Space Composites Startup Atomic 6 Reaches New Heights

The Georgia-based company specializes in high-performance materials for satellites and space stations.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Trevor Smith, a former commercial real estate agent, launched one of the first space startups in Metro Atlanta in 2018. His company, Atomic 6, specializes in producing advanced composite materials for the space industry, including Space Armor tiles to protect satellites from orbital debris and durable, lightweight solar arrays. Atomic 6 has responded to over $3 billion in requests for proposals in the last year and is preparing for its first satellite launch later this month.

Why it matters

As the space industry continues to grow, companies like Atomic 6 that can provide innovative, high-performance materials are in high demand. Atomic 6's products help protect critical satellite and space station infrastructure, enabling more reliable and capable space operations.

The details

Atomic 6 was founded in 2018 by Trevor Smith, who grew up racing motorcycles and was drawn to the fast-paced world of the space industry. The company specializes in producing Space Armor tiles, which can withstand impacts from orbital debris moving at over 17,000 miles per hour, as well as durable, lightweight solar arrays for powering space operations. Atomic 6's materials undergo rigorous testing, including thermal vacuum, vibration, and impact testing, to ensure they can withstand the harsh conditions of space.

  • Atomic 6 will have its first satellite launch with its materials later this month in California.
  • In October, Atomic 6's composites will launch on satellites as part of Sapcex's Transporter 18 mission.
  • In 2027, Atomic 6 will help power six satellites as part of a project to construct the first lunar orbital data center.

The players

Trevor Smith

The founder of Atomic 6, a former commercial real estate agent who launched one of the first space startups in Metro Atlanta in 2018.

Atomic 6

A space composites company based in Marietta, Georgia that specializes in producing advanced materials for the space industry, including Space Armor tiles and durable solar arrays.

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What they’re saying

“You have to be able to stop debris moving at 7.5 kilometers a second, or about 17,000 miles an hour. It should be in the most demanding and harsh environments. The projectile goes from zero to 17,000 miles an hour in about 16 feet with 1.3 million G forces.”

— Trevor Smith, Founder, Atomic 6

“To finally see all that work and effort convert into a real customer that's flying it into space is just super cool. I'll be taking my wife and kids out to the launch.”

— Trevor Smith, Founder, Atomic 6

What’s next

Atomic 6 will launch its first satellite with its materials later this month in California, followed by additional launches in October and 2027 as part of larger space projects.

The takeaway

Atomic 6's innovative composite materials are enabling more reliable and capable space operations, as the company responds to growing demand from the rapidly expanding space industry.