SAT-MOD-20240618-00138 [Jun 28, granted Oct 3]Attached chart shows four (S7, S8, S9, S10) 6U Tomorrow.io satellites (12Kg) on board this launch.
ATMOS Space Cargo announces the imminent test flight of its PHOENIX re-entry capsule to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on a confirmed SpaceX flight, NET April 2025.The capsule will complete two orbits around Earth before attempting its atmospheric re-entry.After completing a series of rigorous formal qualifications, ATMOS received a positive payload determination from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in January 2025. This milestone makes ATMOS the first private company in Europe to receive such authorization and the first non-governmental entity in European history to attempt space re-entry. SpaceX confirmed the implementation of PHOENIX on its upcoming Bandwagon-3 mission.This testflight of the PHOENIX mission is the first of a planned series of orbital flights designed to refine ATMOS’ groundbreaking technology, ultimately shaping the future of commercial re-entry systems.FIRST FLIGHT MISSION OBJECTIVESThe primary goal of the PHOENIX 1 prototype’s inaugural flight is to gather critical data on the capsule and its innovative Inflatable Heat Shield. The mission aims to accelerate the development of a versatile and robust re-entry platform for commercial applications.ATMOS outlines three core objectives for the prototype’s test flight:1. Collecting in-flight data from the capsule and sub-components in orbit.2. Gathering scientific data from customer payloads carrying technology demonstrators and biological experiments.3. Successfully deploying and stabilizing the Inflatable Heat Shield during atmospheric re-entry.The mission is expected to conclude with the prototype’s demise during re-entry, providing valuable flight data for the next iteration of this platform – the PHOENIX 2 capsule.PHOENIX INNOVATIVE RE-ENTRY TECHNOLOGYATMOS’ PHOENIX return capsule represents cutting-edge innovation in space, designed to transport payloads of various sizes and weights. The initial iteration of the capsule is capable of carrying up to 100 kg. Future versions are planned to handle larger scale orbital supplies of several tonnes, including rocket stages. The PHOENIX capsule features a pioneering Inflatable Heat Shield, which inflates in orbit to decelerate the spacecraft early during re-entry from orbital speeds (~7800 m/s) all the way down to acceptable speeds for a controlled water landing without parachutes. This shield combines advanced aerodynamics with cutting-edge thermal materials to protect sensitive payloads from extreme heat while maintaining flight stability with low accelerations.The PHOENIX platform offers the highest payload efficiency on the market of 1:2, significantly enhancing mission capabilities for microgravity exposure ranging from three hours to three months. Its unique payload capacity is reducing existing downmass costs, thereby opening access to microgravity and in-space manufacturing for a wide range of industries and applications. Target customers for this platform include organizations in life sciences, biotechnology, in-space manufacturing, defense, and institutional sectors.In December 2024, ATMOS already secured a commercial contract for 7 re-entry missions until 2027.INAUGURAL PAYLOADS The inaugural testflight will carry four diverse payloads, including biological experiments and technological demonstrations in microgravity. The first payload customers to be communicated are: • DLR (Germany): German Aerospace Center – Institute of Aerospace Medicine: Developing radiation detectors for space missions. Their M-42 radiation detector will measure the radiation environment during orbit. • IDDK (Japan): Develops space laboratories for biological and life science experiments, specialized by its patented one-chip microscopic observation technology, Micro Imaging Device (MID). • FRONTIER SPACE (UK): Developing a modular and scalable ‘lab-in-a-box’ SpaceLab and bioreactor for in-space manufacturing to unlock the growing commercial industrial microgravity sector.More detailed profiles of payload customers will be released soon.QUOTES“Driving advancements for reusable, affordable and reliable downmass is critical to the success of orbital space development. Having the ability to return life sciences and other types of microgravity research, rocket upper stages, military spacecraft and manufactured resources could be the next breakthrough in space transportation.”Lori Garver, former NASA Deputy Administrator and member of ATMOS advisory board.“Our first test flight is what the team at ATMOS has been working towards relentlessly. I am proud to lead this mission at such a crucial moment for Europe. Our space industry needs disruptive innovation to compete on a global scale. While all eyes are on this first test flight, we are already developing the next generation of reusable spacecraft, enabling breakthroughs for biomedical research, factories in orbit, and space transportation.”Sebastian Klaus, CEO and Co-Founder of ATMOS Space Cargo
PHOENIX 1 is now ready to be shipped to the launch site for its first test flight on Falcon 9 as part of the upcoming SpaceX Bandwagon-3 mission (NET April 2025)!
the planned reentry site for PHOENIX 1 still is the Indian Ocean.
Final Assembly of PHOENIX 1 Completed!Our re-entry capsule is ready for delivery to the launch site for its inaugural test flight, NET April 2025. This mission milestone is powered by the personal dedication and collaboration of our team (pictured here in part).In under 12 months, we’ve built a flight-ready first iteration of our PHOENIX capsule while meeting stringent qualifications through rigorous technical expertise, precision engineering, and compliance with #SpaceX’s high standards.In just a few weeks, PHOENIX 1 will embark on its first Low Earth Orbit test flight, providing invaluable data for our PHOENIX 2 program. The next iteration aims to revolutionize return technologies with high payload efficiency and launch vehicle-independent trajectories—offering regular, affordable orbital return services to support a circular space economy in Europe and beyond.
