This Company Wants To Put Shipping Containers Into Space

Outpost is aiming to revolutionize space logistics by putting shipping container-sized spacecraft into orbit, with a clear focus on solving a critical challenge: the efficient return of large volumes of cargo from space. The company believes that enabling the return of significant quantities of materials from orbit will be the key to unlocking the full potential of in-space manufacturing, an industry that has long been promised but remains limited by current technologies.

Traditional methods of returning cargo from space involve small capsules with limited capacity, high costs, and imprecise landing capabilities. These constraints make it difficult to bring back larger or bulkier items, which in turn restricts what can be manufactured or tested in space. Outpost, however, envisions a future where the return of cargo is not only feasible but also cost-effective on a much larger scale.

To achieve this, Outpost has developed the Carryall spacecraft, which is the size of a standard 20-foot shipping container. This design choice is deliberate, as it aligns with the goal of transporting substantial payloads—up to 10 tons—back to Earth. By using a container-sized spacecraft, Outpost aims to facilitate the return of larger quantities of goods, which could range from advanced materials to pharmaceuticals and other high-value products that benefit from manufacturing in microgravity.

The Carryall system incorporates innovative technologies, including a deployable heat shield made of 3D woven carbon fiber and a robotic paraglider for precise landings. These features ensure that the spacecraft can return safely and accurately, making it possible to deliver cargo to specific locations on Earth.

Outpost's approach is not just about returning cargo but also about driving down costs and increasing the efficiency of space manufacturing. By offering a solution that can return large volumes of goods, the company hopes to make in-space manufacturing more viable and economically attractive. This, in turn, could lead to new industrial applications and a significant expansion of the space economy.

With plans for its first mission in 2026 and larger-scale operations in the following years, Outpost is positioning itself as a key player in the future of space logistics, where shipping containers in orbit could become a common sight, enabling new possibilities for industries both in space and on Earth.