Latest news with #Phoenix1
Fox News
18-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Space capsule marks milestone for bringing cargo back from orbit
While the United States has long been a leader in space exploration and commercial launches, Europe is now making significant strides of its own. Recently, a major milestone was achieved when Atmos Space Cargo, a European startup, successfully completed the first orbital test flight of its Phoenix 1 re-entry space capsule. This mission, which launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as part of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare, marks a new chapter in global space logistics. By demonstrating that Europe can develop and operate advanced return technology, Atmos is helping to make space more accessible and efficient for researchers, businesses and innovators on both sides of the Atlantic. This achievement signals the arrival of a new player in the space return market and opens the door to greater collaboration and competition in the rapidly growing field of commercial space logistics. Phoenix 1 launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, as part of the Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission. After reaching a 45-degree inclination orbit, the capsule completed one full trip around Earth. A carefully timed de-orbit maneuver then sent Phoenix 1 back toward the planet. During its descent, the capsule deployed an innovative inflatable heat shield, a technology designed by Atmos to protect the capsule during the intense heat and friction of reentry. As Phoenix 1 reentered Earth's atmosphere, it transmitted critical system and payload data to ground stations in South America. The capsule splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,240 miles off the Brazilian coast. Because of the remote landing location, recovery of the capsule was not planned. However, the mission's main objectives were met, and the data collected is now being analyzed to inform future missions. The success of Phoenix 1 establishes Atmos as the fastest-moving private space logistics company in Europe to conduct an orbital return mission. This achievement demonstrates that Europe is on the path to developing independent, sovereign return capabilities. It also shows that private industry can lead the way in building essential space infrastructure. Atmos' rapid prototyping approach allowed the team to develop, qualify and fly Phoenix 1 in less than a year. This speed is almost unheard of in the space industry and highlights the company's commitment to innovation and hands-on problem-solving. The mission also proved that multinational collaboration is possible, as teams from around Europe worked together to achieve a common goal. The Phoenix 1 mission had several core objectives. The team aimed to collect in-flight data from the capsule and its subsystems while in orbit. The mission also carried scientific and commercial payloads, including technology demonstrators and biological experiments from partners such as Frontier Space, Imperial College London, DLR and IDDK. Another key goal was to deploy and test the inflatable heat shield under real reentry conditions. Although some data from the final stage of descent could not be retrieved due to the splashdown location, the mission still provided valuable insights. The data received from the capsule has already contributed to the development of Phoenix 2, the next-generation capsule planned for launch in 2026. The inflatable heat shield is a breakthrough in reentry technology. Traditional capsules rely on heavy, single-use heat shields or parachutes to survive reentry. Atmos' design is lighter, more efficient and potentially reusable, which could dramatically reduce the cost and complexity of returning cargo from space. Atmos' development philosophy is based on rapid prototyping and real-world testing. The team believes in building and testing hardware quickly, learning from each iteration and making improvements based on real data rather than relying solely on simulations. This approach allowed Phoenix 1 to go from concept to space in record time. Atmos is already working on Phoenix 2, which will include its own propulsion system. This upgrade will allow the capsule to control its reentry trajectory and choose its splashdown zone, making recovery much easier and more practical. The company's vision is to create a flexible, cost-efficient and reliable logistics platform for space, supporting both commercial and institutional missions. With a payload efficiency of 1:2, Phoenix already offers the highest mass efficiency on the market. This opens new opportunities for microgravity research, in-space manufacturing and biotechnology. The technology will also support Europe's defense sector and strengthen the continent's independent space infrastructure. The success of Phoenix 1 is not just a technical achievement for engineers and scientists. It has the potential to assist with many aspects of everyday life. Faster and more affordable access to space means that new technologies, medicines and materials can be developed and tested in microgravity and then brought back to Earth for use. Universities, startups and small companies will have more opportunities to conduct experiments in space without the high costs and long wait times that have been barriers in the past. Atmos Space Cargo's growing space capabilities could also lead to new jobs, investment and technological leadership. Phoenix 1's successful mission is a sign that space is becoming more accessible and that innovation is happening at an unprecedented pace. By proving that rapid development and new ideas can work in the challenging environment of space, Atmos Space Cargo is paving the way for a future where space logistics are as routine as shipping goods across continents. The next generation of breakthroughs in science and technology may very well start their journey with a ride on a capsule like Phoenix. Do you think the United States should accelerate its own space return technology to stay ahead, or is international competition good for innovation? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
