Orion Energy Systems Advances Space Debris Mitigation with New IARPA Contract

Orion Energy Systems Takes a Giant Leap in Space Debris Mitigation

Orion Space Solutions, a subsidiary of Arcfield, secures a follow-on subcontract from Advanced Space for Phase 2 of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Space Debris Identification and Tracking (SINTRA) program. This two-year contract, announced on January 20, 2026, builds on the success of Phase 1, which provided critical insights into the interactions between ionospheric conditions and orbital debris. As the concern over the growing amount of space debris intensifies, Orion's work becomes increasingly relevant, focusing on the detection and characterization of untracked objects in space.

In Phase 2 of the SINTRA program, Orion aims to enhance current methodologies by analyzing the plasma wave environment to estimate the properties of previously untracked debris. This is particularly crucial given that many existing tracking systems struggle to identify debris smaller than 10 centimeters, which poses a significant risk to operational satellites and missions. Gregg Burgess, Orion's president, emphasizes the company's expertise in space domain awareness and plasma physics, reinforcing their role in developing advanced solutions for government partners facing the complexities of space traffic coordination and debris mitigation.

The contract is not only pivotal for Orion's continued growth but also highlights the broader significance of space exploration and safety. Arcfield’s CEO, Kevin Kelly, notes that the SINTRA program's goals extend beyond mere detection to encompass comprehensive space domain awareness, a pressing need for government entities. The insights gained from Phase 1, which included a statistical analysis linking space objects to ionospheric disturbances, lay a solid foundation for Orion's advancements in Phase 2. As a leader in the small satellite sector, Orion is well-positioned to translate scientific knowledge into practical applications that address the challenges posed by increasing space traffic and debris.

In related news, Orion Innovation has been recognized among the top 12 providers in Forrester's latest report on connected product engineering services. This accolade showcases Orion's expertise in software engineering and its commitment to delivering reliable and innovative solutions for connected products, crucial in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. Dmitry Oshmarin, Orion's Chief Technology Officer, affirms that this recognition validates the company's dedication to merging digital and integrated layers in product development, helping clients translate strategy into actionable outcomes.