Los Angeles Startup Inversion Aims to Revolutionize Orbital Transport

A small aerospace startup based in Los Angeles, called Inversion, is working on an innovative spacecraft named Arc that aims to transport cargo anywhere on Earth in approximately one hour. This ambitious project seeks to position itself as a competitive alternative to established players in the space industry, including Elon Musk. By leveraging advancements in robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, Inversion envisions a new era in logistics that capitalizes on orbital transport technology.

The Arc spacecraft is designed as a compact delivery system, measuring about 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Unlike traditional aircraft, Arc will remain in orbit as a standby delivery capsule, poised for rapid deployment. Upon activation, it will re-enter the atmosphere and land safely using a parachute, capable of touching down on solid ground, water, or snow without compromising its cargo.

Inversion’s primary focus is on speed, particularly for high-stakes deliveries that cannot afford delays. This need arises in contexts of conflict, humanitarian crises, or natural disasters, where conventional shipping routes may be inaccessible or too slow. The startup aims to provide a solution for urgent deliveries that traditional logistics cannot efficiently handle. By potentially reaching any location on Earth in less than an hour, Arc could redefine how essential goods are transported globally.

Transforming Logistics with Orbital Infrastructure

According to Inversion, the Arc spacecraft represents the dawn of a logistics model centered around orbital infrastructure. The initiative seeks to establish a network of small spacecraft capable of quick global travel, descending into the atmosphere only when necessary. If successful, this system could complement existing transportation methods, providing an alternative when ships, trucks, and airplanes fall short.

Currently, Inversion operates with a modest team of 25 employees, all of whom possess a strong background in space engineering. The company officially launched in October 2025 after several years of development, during which the team created an earlier prototype, known as Ray. The prototype was developed for approximately $1 million, a relatively low investment for a space project, which Inversion believes demonstrates the potential for affordable advanced orbital transport systems.

Plans are already in place for testing the Arc spacecraft in 2026. These tests will be critical in assessing whether Arc can withstand the complete mission profile, including launch, orbital maintenance, atmospheric re-entry, and precise landing while carrying cargo.

Challenges Ahead for Inversion

Despite the promising technology, Inversion faces numerous hurdles, including flight tests and regulatory approvals. Potential clients will weigh factors such as cost, reliability, and safety when deciding whether to adopt Arc over traditional cargo transport options.

The excitement surrounding the project is palpable, and many are eager to see if 2026 will mark the entry of a revolutionary orbital transport system into the cargo industry. Inversion’s success could reshape the logistics landscape, offering new possibilities for delivering goods in a world where time is often of the essence.