See photos snapped in space by Europe's 1st private reentry capsule
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A European reentry capsule notched some important milestones on its first-ever spaceflight last week — and took some photos to commemorate the trip. Phoenix 1, a prototype spacecraft built by German company Atmos Space Cargo, rode to the final frontier on April 21 via SpaceX's Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission. Phoenix 1 was tasked with demonstrating some key reentry tech, such as the capsule's inflatable heat shield. Atmos also aimed to collect information about the flight and record scientific data from the customer experiments that flew aboard Phoenix 1 as well. All of these objectives were indeed met during the flight, according to Atmos. "Phoenix 1 was a milestone mission that showcased the incredible capabilities of our team," Marta Oliveira, Atmos' co-founder and chief operating officer, said in an April 23 update. "This mission proves that we're not only solving the technical challenge of re-entry — we're laying the groundwork for a future where space is accessible, testable and impactful for innovation here on Earth." That update included two photos of Phoenix 1 in space. In one image, it's still attached to the Falcon 9 rocket's upper stage; in the other, the capsule has just separated and started its return to Earth. Phoenix 1 reentered Earth's atmosphere southeast of the Brazilian coast about two hours after launch, according to update. The capsule splashed down in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,240 miles (2,000 kilometers) offshore. Atmos could not retrieve data from the final stages of Phoenix 1's descent; the company didn't recover the capsule and said in the update that it hadn't planned to, given how far out to sea the craft landed. Related stories: — SpaceX launches European reentry capsule on 'Bandwagon-3' rideshare mission (video) — Private Varda Space capsule returns to Earth with space-grown antiviral drug aboard — Off-Earth manufacturing could help astronauts explore the moon and Mars Atmos says it developed the Phoenix 1 pathfinder in less than a year. The recently completed mission will help the company build Phoenix 2, which is expected to launch in 2026 and will be more capable than its predecessor. "Atmos' current roadmap for Phoenix 2 confirms to feature its own propulsion system, enabling the capsule to choose its reentry trajectory and splashdown zone, enabling swift recovery," the company wrote in the April 23 update. Over the longer haul, Atmos aims to provide customers with a cost-effective and efficient way to bring valuable materials from space down to Earth. "Our mission is to revolutionize space logistics, enabling groundbreaking advancements in microgravity research, in-orbit manufacturing, defense applications and life sciences," the company's website reads.
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Pics: SpaceX Rocket Creates Stunning Nebula-Like Glow During Return To Earth
New Delhi: The Florida skies lit up in the early hours of Monday when a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket created a glowing, cloud-like trail during its return to Earth. The spectacle came after Elon Musk's SpaceX launched its 32nd uncrewed cargo mission (CRS-32) to the International Space Station. As the rocket's first stage separated from the second stage and began heading back to land, it performed a special maneuver called a "boostback burn." This burn, done high in the atmosphere, changed the rocket's course and produced a burst of engine exhaust that glowed against the pre-dawn sky, making it look like a colourful space nebula. SpaceX shared the pictures of the spectacle on X. Falcon 9 launches the Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission to orbit from Florida — SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 22, 2025 Though such sights often occur during Falcon 9 landings at Cape Canaveral's Landing Zones 1 and 2, each one is different, shaped by timing, altitude, and weather. The mission launched from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and wrapped up with a smooth landing just a few km away at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This launch marked SpaceX's third Falcon 9 rocket launch in less than 48 hours, sending a batch of satellites into space as part of the Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission. This was SpaceX's 245th orbital launch from Cape Canaveral and the 300th overall from that site. One of the key payloads on this flight was Phoenix 1, a small reentry capsule built by German company Atmos Space Cargo. If all goes to plan, it will splash down in the Atlantic Ocean about 2000 km off the coast of Brazil after circling the Earth once. This would make it the first-ever reentry mission by a European company, according to Atmos. "Our mission is to revolutionise space logistics, enabling groundbreaking advancements in microgravity research, in-orbit manufacturing, defence applications and life sciences," the company says on its website. SpaceX used a Falcon 9 booster numbered B1090 for the flight. This was the booster's third launch.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SpaceX launches European reentry capsule on 'Bandwagon-3' rideshare mission
