Space Cargo Unlimited and COMAT Partner to Expand In Space Manufacturing for Private Industry

Space Cargo Unlimited and COMAT Partner to Expand In Space Manufacturing for Private Industry
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Oct 27, 2025

Space Cargo Unlimited and COMAT have announced a new partnership to design, develop, and commercialize in-space manufacturing and science services for private industry. The collaboration aims to make microgravity research and manufacturing accessible to industrial sectors including materials science, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and advanced manufacturing by developing integrated solutions tailored for these users.

Space Cargo Unlimited provides a complete in-space manufacturing service, managing the mission lifecycle using its BentoBox orbital platform. The BentoBox offers an autonomous, pressurized, and thermally controlled orbital environment for operating and returning industrial payloads.

COMAT, with over 45 years of experience as a space equipment manufacturer in Toulouse, France, will provide engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The company specializes in space systems, mechanical structures, and payload equipment to produce hardware for in-space manufacturing activities.

This partnership leverages complementary expertise to support industries where space-based manufacturing offers distinct benefits, such as growing ultra-pure crystals, producing advanced materials, and discovering biological processes. Anchored in the Occitanie region of France, the collaboration is positioned to foster a sovereign European in-space manufacturing ecosystem and strengthen ties between industrial and institutional partners.

Nicolas Gaume, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Cargo Unlimited, stated, "We began this journey with a vision to open the space frontier for commerce. To now bring that vision to mature industries, we needed a partner who understands that reliability is as important as revolution. COMAT's proven track record and deep engineering roots provide the crucial foundation of trust and quality that will convince industrial leaders to take this transformative step with us. Establishing this presence in Occitanie allows Space Cargo Unlimited to build on one of Europe's strongest industrial ecosystems and work hand in hand with COMAT to bring in-space manufacturing closer to the heart of the region's economy."

Ludovic Daudois, CEO of COMAT, said, "This partnership provides COMAT with dedicated and reliable access to space through a fully customized solution. Leveraging its solid heritage built through numerous high-profile collaborations with CNES, COMAT reaffirms its ambition to play a leading role in the emerging in-orbit services market. By adopting a comprehensive, end-to-end approach - from design to deployment - COMAT positions itself as a key enabler of future space operations. Nicolas's teams are actively contributing to the development of this still-nascent market, offering a promising new field of applications."