VivaTech 2026: Space race hits new heights with reusable technology • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Atmos Space Cargo: A European aerospace company specializing in reusable space capsules for cargo return.
• IAD (Inflatable Atmospheric Decelerator): A technology acting as both a heat shield and a parachute to safely return cargo from orbit.
• In-Space Manufacturing: The production of materials, pharmaceuticals, and research payloads in microgravity environments.
• Retro Propulsion: A method of slowing down a spacecraft using engine thrust; contrasted with IADs for sustainability.
• Space Infrastructure: The shift in the space industry from exploration-only to a commercial ecosystem requiring logistics and return capabilities.

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1. Company Overview and Mission

Atmos Space Cargo, often referred to as the "FedEx of space," focuses on the logistics of returning cargo from orbit to Earth. The company is currently developing the Phoenix 2, a "free flyer" next-generation vehicle. Their primary mission is to provide a reliable, reusable return service for research conducted in microgravity, such as life sciences and advanced material development.

• Key Client: Space Cargo Unlimited, which integrates payloads for microgravity research.
• Reusability Goal: The capsules are designed to be reused up to five times, significantly reducing costs and increasing flight cadence.

2. Technical Methodology: Inflatable Atmospheric Decelerators (IADs)

Marta Oliveira emphasizes that sustainability is a core pillar of their engineering. Atmos utilizes IADs rather than traditional retro propulsion.

• Mechanism: The IAD functions as a large, inflatable heat shield combined with a parachute system.
• Sustainability Argument: Oliveira argues that IADs leave a much smaller environmental footprint compared to retro propulsion, which requires additional fuel and complex engine systems to slow down a craft during reentry.

3. The European Space Identity and Market Strategy

Atmos is a Franco-German company with a pan-European identity. Oliveira highlights that Europe does not need to replicate the "SpaceX model" (which relies heavily on individual billionaire funding) but should instead focus on:

• Institutional Support: Using programs like the European Innovation Council Accelerator and acting as "anchor customers" to provide stability.
• Scaling: Leveraging Europe’s existing talent and resources to build a diverse ecosystem of companies across launch, manufacturing, and defense.
• Funding Reality: Despite the company’s success—having raised over €35 million—Oliveira notes that the fundraising process was difficult, taking an entire year to secure their seed round.

4. The Future of Space Infrastructure

The industry is transitioning into an era of "space infrastructure." As commercial activity in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) increases, the demand for return capacity becomes critical.

• AI Integration: Artificial Intelligence is identified as a key tool for future operations, specifically for autonomous operations and conflict avoidance in crowded orbital paths, where AI can process large data sets more efficiently than manual systems.
• The "Return" Challenge: Oliveira identifies the ability to bring value created in orbit back to Earth as one of the most significant and exciting challenges in modern rocket science.

5. Diversity and Inclusion

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Oliveira acknowledges that being in the minority is a challenge, but she views the current trend as positive.

• Growth: Atmos has successfully increased its percentage of female employees.
• Encouragement: She believes there has never been a better time for women to enter the space sector, citing the rapid evolution of the industry as a prime opportunity for new talent.

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Synthesis and Conclusion

The interview highlights a pivotal shift in the space industry: the move from government-led exploration to a commercial, infrastructure-based economy. Atmos Space Cargo positions itself as a vital link in this chain by solving the "return ticket" problem. By prioritizing sustainable technology like IADs and advocating for institutional support over individual billionaire reliance, Atmos aims to establish Europe as a global champion in the space logistics market. The core takeaway is that the future of space exploration relies as much on the mundane, essential logistics of cargo return as it does on the initial launch.