#United States #Atomic-6 #Space Force #Marietta #Solar Array

Atomic-6 Secures $2M Space Force Contract

Marietta, Ga., July 2, 2025 – Atomic-6, a prominent manufacturer renowned for high-performance composite solutions, has successfully obtained a $2 million TACFI (Tactical Funding Increase) from the United States Space Force. This funding is aimed at advancing and qualifying their revolutionary Light Wing™ solar array for both commercial and military applications.

The Light Wing™ is an innovative, all-composite solar power system designed to be lightweight and easily redeployable. Remarkably, it provides over four times more power per kilogram compared to existing solar arrays. This advancement is set to significantly benefit energy-intensive operations in space, including orbital computing, high-bandwidth communications, and even supporting human habitation in space stations.

The 21-month grant will focus on comprehensive testing processes encompassing composite coupon evaluations, cell compatibility verification, and rigorous thermal vacuum and vibration testing. These steps are crucial to confirm that the Light Wing™ can withstand the harsh conditions of launch and function effectively in outer space environments.

To further validate the reliability of the Light Wing™, Price Forbes, a specialist space insurance broker associated with Lloyd's of London, is collaborating with insurers to familiarize them with the innovative technology. This partnership aims to provide companies utilizing the Light Wing™ with favorable technical evaluations, reducing the risk of satellite failures during deployment, which is a leading cause of premature operational losses. This initiative could contribute positively to the overall insurance premiums that users may face.

The design simplicity of the Light Wing™, alongside its low part count and unique composite hinges, enhances its reliability. Such features introduce groundbreaking possibilities in Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD). They enable the solar arrays to retract and redeploy, adjusting as necessary throughout a satellite's operational life.

Adding to the project's credibility, former International Space Station (ISS) Commander Chris Hadfield has joined the Atomic-6 advisory board. Hadfield's extensive experience, having commanded one of the largest solar arrays in space, positions him as a valuable asset in accelerating the road to market for the Light Wing™ technology. He asserts, “After multiple spacewalks and orbital mechanism deployments, I know the value of simple, light, tough, powerful solar arrays.” Fellow astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Light Wing’s ideal combination of efficiency and durability essential for space missions.

Currently, Atomic-6 has received approximately $2.7 billion in contract requests from major operators within the satellite constellation market. The Light Wing™ has also recently been chosen by Sidus Space to power an innovative project involving the first-ever lunar data centers. This initiative showcases the technology's readiness for deep-space defense operations, including secure orbital computing and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capacities in extreme conditions.

Carol Craig, CEO of Sidus Space, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the collaboration, stating, “Atomic-6's Light Wing™ solar arrays perfectly align with our mission of delivering efficient, scalable satellite solutions for cislunar missions.” She emphasized the importance of partnerships that focus on cutting-edge technology and shared innovation goals to expand capabilities.

Demonstrating a positive market response, Atomic-6 CEO Trevor Smith has noted, “It's immensely gratifying to be the critical enabler for our customers, empowering them to achieve the necessary scale and cadence for success.”

Atomic-6 is dedicated to transforming the field by crafting composite components that possess the highest strength-to-weight ratio for aerospace, autonomy, and defense sectors. Led by a team of material scientists and engineers, Atomic-6 utilizes proprietary manufacturing processes to create reliable solutions tailored for mobility applications demanding resilience in extreme environments.

About Atomic-6

Atomic-6 stands at the forefront of the materials revolution by designing, engineering, and producing unparalleled composite materials globally. The company employs a unique manufacturing process that optimizes fiber-to-resin ratios, minimizes porosity, and accelerates production cycles for applications spanning aerospace to defense. For more information, visit atomic-6.com.

About Sidus Space

Sidus Space functions as an innovative provider in space and defense technology, delivering cost-effective capabilities that encompass satellite manufacturing, AI-enhanced data solutions, and mission planning services. Headquartered strategically on Florida's Space Coast, Sidus Space has established a robust heritage in aerospace manufacturing, featuring its proprietary LizzieSat® micro-constellation.

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Atomic-6 Contact | (404) 345-1358 | [email protected]