#United States #Atomic-6 #Marietta #Space Armor #Portal Space

Atomic-6 Space Armor® Revolutionizes Orbital Debris Protection

In a significant advancement for space safety, Atomic-6, a top manufacturer specializing in advanced mobility composites, has secured a partnership with Portal Space Systems. This collaboration centers around the integration of Atomic-6’s Space Armor® tiles, which will serve as the primary Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) protection on Portal’s next-generation spacecraft. These innovative tiles are slated for installation ahead of the SpaceX Transporter-18 Rideshare mission, set to launch in October 2026 aboard the Falcon 9 rocket.

The upcoming mission marks a crucial milestone as it will be the first operational deployment of Space Armor® tiles in orbit, providing validation for the technology that can be applied in broader commercial and national security contexts. As space exploration accelerates, the need for effective protection against debris becomes imperative, underscoring the importance of this partnership.

The Significance of MMOD Protection

Spacecraft routinely operate in a hazardous environment, where millions of pieces of debris, traveling at speeds exceeding 7 kilometers per second (16,000 mph), pose a constant threat. Even the tiniest fragments can lead to catastrophic failures—puncturing fuel tanks, disabling spacecraft electronics, or causing other systems to fail. Traditional mitigation strategies, such as metallic Whipple shields, often add unnecessary weight and can generate additional debris upon impact, compounding the risk to the spacecraft and surrounding assets.

Atomic-6’s Space Armor® tiles offer a forward-thinking solution by being both fragmentation-resistant and lighter than conventional materials. Their innovative design prevents harmful secondary ejecta while allowing for RF permeability, which ensures vital communication channels remain operational. This makes them particularly suitable for maintaining mission-critical operations in challenging environments.

Performance Validation and Customer Confidence

The collaboration with Portal Space Systems will allow for a comprehensive evaluation of Space Armor® tiles during the upcoming mission. Portal has acquired these tiles to safeguard crucial mission elements from potential impacts, and throughout the flight, they will assess installation methods and performance metrics. This evaluation aims to establish best practices for further integration of Space Armor® technology in future spacecraft designs, ultimately ensuring that customer expectations for maneuverability and operational time in orbit are met.

Jeff Thornburg, CEO of Portal Space Systems, emphasizes that the capabilities provided by Atomic-6’s technology will enhance the spacecraft’s operational efficiency. He states, “Our customers rely on Portal spacecraft to remain maneuverable over extended mission timelines… By incorporating Atomic-6’s Space Armor® tiles, we enhance our ability to provide customers with sustained maneuverability and extended operational durations.”

Advanced Technology for Modern Space Missions

Space Armor® tiles are offered in two configurations:

• - Space Armor® Lite: Designed to withstand impacts from debris up to 3 mm, effectively covering all untrackable debris and over 90% of low Earth orbit (LEO) debris.
• - Space Armor® Max: Capable of enduring impacts from debris up to 12.5 mm, providing enhanced protection suitable for structures such as human space stations.

Both options are engineered to reduce shielding mass, storage volume, and overall mission risk while minimizing post-impact debris generation.

The performance of Space Armor® tiles has been proven in side-by-side tests, significantly outperforming traditional aluminum shields that tend to fragment upon impact and create additional hazards in orbit.

Conclusion: Pioneering New Heights in Space Safety

As the space industry continues to evolve, the partnership between Atomic-6 and Portal Space Systems represents a key step towards safer and more reliable spacecraft operations in increasingly crowded orbital environments. With their continued innovation and commitment to excellence, Atomic-6 aims to be at the forefront of development in advanced protective technologies for both military and commercial applications. This mission will not only validate Space Armor® but will also open doors for new opportunities in the realm of space exploration and security.

For more information on Atomic-6 and their advanced composite technologies, visit atomic-6.com.