Separation System for PHOENIX 2 Mission Selected
Atmos Space Cargo Signs Contract with URAX Space
A contract has been signed between UARX Space and Atmos Space Cargo, a European space logistics company developing reusable return systems.
“Reliable and predictable separation is a prerequisite for any controlled re-entry mission.”
Dr. Christian Grimm, Atmos Space Cargo
Under the agreement, UARX Space will supply its SAU&RON 24-inch separation system for Atmos’ PHOENIX 2 orbital transfer and return vehicle (OTRV). UARX will also provide technical support during the vehicle’s integration campaign ahead of its upcoming free-flyer mission in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
“Reliable and predictable separation is a prerequisite for any controlled re-entry mission,” said Dr. Christian Grimm, Lead Systems Engineer and Co-Founder at Atmos Space Cargo. “As part of our system-level trade-off process for PHOENIX 2, SAU&RON met the performance and interface requirements defined for this mission architecture. The agreement with UARX supports our objective of reducing technical risk ahead of re-entry operations.”
PHOENIX 2 is a reusable orbital transfer and return vehicle (OTRV) developed as part of Atmos Space Cargo’s end-to-end space logistics architecture, combining orbital payload operations in Low Earth Orbit with controlled de-orbit, atmospheric re-entry, and recovery. The launch of PHOENIX 2 is scheduled for the second half of 2026.
“Atmos is redefining what is possible with its PHOENIX family of reusable re-entry vehicles, and we are proud to support such an ambitious program through this new contract,” said Dr. Andrés Villa Granata, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder at UARX Space. “With our top-tier separation systems and extensive flight heritage in deploying payloads to orbit, we are committed to providing ATMOS with the most reliable separation solution available on the market.”
UARX Space has developed SAU&RON, a family of spacecraft separation systems designed under the most demanding industry standards. Backed by significant flight heritage, SAU&RON is already cataloged and qualified for use on most of the world’s leading launch vehicles.
As part of the mission, Atmos Space Cargo will conduct launch integration, orbital operations, telemetry and command, autonomous de-orbit, atmospheric re-entry, and recovery operations in a designated area near Santa Maria Island in the Azores, Portugal.
Really cool to see European companies pushing forward with reusable tech. The whole seperation system thing seems so critical yet underrated tbh. Looking forward to seeing how the Phoenix 2 mission goes in 2026!