The partnership between French launch vehicle startup Latitude and Atmos Space Cargo, a company focused on commercial reentry vehicles, has resulted in a multi-launch agreement.
Under this contract, Atmos will procure a minimum of five launches annually of Latitude's Zephyr rocket from 2028 to 2032. Each launch will deploy a Phoenix spacecraft into very low Earth orbit (VLEO) for microgravity research. The ability to return payloads to Earth is crucial for this mission.
The partnership reflects mutual confidence in the capabilities and future potential of both companies. Atmos recently raised 1.3 million euros in funding, while Latitude raised $30 million to advance the development of the Zephyr rocket. Latitude aims to conduct as many as 50 launches annually by 2029. The chief executive of Latitude confirmed that the company remains on schedule for its inaugural launch by the end of 2025.
The collaboration between Latitude and Atmos Space Cargo is emblematic of the broader trends within the aerospace industry, where partnerships and innovative technologies are essential for success.