In a move that feels pulled from science fiction, aerospace and defense technology company Inversion has unveiled Arc, a first-of-its-kind space-based delivery vehicle. This revolutionary spacecraft is designed to deliver cargo and effects from low-Earth orbit to any point on the planet in under an hour, promising to fundamentally reshape concepts of speed, reach, and logistics. The announcement positions space as the next frontier for global supply chains and rapid response.
Arc’s design centers on a versatile payload bay, capable of accommodating a wide array of mission-critical cargo. Once launched, a constellation of these vehicles would reside in orbit, ready to be called down on demand. The autonomous spacecraft then descends, maneuvers through a hypersonic reentry, and touches down safely under parachutes. This capability is poised to provide unparalleled access to austere or denied environments where traditional infrastructure is limited or non-existent.
Beyond its primary delivery function, Arc serves as a critical platform for hypersonic testing. Capable of maneuverability at speeds exceeding Mach 20 and sustaining high g-loads, it offers a unique ability to accurately replicate next-generation threat trajectories. As a fully reusable vehicle that can land precisely for rapid recovery, Arc makes advanced hypersonic research faster, repeatable, and more affordable, a fact underscored by its selection for the prestigious Kratos-led MACH-TB 2.0 Program of Record.
The technical foundation for Arc is built upon the flight heritage of Inversion’s first spacecraft, Ray, which successfully reached orbit in January 2025. Demonstrating a remarkable feat of engineering efficiency, a team of just 25 people developed nearly every component internally for under $1 million. This achievement highlights Inversion’s unique ability to deliver advanced space systems at an exceptionally low cost, disrupting traditional aerospace development models.
With a full-scale manufacturing development unit already built and dozens of drop tests completed, Inversion is on a rapid trajectory toward its goal. The company has partnered with NASA on a next-generation thermal protection system designed for the most extreme reentry environments, signaling the high level of technical maturity and collaboration driving the project forward. The first mission for the reusable spacecraft is slated for 2026.
While addressing urgent national security needs is the immediate focus, Inversion’s long-term vision for Arc is far more expansive. The company envisions a future where a vast constellation of these vehicles creates a logistics network in space, connecting every corner of the globe with unprecedented speed. This infrastructure could eventually support broader commercial markets, unlocking new industries and making Earth radically more accessible, marking the next great leap in the architecture of global connectivity.