SpaceX took a notable step for European space efforts with the successful launch of its Bandwagon-3 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Monday evening. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off right on schedule at 8:48 p.m. EDT, carrying a unique payload that marks a first for private European spaceflight.
Among the cargo was the PHOENIX re-entry capsule developed by Atmos Space Cargo, a German company. This mission represents the first time a private European firm has attempted to bring a capsule back from space, opening new doors for commercial space logistics on the continent.
Alongside PHOENIX, the Bandwagon-3 mission deployed several satellites, including Tomorrow Companies Inc.’s Tomorrow-S7 and ADD’s 425Sat-3, broadening the range of technologies orbiting Earth. SpaceX celebrated the launch on social media with a simple “Liftoff!” that captured the excitement of the moment.
Earlier this year, Atmos Space Cargo secured approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the PHOENIX capsule, paving the way for this historic flight. The company highlighted their goal to set a new global benchmark for payload efficiency, aiming for a 1:2 ratio, which could reshape how cargo is managed in space.
This launch marked the Falcon 9 booster’s third flight, having previously supported missions like 03b mPOWER-E and Crew-10. After stage separation, the first stage touched down smoothly at Cape Canaveral’s Landing Zone 2, adding another successful recovery to SpaceX’s record. Shortly after, SpaceX confirmed, “Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on Landing Zone 2.”
Bandwagon-3 adds to a string of recent SpaceX missions, including deploying a third fleet of spy satellites and resupplying the International Space Station. For those following spaceflight, this mission offers a glimpse into how private European companies are starting to play a bigger role in the industry.
If you’ve ever wondered how commercial space ventures are evolving beyond traditional players, this launch is a clear sign of shifting dynamics. Watching how Atmos Space Cargo’s PHOENIX capsule performs on re-entry will be especially interesting for anyone tracking innovations in space logistics.
