Article

Portal Space Systems has chosen Atomic-6's Space Armor tiles as the primary micrometeoroid and orbital debris protection for its satellite, which will launch on SpaceX's Transporter-18 mission in October 2026. This mission will be the first in-orbit test of Space Armor, designed to protect against high-speed debris impacts while minimizing secondary debris.

The Space Armor tiles, which are about 30% lighter and 15% thinner than traditional Whipple shields, will support Portal's focus on sustained maneuverability during extended missions. The mission, known as Starburst-1, aims to validate critical installation and performance procedures for future spacecraft.

Atomic-6 developed Space Armor under a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, and the technology is positioned as an alternative to traditional metallic debris shields.