Atomic-6 Introduces New Composite Shield Against Orbital Debris

Atomic-6, a prominent manufacturer of advanced mobility composites, has announced the launch of a new protection solution for spacecraft and astronauts: Space Armor™ tiles.

These tiles represent the first radio frequency (RF)-permeable orbital debris shield, combining impact resistance with the ability to maintain critical radio communications for the protected satellite. Furthermore, Space Armor™ tiles are fragmentation resistant, preventing the creation of secondary debris that could jeopardize other satellites. Available for both government and commercial satellites, Atomic-6’s innovation sets a new benchmark for responsible space stewardship by enhancing the safety and sustainability of human activities in orbit.

The threat posed by space debris remains significant, as satellites and astronauts face millions of hypervelocity particles that cannot be tracked. These particles, moving at speeds exceeding 7 kilometers per second, can cause severe damage upon impact, affecting fuel tanks, space suits, batteries, and structural components. Space Armor™ tiles offer an unprecedented method of safeguarding spacecraft and crew against this growing hazard.

Traditional ballistic shields, such as Whipple shields, have been used since the 1950s but typically consist of heavy metallic materials that obstruct essential RF signals and may generate additional debris upon impact. In contrast, Atomic-6’s Space Armor™ tiles deliver both orbital debris protection and RF permeability, providing robust hypervelocity impact shielding for communication devices without compromising their operational functionality.

Trevor Smith, CEO of Atomic-6, emphasized the significance of this advancement, stating: “We have developed the first radomes capable of stopping orbital debris without sacrificing communications. Our composite tiles preserve mission-critical functions, protecting spacecraft, space stations, and personnel from increasingly prevalent threats.”

Unlike conventional metallic shields, which fragment upon impact and contribute further to the debris population, a phenomenon known as “The Kessler Syndrome”, Atomic-6 Space Armor™ tiles minimize the risk of secondary debris. Comparative demonstrations have shown that Space Armor™ tiles halt projectiles traveling at >7km/s with negligible byproducts, whereas equivalent aluminum shields produce larger fragments and spalling debris that threaten the integrity of protected systems.

Atomic-6 offers two scalable variants of Space Armor™ tiles, available in both RF-permeable and RF-blocking configurations: Space Armor™ Lite is designed to withstand impacts up to 3 mm, suitable for untrackable debris and over 90% of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) debris, while Space Armor™ Max is engineered for extreme conditions, resists impacts up to 12.5 mm and is rated for human space station protection. Both versions are optimized for reduced mass, stowage volume, post-impact ejecta, and overall mission risk, delivering critical benefits to both manned and unmanned missions.

This product joins Atomic-6’s portfolio of innovations, including Light Wing™ solar array, to provide U.S. military, allied forces, and commercial space operators with enhanced capabilities in orbital power and protection. “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.