Atomic 6 receives 2M Space Force award to advance next generation solar arrays
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 07, 2025
Atomic-6 has secured a $2 million Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) from the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command to accelerate development of its Light Wing solar array. The award supports a 21-month effort to mature and qualify the technology for commercial and defense missions.
The all-composite Light Wing array offers more than four times the power-per-kilogram of current systems, optimized for high-energy orbital tasks including communications, compute operations, and space station support. Testing milestones include composite material validation, cell compatibility trials, and Thermal Vacuum and Vibration testing to simulate launch and space conditions.
The solar array’s architecture minimizes moving parts and employs monostable composite hinges, enhancing reliability and enabling repeatable retraction and deployment cycles. This design unlocks new potential for Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) missions by reducing deployment failure, the leading cause of satellite loss.
Price Forbes, a specialist space insurance broker under Lloyd’s of London, is engaging insurers to familiarize them with the Light Wing technology, potentially leading to reduced premiums for satellite operators using the array.
Former ISS Commander Chris Hadfield has joined Atomic-6’s advisory board to guide market entry strategies. “After multiple spacewalks and orbital mechanism deployments, I know the value of simple, light, tough, powerful solar arrays,” Hadfield said.
Echoing this sentiment, astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski added, “Having repaired a live solar array while spacewalking, I can attest that Atomic-6’s Light Wing delivers the perfect blend of simplicity and durability that space missions truly need.”
Sidus Space recently selected Light Wing arrays to power the first commercial lunar data centers in collaboration with Lonestar Data Holdings. “As we expand the capabilities of our LizzieSat platform… we are proud to collaborate with partners who offer cutting-edge technologies,” said Sidus Space CEO Carol Craig.
With $2.7 billion in contract requests already on record, Atomic-6 is positioning Light Wing as a foundational technology for cislunar and orbital defense applications. CEO Trevor Smith noted, “It’s immensely gratifying to be the critical enabler for our customers, empowering them to achieve the necessary scale and cadence for success.”
The company designs and manufactures advanced composite components for extreme environments, leveraging proprietary techniques developed by in-house engineers and materials scientists.
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