Lichtenau-based ATMOS Space Cargo (ATMOS), a German space logistics startup, has been awarded €13.1M in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator.
This EU programme, part of Horizon Europe, supports “high-impact innovations” with the potential to create or transform markets.
The total funding includes a €2.5M EIC grant, €5.3M in EIC fund equity, and €5.3M from private investors.
This funding comes after ATMOS announced the first test flight of its PHOENIX 1 capsule, set to launch on SpaceX’s Bandwagon-3 mission no earlier than April 2025.
Capital utilisation
The funding will help ATMOS enhance its engineering and testing capabilities, speeding up the development of its PHOENIX 2 capsule.
A key condition requires the company to conduct two PHOENIX 2 flights within a set timeframe, aligning with its plan for full-scale commercial deployment.
Additionally, in December 2024, ATMOS secured a contract for seven re-entry missions with Space Cargo Unlimited through 2027, strengthening its role in space logistics.
Marta Oliveira, co-founder & COO of ATMOS, says, “Receiving this funding marks a significant milestone for the entire ATMOS team as it underscores the strong support for the technology we are developing.”
“It plays a crucial role in advancing the PHOENIX 2 capsule and reinforces our commitment to making reusable space logistics a reality in the coming years.”
ATMOS Space Cargo: Everything you need to know
ATMOS Space Cargo develops advanced technology for returning cargo from space, supporting microgravity research, commercial payloads, and spacecraft reusability.
The company connects Earth and low Earth orbit, promoting industrial innovation with sustainable solutions. Its PHOENIX capsule serves as a versatile logistics platform for transporting goods between Earth and space.
ATMOS’ PHOENIX return capsule is a vehicle designed to transport various payloads. The first version can carry up to 100 kg, with future models planned for heavier loads, including rocket stages.
Using inflatable heat shield technology, PHOENIX enhances mission capabilities, enabling microgravity exposure from three hours to three months while lowering return costs. This makes in-space manufacturing and microgravity research more accessible to industries such as life sciences, biotechnology, defence, and institutional sectors.
The company is actively developing an inflatable heat shield to enable the return of entire rocket stages from space. This project is part of the ICARUS consortium, backed by the European Commission and established in February 2024.
01
10 years of Dutch Startup Visa dreams: A look back with Denis Chernobaev