On the Bandwagon-3 mission, Phoenix will remain attached to the Falcon 9 upper stage while other spacecraft are deployed. The stage will then perform a deorbit maneuver, after which Phoenix will separate.
And now Vast has done a filing for a license for Haven-demo, but they still have the permit filing active. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯SAT-LOA-20240702-00148edit: the experimental permit application was withdrawn
Feb 10, 2025ATMOS Space Cargo, a German space startup working on the return of cargo from space with its PHOENIX capsule, has just been granted approval by the FAA and is now scheduled for a launch in April 2025. In this video I explain about the mission, why Atmos is using the SpaceX Bandwagon rideshare mission as the launcher and the payloads onboard.00:00 Intro02:47 SpaceX’s Bandwagon Missions04:23 Payloads On The Test Flight Of ATMOS PHOENIX Capsule06:05 Outro
Not confirmed for T14, but ICEYE's new Tranche 3 X57 SAR smallsat is probably on board. (SAT-LOA-20250221-00050) [Feb 21]QuoteOrbital Altitude400-600 kmOrbital Inclinationxx97° ± 2Expected LaunchJune 2025Apogee/Perigee590.0 kmOrbital Period5779.9 sThis analysis considers two of nine possibly transmitting satellites (eight Tranche 2 and one X57) for three primary reasons. First, ICEYE will have no greater than two satellites on each future SpaceX rideshare launch, has no control over these satellites’ orbital altitude and inclination insertion parameters, and will not maneuver the nine total satellites together into any grouped flying formation after all their deployments. SANA Registry shows X54, X55 and X56 launching in June 2025. It also shows X51, X52 and X53 launching in February (Transporter-13?) and X65, X66 and X67 launching in May (Bandwagon 3?).
Orbital Altitude400-600 kmOrbital Inclinationxx97° ± 2Expected LaunchJune 2025Apogee/Perigee590.0 kmOrbital Period5779.9 sThis analysis considers two of nine possibly transmitting satellites (eight Tranche 2 and one X57) for three primary reasons. First, ICEYE will have no greater than two satellites on each future SpaceX rideshare launch, has no control over these satellites’ orbital altitude and inclination insertion parameters, and will not maneuver the nine total satellites together into any grouped flying formation after all their deployments.
A Falcon 9 will launch the Bandwagon-3 rideshare mission from pad 40 on April TBD. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch.
SAT-LOA-20240702-00148On January 31, 2025, the Satellite Programs and Policy Division granted-in-part and deferred-in-part, with conditions, the application of Vast Space LLC for authority to deploy and operate the Haven-Demo satellite in non-geostationary low-Earth orbit with an initial deployment altitude of 510 km (+/-20 km) in a circular orbit with a 45 degree inclination (+/- 1.1 degree), and an operational orbit altitude of 415 km (+/-5 km) in a circular orbit. Vast is authorized to operate in the 2200-2290 MHz (space-to-Earth), 8450-8500 MHz (space-to-Earth), 2025-2110 MHz (Earth-to-space), and 1626.5-1660.5 MHz (space-to-space transmit) frequency bands . Vast is also authorized to conduct telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) operations with the Haven-Demo in the 400.15-401 MHz (space-to-Earth), 2200-2290 MHz (space-to-Earth), and 2025-2110 MHz (Earth-to-space) frequency bands.
Capella has two sats NET April 2025 on a SpaceX rideshare to mid-inclination. That doesn't exactly match the BW dates we have, but those could have shifted a little.
An-124 heading from Incheon to Anchorage, about the right timing for KORSAT-3
A Special Temporary Authority (STA) is required to allow the reception of telemetry data from the PHOENIX 01 experimental capsule spacecraft, which is scheduled for launch in April 2025. The mission operates on the UHF band (433.75 - 434.25 MHz) using GMSK modulation and is critical for tracking and monitoring satellite health parameters during the initial and operational phases of the mission. On March 14, 2025, SpaceX informed Atmos that launch trajectory was changed, requiring the identification of new ground stations to maintain telemetry reception. Due to this unforeseen change, we are urgently working to establish ground station support in new locations, including one potential ground station in Los Angeles, where discussions are progressing well. This adjustment has created an immediate need for authorization to receive telemetry from the satellite in the revised coverage area.
0580-EX-ST-2025
This STA is necessary due to the imminent launch date, requiring urgent approval to ensure real-time telemetry reception and evaluation from U.S.-based ground stations. Since this is a receive-only operation, there is no risk of interference with existing spectrum users. The mission aligns with international coordination under ITU RR No. 4.4 and complies with U.S. regulatory guidelines for experimental satellite operations. Given the short timeframe before launch and the need to secure operational ground stations, we respectfully request expedited processing of this application to ensure mission success.Operation Start Date: 04/19/2025
