French launch provider Latitude has signed a multi-launch agreement with German space logistics company ATMOS to deliver the company’s Phoenix re-entry vehicles into very low Earth orbit.
Latitude is working toward the maiden flight of its two-stage Zephyr rocket, which will be capable of delivering payloads of up to 200 kilograms into low Earth orbit. The company expects the inaugural flight of Zephyr to be launched toward the end of 2025. The first commercial flight will follow in 2026, with the French space agency CNES signed on as the rocket’s first customer.
ATMOS Space Cargo is a German space logistics company developing a re-entry vehicle that will provide capabilities for research, technology demonstrations, and in-space manufacturing. The company aims to offer an affordable and reliable service with regular flights and short lead times. Its Phoenix return capsule has a payload capacity of 100 kilograms and is capable of remaining in orbit for up to three months.
In an 18 November announcement, Latitude confirmed that ATMOS had contracted the company to provide a minimum of five dedicated launches per year between 2028 and 2032.
“This new commercial milestone underpins the Zephyr’s commercial traction. We’re proud to have earned the trust of a unique operator in the European space industry,” said Adeline Pitrois, head of sales at Latitude. “This demonstrates also that Zephyr is particularly well adapted to the growing LEO and VLEO markets.”
Latitude began 2024 by announcing the successful closure of a $30M Series B funding round. According to the company, its agreement with ATMOS is the third launch deal it has signed this year. The company has also just recently brought on a new CEO, Aurélie Bressollette, who brings over 20 years of European space industry experience with her. With the approaching debut of Zephyr in 2025, the company will be looking to cement its place in the market and deliver its launch backlog.
