US Space Force gives retractable Light Wing solar panels funding boost

The US Space Force has awarded $2 million in funding to Atomic-6, a Marietta, Georgia-based startup, to develop its innovative “Light Wing” retractable solar arrays for military satellite applications. These solar panels can fold and unfold repeatedly, enabling satellites to adapt their configurations during different mission phases. A key feature of the Light Wing technology is its patented “space mast” and “space hinge” mechanism, which allows rapid stowing and redeployment of solar panels. This capability is especially valuable in crowded orbital environments, as satellites can retract their arrays to avoid collisions with debris or other spacecraft and then redeploy them once in safer orbits. Atomic-6, founded in 2018 and advised by notable figures such as astronaut Chris Hadfield, specializes in high-performance composite materials designed for extreme space conditions. The company has previously received multiple Department of Defense and NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards, including a $3.8 million contract to develop “Space Armor” tiles that