German space logistics startup Atmos Space Cargo said the debut test flight of its Phoenix 1 capsule “achieved its primary objectives,” despite the loss of key data on its inflatable heat shield.
In a postflight update, Atmos on Wednesday said it received in-flight data from the capsule and its customer payloads. But communication went dark during the critical final stage of descent. The company had hoped to gain insights about its innovative Inflatable Atmospheric Decelerator—a giant, lightweight parachute that functions as both a heat shield and zero-fuel alternative to propulsive landing systems.
