Global logistics is poised for a revolution as aerospace and defense technology company Inversion has unveiled its flagship spacecraft, Arc, which it touts as the world’s first space-based delivery vehicle capable of delivering cargo anywhere on Earth in under an hour.

The autonomous, reusable vehicle is designed to provide an unprecedented speed and reach for mission-critical cargo, initially targeting the defense sector before expanding to a wider commercial logistics network.

The core concept behind Arc is to pre-position a constellation of the spacecraft in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

• On-Demand Delivery: When a delivery is needed, the designated Arc spacecraft descends from orbit.
• Hypersonic Speed: The vehicle is designed to maneuver through a controlled, hypersonic reentry at speeds exceeding Mach 20.
• Precision Landing: It then uses steerable parachutes for an autonomous, safe, and precise touchdown on a designated spot, eliminating the need for traditional runways. Arc is capable of delivering up to 500 pounds of cargo, ranging from medical supplies to critical equipment.

“Arc delivers a transportation capability that has never existed before,” said Justin Fiaschetti, Co-Founder and CEO of Inversion. “We see a future where thousands of Arc spacecraft form a logistics network that provides transformative reach, resilience, and deterrence for the United States and its allies.”

The Arc spacecraft is approximately 8 feet long and 4 feet wide, about the size of a large tabletop. Its design includes:

• Versatile Payload Bay: Engineered to hold a wide range of mission-critical cargo.
• Long On-Orbit Life: The vehicles are designed to remain in orbit for up to five years, ready for immediate deployment.
• Advanced Technology: The vehicle’s development includes a partnership with NASA on a next-generation thermal protection system to withstand the extreme heat of hypersonic reentry.

The company’s technology builds on the flight heritage of its smaller predecessor, Ray, which validated key technical subsystems in orbit earlier this year.

Inversion has scheduled the first mission of the Arc spacecraft for 2026. This groundbreaking step heralds a new era of global supply chains, where the fastest delivery will literally come from space.