm: Co-Founder and Chief Engineering Officer. Over 14 years of experience in aerospace engineering, with a PhD in Production Engineering. Former test engineer and researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Leadership Changes

No significant leadership changes have been reported in the recent past.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for space logistics and payload return services is expanding, driven by increased interest in in-orbit research and manufacturing. As the International Space Station approaches decommissioning by 2030, there is a growing need for independent access to orbital microgravity platforms.

Competitor Analysis

• Varda Space Industries: U.S.-based company developing in-space manufacturing and return capabilities.

• Inversion Space: Aerospace and defense technology startup focusing on space-based delivery vehicles.

• The Exploration Company: European company developing reusable spacecraft for missions to LEO and lunar orbit.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

• Space Cargo Unlimited: Partnered to establish Europe's first fully commercial two-way orbital logistics service, combining PHOENIX 2 with Space Cargo Unlimited's BentoBox microgravity platform.