NEW EUROPEAN
SPACE DEFENCE
ALLIANCE FORMED
ATMOS AND ARX ROBOTICS FORM
SPACE DEFENCE ALLIANCE TO
CREATE EUROPEAN PLATFORM FOR
ORBITAL READINESS
Press Release
↗ ATMOS and ARX Robotics to build the world’s first Orbit-to-Ground Deployment Platform
↗ Newly Formed Space Defence Alliance to link leading dual-use technology innovators with space industry
↗ ATMOS recently demonstrated its PHOENIX re-entry system with a first orbital mission; next generation capsule PHOENIX 2 launches in 2026
↗ The new platform adds integrated space defense capabilities to strengthen Europe’s operational readiness & infrastructure
Lichtenau & Munich, Germany – May 09, 2025 – ATMOS Space Cargo (ATMOS), a leading European space logistics startup, has formed a strategic alliance with ARX Robotics (ARX), a leader in autonomous unmanned ground systems (UGV), integrating orbital re-entry logistics with autonomous unmanned systems (UxS). This liaison will significantly enhance Europe’s civil and defence logistical capabilities for rapid and targeted intervention in critical scenarios ranging from immediate disaster relief to complex and integrated defense 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.
A New Space Defence Alliance –
built by private tech companies
Through this newly formed alliance, ATMOS expands its European network of launch providers by connecting with ARX’s dedicated defence technology innovators network, UXS Alliance. Together, ATMOS and ARX Robotics are setting new standards in responsive, versatile, and autonomous logistic solutions, positioning Europe at the forefront of global 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 serve as an active orbital depot, able to precisely deploy ARX’s and its partners’ autonomous systems within minutes, ensuring unmatched response times anywhere on the planet. With its modular platforms and software-defined architecture, ARX enables flexible, mission-specific deployment – now extended to orbital operations.
Joining both companies’ technological abilities generate a wide range of potential use cases, including:
Rapid Disaster Response: Immediate deployment of unmanned vehicles for search-and-rescue operations and critical infrastructure repair following natural disasters.
Reconnaissance Missions: Real-time intelligence gathering and environmental assessment in high-risk or inaccessible regions.
Defense and Security Operations: Efficient deployment of dual-use autonomous systems supporting ground operations, enhancing personnel safety, and improving situational awareness.
Core Advantages of Integrated
Space-to-Earth Logistics
Strategically, the use of space and orbital infrastructure significantly enhances European resilience. This capability is crucial in situations where traditional sea, land, or air connectivity is unavailable or compromised. Orbital logistics ensures Europe maintains operational autonomy and swift responsiveness in crisis situations, enabling rapid intervention even in isolated or difficult-to-reach regions.
A Liaison Growing Cross-Border
Technological Expansion in Europe
ATMOS has recently established a new French subsidiary in Strasbourg to expand its European partner network in preparation for upcoming missions to and from the European continent. With this new alliance it strengthens its growing network.
“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.”
Sebastian Klaus, CEO of ATMOS Space Cargo
ARX, which recently secured €31 million in Series A funding, has entered multiple European partnerships with notable defense companies such as Daimler Truck and confirmed expanding into the UK, where the company is already working with the British Army and the UK Ministry of Defence, with plans for a new headquarter and production facilities.
„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.”
Marc Wietfeld, CEO of ARX Robotics.
The alliance is further supported by a tactical investment from J14 European Resilience, a DefenseTech-focused investor network established by ARX shareholders Marc Wietfeld and Daniel Kirch. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing cutting-edge defense technologies and strengthening European resilience in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
About ATMOS Space Cargo
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.
ATMOS is building the infrastructure to establish sovereign access to and from space as an accessible, reliable, and strategic pillar of modern European infrastructure.
About ARX Robotics
ARX Robotics focuses on the digital transformation of land forces and the development of autonomous unmanned systems. With the ARX Robotic Framework, an innovative approach combining software-enabled hardware and modular platform structure, ARX leverages the transformative potential of robotics and artificial intelligence to reshape the capabilities and capacities for land forces. Furthermore, ARX Robotics uses its operating system, MITHRA OS, to digitally transform and modernize existing vehicle fleets. Mithra OS enables legacy vehicles to be turned into intelligent, connected units by integrating AI, sensor systems, and software-defined autonomy. ARX’s systems and technologies are deployed in several European armed forces and are currently in use in Ukraine. For more information, visit www.arx-robotics.com.