Portugal’s National Space Authority (ANACOM) has issued licence ANACOM-09/2026-AE to ATMOS Space Cargo (ATMOS). The unitary licence, adopted by resolution of ANACOM’s Board of Directors on 24 February 2026 under Portugal’s national space law, authorises the return (re-entry) phase of Mission PHOENIX 2.1, with the launch window planned for the second half of 2026.
This licence is the first commercial space re-entry licence granted in Portugal for the controlled return and recovery of a commercial spacecraft to European territory under a national regulatory framework.
The licence covers the return operation of the PHOENIX 2.1 vehicle, including atmospheric re-entry, splashdown and maritime recovery operations conducted by ATMOS within a designated area in the North Atlantic, off the coast of Santa Maria Island in the Azores under Portuguese jurisdiction.
This distinguishes the mission from launcher stage disposal activities and establishes a new operational framework for Europe for the return and recovery of a dedicated commercial spacecraft.
The final launch date, flight profile and recovery parameters remain subject to operational and regulatory coordination. Specific mission timelines and recovery coordinates will be confirmed closer to flight in alignment with applicable maritime and aviation notifications.
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