9 July 2026 ElevationSpace signed a memorandum of understanding with the Luxembourg company Space Cargo Unlimited. The purpose of the cooperation is to integrate the autonomous European platform for experiments in weightlessness BentoBox into the Japanese return capsules. This will ensure reliable delivery back to Earth of sensitive pharmaceutical and biotechnological samples.
The company develops several technology-based solutions, created jointly with Tohoku University and JAXA:
AOBA — the first private Japanese mass satellite 220 kg with controlled return capsule. Its launch is planned for the end 2026 year aboard the European Spectrum rocket from Isar Aerospace.
THE-R — an unmanned orbital platform for long-term experiments in microgravity with the function of returning materials.
THE-RS — a high-frequency capsule for private space stations (in particular Axiom Space) for monthly express delivery of research results to Earth.
Mission to the Moon — in partnership with the ispace company, a technology is being developed to deliver lunar soil samples back to Earth.
In June 2026 the company successfully closed a Series B financing round in the amount $40 million (the total amount of funds raised reached $63,5 million). Despite the competition and SpaceX's plans to enter this market, ElevationSpace management is confident in the high demand for small and flexible cargo return systems. According to forecasts, the orbital production market will reach $4,6 billion already up to 2030 year.
Source: https://spacenews.com