To orbit and back.
The self-deploying heat shield protects the Phoenix transport capsule on re-entry into the atmosphere.
Innovation for return transportation from space
The German start-up ATMOS Space Cargo has set a milestone in European space travel with the successful test flight of its Phoenix 1 capsule. On April 21, 2025, the cargo capsule was launched into space and returned to Earth. The company’s aim is to create a flexible, cost-efficient and reusable platform for the return transportation of up to 100 kg of payload from space - a decisive step for research, biotechnology and in-space manufacturing.
Why do materials from space have to be brought back to earth at all?
Experiments in zero gravity provide unique insights: from the production of high-purity materials to the development of new types of medicines and research into biological processes. These valuable results can only be made usable through safe and wellplanned return transportation. This is precisely where the Phoenix capsule comes into play.
The heat shield in the endurance test
Extreme conditions prevail during re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere. Temperatures of over 1000 °C and enormous frictional forces place the highest demands on the materials used. The Phoenix capsule uses an innovative, inflatable heat shield for this purpose.
Adhesives for extreme requirements
Conventional adhesives reach their limits under these conditions. High-performance adhesives from Collano have been specially developed for applications where extreme temperatures and material diversity come together.
Project data
- Project
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Phoenix 1 – Return capsule for material transportation from space
- Year of execution
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2025
- Customer
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ATMOS Space Cargo GmbH, Lichtenau, Germany
- Adhesives
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Adhesives: The use of high-performance adhesives enables new approaches in the construction of return capsules and sets standards for future missions.
- Website
The use of high-performance adhesives enables new approaches in the construction of return capsules and sets standards for future missions.
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Collano offers more than just reliable adhesive solutions. We accompany you personally through all project phases – from the initial consultation to joint planning and successful implementation.
