Atomic-6 Space Armor Reaches Orbit Aboard Starburst-1 Spacecraft
On Oct. 21, Marietta, Georgia-based Atomic-6 launched its Space Armor composite shielding into orbit for the first time. The payload flew aboard Portal Space Systems’ Starburst-1 spacecraft, which lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket during the Bandwagon-5 dedicated rideshare mission, CompositesWorld reported.
The flight moves the composite shielding material from ground-based hypervelocity testing to its first operational deployment in orbit. Atomic-6 designed the system to protect critical spacecraft infrastructure from micrometeoroids and orbital debris. This defensive capability aims to mitigate the threats posed by Kessler Syndrome, a cascading effect of space debris collisions that could make parts of Earth’s orbit unusable.
Shielding Construction and Material Performance
Built using a proprietary fiber-to-resin manufacturing method, the composite tiles perform dual functions on the spacecraft. In addition to impact resistance, the material forms the spacecraft’s composite radome—a structural enclosure that houses communication equipment while maintaining radio frequency permeability and structural resilience.
In ground-based testing, Atomic-6 reported that the composite tiles successfully stopped projectiles traveling faster than 7 kilometers per second, roughly 16,000 miles per hour, without producing harmful secondary fragments. By contrast, comparative testing using conventional aluminum shielding generated multiple fragments, with some pieces exceeding the original projectile in size. Unlike traditional metallic Whipple shields, the composite tiles are thinner and lighter, reducing the chance that an impact will generate secondary debris in orbit.
“We’ve proven Space Armor tiles can withstand debris traveling at extraordinary speeds without generating harmful secondary fragments,” Trevor Smith, CEO of Atomic-6, said in a statement. “Now, we’re putting that technology to work aboard Portal’s Starburst-1, taking an important step toward scaling its deployment and making space safer and more sustainable.”
Starburst-1 Primary Mission and Future Validation
Portal’s Starburst-1 spacecraft carried the composite tiles on its first free-flying mission while loaded with live payloads. Engineered for rapid orbital maneuvering, the vehicle will demonstrate capabilities supporting rendezvous and proximity operations, rapid retasking, and major orbital adjustments throughout its planned one-year primary mission.
“Protecting spacecraft from orbital debris matters to us and our customers, and we’re excited by Atomic-6’s approach to that challenge,” Jeff Thornburg, co-founder and CEO of Portal Space Systems, said in a statement reported by PR Newswire. “Space Armor has the potential to add valuable protection to spacecraft while not affecting or hindering the performance our missions demand.”
Both companies plan to use the flight data and integration experience from Starburst-1 to validate installation procedures. The insights will help establish best practices for incorporating the composite tiles into future spacecraft designs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mission
What specific rocket carried the Starburst-1 spacecraft into orbit?
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the spacecraft aloft as part of the Bandwagon-5 dedicated rideshare mission.
How fast were projectiles traveling during ground-based testing of the tiles?
The composite tiles stopped projectiles traveling faster than 7 kilometers per second, or approximately 16,000 miles per hour, according to Atomic-6.
What is the planned operational duration for the Starburst-1 mission?
The spacecraft is designed for a planned primary mission duration of one year.
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