Atmos and ARX Robotics Form Space Defense Alliance

Insider Brief

• ATMOS Space Cargo and ARX Robotics have formed a strategic alliance to integrate orbital re-entry logistics with autonomous unmanned ground systems, aimed at enhancing Europe’s civil and defense logistical capabilities.
• The alliance will link ATMOS’ PHOENIX re-entry capsules with ARX’s modular UGVs and Mithra OS to enable rapid deployment of unmanned systems for disaster relief, reconnaissance, and defense missions.
• ATMOS launched PHOENIX 1 in April 2025 and plans to launch PHOENIX 2 in 2026; the partnership is further supported by J14 European Resilience and aligns with NATO readiness goals.

PRESS RELEASE – 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 defense 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 Defense 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.