Atlanta-based Atomic-6 launches Space Armor
From its HQ in Marietta, Georgia, Atomic-6 is looking to protect astronauts and satellites from high-velocity crashes.
Debris is a massive problem for the space industry, with millions of untraceable, hypervelocity particles currently in orbit that can create significant damage to spacecraft of all sizes. Atomic-6, a local manufacturing startup, wants to make space safer with the release of its new product, Space Armor™ tiles, the first-of-its-kind RF (radio frequency)-permeable orbital debris shield.
Space Armor allows for mission-critical radio communications to and from the satellite to continue while protecting those critical government and commercial satellites from “fast-moving space debris and high-powered energy attacks,” creating what the team describes as “bullet-proof suits” for astronauts.
Why Space Armor Matters
The tiles address the “Kessler Syndrome,” a key problem in aeronautics that could make parts of Earth’s orbit unusable due to the growing amount of space debris created.
While metallic shields have been around since the 1950s, they have traditionally been “prohibitively heavy” and block vital radio signals.
“The process of creating the Space Armor tiles involved extensive research, hypervelocity testing, and iteration,” he added. “It took several months to develop the initial prototypes, followed by a series of refinements before we built out the final versions. Overall, from concept to finished product, it was a dedicated effort spanning just over a year to produce the versions going through flight qualification now.”
The tile was tested against objects hitting at nearly 16,000 miles per hour (about 22 times the speed of sound). Atomic-6 is launching two protection level options, a Lite and a Max version.
But it is not just debris that Space Armor can protect against, added Smith.
“With rising geopolitical tensions and growing concerns over space-based attacks, protecting satellites and astronauts from both deliberate strikes and accidental debris collisions is no longer optional, it’s essential,” said Smith in a press statement.
Manufacturing Technology In Atlanta
Atomic-6 got off the ground in 2018 and has raised over $13 million in venture capital, according to Crunchbase. The startup took part in Creative Destruction Lab, a startup program for global science-based companies, in 2023.
Smith told Hypepotamus that the team is “growing steadily” and currently has about a dozen people on its payroll. A “core group” of the team is based in Metro Atlanta, and the startup is “actively expanding as we advance our development and production efforts,” Smith added.
Atomic-6 is one of several startups building in Georgia’s aerospace industry, which is the state’s largest export and boasts over 800 aerospace companies, according to the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Others to note include SpaceWorks, Hermeus, Skyfire, Rune Aero, and Carbice.
“Georgia has a robust aerospace industry, and it’s been a great environment for building Atomic-6. The region provides access to top-tier suppliers, research institutions, and a skilled workforce. Being in Metro Atlanta allows us to collaborate easily with other aerospace companies and leverage the local ecosystem to support our growth and innovation,” Smith added.
Alongside the newly-launched Space Armor, Atomic-6’s product portfolio includes the Light Wing™ solar array.
Contact Us for RFPs
To learn more about Space Armor™, other Atomic-6 innovations, and/or submit a Request for Proposal (RFP), please contact our team at sales@atomic-6.com.
About Atomic-6
Atomic-6 is revolutionizing mobility in space, air, land, and sea by rapidly designing and manufacturing the world's finest composite solutions. Everything we touch gets lighter, stronger, and smarter. Visit our website atomic-6.com or contact us directly to learn more.
Media Inquiries
Atomic-6, Inc.
media@atomic-6.com
