Orion S.A. Secures IARPA Contract to Enhance Space Debris Tracking and Mitigation

Orion S.A. Advances Space Debris Tracking with IARPA Contract

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 uncovered significant insights into ionospheric interactions caused by orbital debris. In this next phase, Orion aims to enhance the detection and characterization of untracked objects by analyzing the plasma wave environment, a critical step in improving space traffic coordination and orbital debris mitigation.

During Phase 1, Orion conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis that established a correlation between space objects and ionospheric disturbances. This foundational work is crucial as the SINTRA program specifically addresses the challenge of detecting orbital debris smaller than 10 cm—an area that has been largely neglected by existing tracking systems. With this contract, Orion positions itself as a leader in space domain awareness, leveraging its expertise in plasma physics to develop innovative tools that estimate the properties of previously untracked debris through observations of plasma wave phenomena.

Gregg Burgess, president of Orion, emphasizes the company's dedication to delivering advanced solutions tailored to the needs of IARPA and its government partners. Arcfield's CEO, Kevin Kelly, underscores the significance of this contract in advancing space exploration, highlighting the complexities of achieving complete space domain awareness. As Orion progresses into Phase 2, the company not only aims to refine its methodologies but also to contribute to the broader goal of ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities in an increasingly congested orbital environment.

In addition to its work on the SINTRA program, Orion Innovation has garnered recognition in another domain. The company is acknowledged among the top 12 providers in The Forrester Wave™ report on connected product engineering services. This accolade reflects Orion's expertise in software engineering, rigorous testing, and lifecycle support for connected products, addressing the growing complexities in product design and user experience.

Orion's commitment to translating scientific knowledge into practical applications is further exemplified by its robust range of solutions, from embedded software to cloud applications. The company employs advanced technologies such as GenAI and RAG to enhance customer support and optimize problem resolution, showcasing its dedication to innovation and efficiency in both the space and technology sectors.