ATMOS Space Cargo, a space logistics startup based in Lichtenau, Germany, has announced a strategic alliance with ARX Robotics, a company specialised in autonomous unmanned ground systems (UGVs).
This partnership aims to integrate orbital re-entry logistics with autonomous unmanned systems (UxS).
This partnership will improve Europe’s ability to respond quickly to critical situations, such as disaster relief and defence operations.
In April 2025, ATMOS launched the first iteration of its re-entry capsule, PHOENIX 1, into space and conducted a re-entry mission.
The company plans to launch PHOENIX 2, its next-generation capsule, in 2026, further advancing its scalable, autonomous return logistics platform.
New standards for flexible and automated logistics solutions
ATMOS is expanding its European network of launch providers by teaming up with ARX’s defense technology network, UXS Alliance.
Together, they are creating new standards for flexible and automated logistics solutions, making Europe a leader in innovation and resilience.
The integration of PHOENIX, ATMOS’s orbital re-entry capsule, with ARX Robotics’ modular unmanned systems, opens up new mission profiles.
On the ground, ARX’s Mithra OS coordinates the deployment and operation of these systems and connects them with unmanned assets in the sea and air domains.
PHOENIX will act as an active space depot, quickly deploying ARX and partner autonomous systems in just minutes. This provides fast response times anywhere on Earth.
With its flexible platforms and software-based design, ARX allows for customised deployments, now also available in space.
As a result, combining the technologies of both companies creates many possible uses, including:
- Rapid Disaster Response
- Reconnaissance Missions
- Defense and Security Operations
ATMOS Space Cargo: Building a sustainable return logistics platform
ATMOS Space Cargo is a European space company building a sustainable return logistics platform to transport cargo from Low Earth Orbit back to Earth.
The company’s core technology, the PHOENIX capsule, enables the safe and efficient return of scientific, commercial, and dual-use payloads from space.
PHOENIX features an innovative Inflatable Heat Shield developed by ATMOS, allowing the controlled return of cargo of various sizes, from small payloads up to 100 kg to multi-tonne rocket stages.
Sebastian Klaus, CEO of ATMOS Space Cargo, says, “This newly formed Space Defence Alliance with ARX Robotics underscores our commitment to strengthening European resilience and autonomy. By integrating orbital capabilities with advanced robotics, we are equipping Europe with unprecedented rapid-response infrastructure. This is a new standard for safety, innovation, and cooperation.”
ARX Robotics: Strengthening Europe’s defence autonomy
Founded by Marc Wietfeld, Stefan Roebel, and Maximilian Wied, ARX Robotics is a venture capital-financed startup in the field of defence tech.
It specialises in autonomous unmanned ground systems with scalable hardware and software architectures.
The company’s offering in mobile robotics includes the world’s first independent AI-powered operating system for legacy vehicles, ARX Mithra OS.
It helps militaries increase their operational efficiency and enhance situational awareness as they modernise their fleets.
“Forming this alliance and developing this groundbreaking platform with ATMOS allows us to store and deploy autonomous unmanned technologies from orbit rapidly and flexibly, at any time and to any place in the world. This significantly expands European military-strategic capabilities and operational possibilities for NATO forces. This partnership is a clear statement for the multidimensional future of European resilience. It contributes directly to NATO readiness by enabling allied forces to act faster, further, and with greater autonomy than ever before,” adds Marc Wietfeld, CEO of ARX Robotics.
Last month, the defence tech startup secured €31M in a Series A funding round led by HV Capital to strengthen its leadership in modular, AI-powered ground robotics.
01
Celebrating 20 years of driving ‘High-Tech’ innovation: Berlin to host HTGF Family Day 2025; 4 reasons to join