Next-generation debris shielding to fly aboard SpaceX Transporter-18 mission
MARIETTA, Ga., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Atomic-6, a leading manufacturer of advanced mobility composites, today announced that Portal Space Systems has selected Space Armor® tiles as the primary Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) protection system for its upcoming spacecraft. The tiles will be installed prior to integration on SpaceX’s Transporter-18 Rideshare mission, scheduled to launch in October 2026 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
The mission marks the first operational orbital deployment of Space Armor® tiles, validating the technology for broader commercial and national security applications.
Key Facts
Customer: Portal Space Systems
Product: Atomic-6 Space Armor® tiles
Application: Primary MMOD protection for critical spacecraft systems
Mission: SpaceX Transporter-18 Rideshare
Launch Vehicle: Falcon 9
Launch Window: October 2026
Deployment Purpose: On-orbit performance evaluation, installation validation, and integration best practices
Portal has purchased newly announced Space Armor® tiles to protect mission-critical systems from potentially mission-ending debris strikes. During the flight, Portal will evaluate installation procedures, assess on-orbit performance, and establish best practices for integrating Space Armor® technology across future spacecraft designs.
“Portal is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in orbit, and they need protection that keeps up with their ambitions,” said Atomic-6 CEO,
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