A NEW PARTNER
FOR THE NEXT STEP
WITH PHOENIX 2
ATMOS SPACE CARGO AND ISPTECH
PARTNER TO EQUIP PHOENIX 2
CAPSULE WITH HyNOx PROPULSION SYSTEM
Lichtenau
We have reached an important milestone in the development of our re-entry technology. We are partnering with propulsion specialist ISPTech to integrate the HyNOx propulsion system into PHOENIX 2, our next capsule generation, enabling enhanced maneuverability and precision de-orbit capabilities for future missions starting in 2026.
Following our first orbital mission with PHOENIX 1, we collected valuable real-world data that now shapes the design and mission architecture of PHOENIX 2. A key upgrade: onboard propulsion. Integrating a propulsion module gives us greater control over when and where we de-orbit – a crucial capability for precise splashdowns, improved mission flexibility, and scaling our return services for scientific, commercial, and dual-use applications.
A Head Start on PHOENIX 2
Propulsion
Over a year ago, while we were preparing our prototype for its first flight, we initiated a comprehensive feasibility study with ISPTech, supported by their engineering team, to evaluate the integration of a propulsion unit into PHOENIX.
After a rigorous trade-off analysis of potential providers and configurations, we selected ISPTech based on technological readiness, location, responsiveness, and strategic fit as a fellow European space company in the proximity.
Post-Flight Developments:
Optimizing for De-orbit
The propulsion system, based on ISPTech’s HyNOx platform, is developed using non-toxic propellants, additive manufacturing, and robust production cycles. Together with ISPTech, we are now co-developing an avionics system to create the de-orbiting abilities of PHOENIX 2, including sequencing, de-orbit burns, and attitude control.
“This collaboration is a major enabler for our next mission. ISPTech’s propulsion systems offer the reliability, maturity, and speed we need to evolve our capsule and expand our return logistics capabilities for Europe and beyond.”
Sebastian Klaus, CEO of ATMOS Space Cargo
Over the past months, our teams have worked side by side on propulsion architecture, design integration, and system optimization.
Our insights from PHOENIX 1 are already guiding our mission planning and GNC integration (short for: Guidance, Navigation and Control, which includes all systems controlling the movement of our spacecraft). We are currently finalizing the thruster configuration for PHOENIX 2 through an iterative process of calculations, design, and analysis in collaboration with ISPTech.
Roadmap to Flight-Readiness: Testing from Subcomponents to System
Once we have finalized an optimized configuration we will proceed through a structured testing campaign, building and testing on a subcomponents to subsystem to system level.
In short: The months ahead will be focused on a lot of testing.
Subcomponent Testing
First, we will validate propulsion subcomponents by combining ISPTech hardware with our avionics and software.
Subsystem-Level Testing
In this phase, all subcomponents will be combined into a set configuration and tested together. We will operate the thrusters in cold gas and hot gas modes to validate our calculations, design and analysis and verify software algorithms we programmed for the propulsion system.
System-Level Testing
Our final system-level testing phase will involve all subsystems integrated into one capsule, including hardware-in-the-loop simulations, leak checks, vibration tests, and thermal vacuum validation. This will lead up to a flight-ready system.
Building Strategic Capability for Europe
This development phase supported by our partnership with ISPTech strengthens our technical capabilities and reinforces our mission to build a sovereign, scalable, and strategic return logistics infrastructure for Europe – one that is ready to meet the demands of life sciences, in-orbit manufacturing, and dual-use space operations.