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. SpaceX just sent a pioneering European capsule to the final frontier. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida today (April 21) at 8:48 p.m. EDT (0048 GMT on April 22), on a rideshare mission that SpaceX calls Bandwagon-3. Among the payloads riding the Falcon 9 is Phoenix 1, a reentry capsule built by German company Atmos Space Cargo. If all goes to plan, Phoenix 1 will come back to Earth soon, splashing down in the Atlantic about 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) off the coast of Brazil after a single circuit of our planet. It's the first reentry mission ever conducted by a European company, according to Atmos. The goal is to test the Phoenix system's inflatable heat shield and other core technology, showing the craft can safely bring valuable cargo from space to Earth — something Atmos plans to do for a variety of customers in the near future. "Our mission is to revolutionize space logistics, enabling groundbreaking advancements in microgravity research, in-orbit manufacturing, defense applications and life sciences," the company's website reads. Bandwagon-3 is a rideshare mission, so Phoenix 1 wasn't alone on the Falcon 9. Also going up today were 425Sat-3, which will be operated by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development, and Tomorrow-S7, a satellite for the weather-forecasting outfit Tomorrow Companies Inc. Related stories: — SpaceX launches a record 143 satellites on one rocket, aces landing — SpaceX launches 30 satellites on Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission (video) — 8 ways SpaceX has transformed spaceflight The Bandwagon series, whose first two missions launched in April 2024 and December 2024, isn't SpaceX's only rideshare line. Elon Musk's company also operates a program called Transporter, which has 13 missions under its belt to date. The first Transporter flight sent 143 satellites to orbit in January 2021, a single-launch record that still stands.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Science
- Time of India
What is SpaceX Bandwagon-3, a mission taking payloads from three different countries
Image source: SpaceX On April 21, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This launch is a part of the Bandwagon-3 mission, which is a rideshare program of SpaceX. Much like a carpool in space, the mission allowed multiple small satellites and space technologies from different countries to share a single rocket ride into orbit, significantly cutting down the cost of access to space. The launch featured Germany's Phoenix 1 re-entry capsule , South Korea's 425Sat-3 military surveillance satellite, and the U.S.-based Tomorrow-S7 weather satellite , all riding aboard the same rocket. This mission marked a big leap not only in space logistics but also in international collaboration and private-sector innovation. What is Bandwagon-3's payload, Phoenix 1? A German capsule with a mission One of the most notable payloads on Bandwagon-3 was Phoenix 1, developed by the German company Atmos Space Cargo. This small capsule was designed to travel to space and safely return to Earth, something only a few space agencies and companies have accomplished. After orbiting Earth just once, Phoenix 1 is expected to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean, about 2,000 kilometres off the coast of Brazil. This mission marks the first-ever re-entry attempt by a private European company, making it a major achievement for the continent's commercial space industry. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo What is the real mission of Phoenix 1 Phoenix 1 isn't just making a round trip. It's here to test key technology. The main goal is to examine the performance of its inflatable heat shield, a crucial component for surviving the intense heat of Earth's atmosphere during re-entry. If successful, Phoenix 1 will pave the way for future capsules capable of bringing back scientific experiments, space-manufactured goods, and even military or medical materials. A chase plane will attempt to follow and film the re-entry, especially during the 'plasma blackout' — a moment when communication is lost due to the searing heat. Beyond Phoenix 1: Meet the other key satellites on Bandwagon-3 Bandwagon-3 wasn't just about Phoenix 1. Two other important satellites were onboard: 425Sat-3 from South Korea, a spy satellite, is part of the country's Korea 425 Project. It uses radar technology to capture high-resolution Earth images in all weather conditions and at any time, boosting national security and military surveillance. Tomorrow-S7 from U.S.-based is a tiny weather satellite that will monitor temperature and humidity in the atmosphere, even in severe weather. It's part of a larger effort to improve global weather forecasting through space-based data collection. Cost-effective rideshare: How the Bandwagon program works SpaceX's Bandwagon rideshare missions offer affordable access to orbit for smaller payloads, making it easier for startups, research groups, and national agencies to reach space. A base price of $300,000 covers a 50 kg payload, with additional space priced flexibly. Payloads are mounted on an ESPA ring, allowing for a variety of satellites to ride together, securely and efficiently. This shared launch model reflects a shift toward collaborative, low-cost space access, similar to carpooling on Earth, but in orbit. Building on momentum: Bandwagon and transporter missions Bandwagon-3 is the third launch in this specific rideshare series, following missions in April and December 2024. It runs alongside SpaceX's Transporter program, which made headlines in 2021 by launching a record 143 satellites in a single mission. Together, these programs have made SpaceX the go-to service for low-cost, high-frequency launches, reshaping the satellite industry. The bigger picture: Why Bandwagon-3 matters This mission represents more than just a successful launch. It's a demonstration of how far commercial spaceflight has come. From military reconnaissance to weather monitoring and space-to-Earth return capsules, Bandwagon-3 shows the vast range of services that modern rockets can support. Most importantly, it signals a future where space is more accessible, collaborative, and practical, not just for governments, but for private companies and research organisations around the world. If Phoenix 1's return goes as planned, it could spark a new era of reusable space cargo, making the journey to and from orbit more routine and more affordable than ever before.
