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- EMPLOYEE PORTAL | Orion
Quick and easy access to the Arcway for Orion Employees EMPLOYEE PORTAL The Arcway All enterprise applications are accessible via the Apps dropdown on The Arcway. Please note that Microsoft authentication will be required with your Arcfield credentials. ACCESS THE ARCWAY
- Orion Space Solutions launches an Electro-Optical/Infrared Weather Systems (EWS) Satellite for U.S. Department of Defense support
Orion's state-of-the-art electro-optical/infrared weather system spacecraft is now on orbit. Orion's state-of-the-art electro-optical/infrared weather system spacecraft is now on orbit. CHANTILLY, Va., March 7, 2024 — Orion Space Solutions (Orion), a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcfield, announced today that its Rapid Revisit Optical Cloud Imager (RROCI) satellite successfully launched on Monday, March 4. This state-of-the-art electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) weather system (EWS) spacecraft will provide high-resolution Earth observations and infrared data, allowing for accurate and up-to-date weather forecasting for the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC). SSC selected Orion and its team of partners to design, develop and demonstrate its 8-channel RROCI prototype in support of its EWS program. Orion’s RROCI imager utilizes commercial off-the-shelf systems to characterize cloud cover, mitigate weather risk, and provide on-the-ground weather data. During its one-year demonstration, the RROCI payload will also compare its outputs to existing U.S. weather satellite data, all from a 12U CubeSat that meets USSF’s rigorous demonstration mission requirements. "We are thrilled to support the U.S. Space Force with our advanced weather satellite," said Chad Fish, Orion general manager and president. "Ensuring the safety and success of military operations such as maritime surface tracking, adversarial missile observation and intelligence collection, depends on having access to reliable weather data. We believe RROCI’s capabilities will make a significant contribution in this regard and are honored to be trusted with this work." The Orion team of expert engineers and scientists developed the RROCI satellite for USSF from its state-of-the-art facilities in Louisville, CO. The novel spacecraft has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its capabilities meet the government’s required demonstration mission capabilities. Over the next 12 months, the Orion team will manage on-orbit operations and data collection for RROCI. “Not only does this deployment mark a significant milestone for Arcfield, as we continue to expand our portfolio of space-based solutions through our Orion business,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman and cheif executive officer of Arcfield. “It also marks a significant milestone for our Department of Defense mission partners as we work together to develop innovative solutions in support of our nation’s space superiority objective.” Previous Next Mar 7, 2024 Orion Space Solutions launches an Electro-Optical/Infrared Weather Systems (EWS) Satellite for U.S. Department of Defense support
- PRODUCTS | Orion
With deep expertise in sensor development and scientific analysis, we create innovative products that enhance situational awareness across multiple domains. Our novel products and services provide actionable intelligence for defense, scientific and commercial applications, and empower our customers with the critical insights needed for mission success. OUR PRODUCTS With deep expertise in sensor development and scientific analysis, we create innovative products that enhance situational awareness across multiple domains. Our novel products and services provide actionable intelligence for defense, scientific and commercial applications, and empower our customers with the critical insights needed for mission success. Optical sensors Orion’s advanced optical sensors are designed to provide precise and reliable data in dynamic environments. Our sensors leverage advanced engineering and miniaturization techniques, ensuring exceptional performance in a small-SWaP design. Built for accuracy and performance, our optical sensors provide your mission with invaluable data and deliver optimal results. LEARN MORE Ionospheric sensors At Orion, our ionospheric sensors offer advanced capabilities to monitor and analyze the ionosphere with exceptional accuracy. Designed to support satellite communications, navigation, scientific research and more, our sensors provide real-time data to improve operational efficiency. Whether for defense, space operations or atmospheric research, Orion’s ionospheric sensors ensure reliable insights from any platform. LEARN MORE Space environment models Orion’s space environment models provide comprehensive simulations to better understand and predict the dynamic conditions of space. By analyzing factors like ionospheric behavior, solar activity and magnetic fields, our models provide accurate forecasts for satellite and space operations. Orion’s space environment models are essential tools for enhancing the safety and performance of space-based missions. LEARN MORE
- TRANSITIONING MILITARY | Orion
At Orion, you can bring the skills you learned in the military to work with you from day one supporting a wide variety of critical missions. It’s the perfect place for you to transition to a civilian career while maintaining your connection to the armed forces. KEEP DOING THE WORK THAT MATTERS We value and honor the character, experience and skills possessed by those who have served our country. In fact, nearly 25% of our employees are veterans or reservists. At Orion, you can bring the skills you learned in the military to work with you from day one supporting a wide variety of critical missions. It’s the perfect place for you to transition to a civilian career while maintaining your connection to the armed forces. HEROES WORK HERE JUNK WILSON U.S. Air Force First Lieutenant DAN KNIGHT U.S. AIR FORCE Colonel ANDREW BIGLEY U.S AIR FORCE Major
- U.S. Space Force SMC awards Orion Space Solutions EO/IR mission to support US warfighter
The U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has selected ASTRA, LLC to develop and demonstrate an Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) LEO-based cloud characterization solution that supports U.S. warfighter operations. The U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has selected ASTRA, LLC to develop and demonstrate an Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) LEO-based cloud characterization solution that supports U.S. warfighter operations. LOUISVILLE, Co., July 28, 2020 — The U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) has selected ASTRA, LLC to develop and demonstrate an Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) LEO-based cloud characterization solution that supports U.S. warfighter operations. Striving to bridge gaps and improve functionality of Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) systems, USSF SMC sought a commercial prototype EO/IR Weather System (EWS) mission capable of characterizing global clouds in near real-time to support Department of Defense operations. "An industry leader in space science technology and research, ASTRA is proud to be chosen by the U.S. Space Force to provide our Rapid Revisit Optical Cloud Imager (RROCI) system to deliver near-real time cloud characterization data in support of the warfighter," says Bill Baker, ASTRA Sr. Vice President of Data Solutions. SMC selected ASTRA, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Science and Technology Corporation, Pumpkin Inc., and Atmospheric & Environmental Research (AER), for the first phase of the EWS mission to design, develop, and demonstrate its 8-channel RROCI prototype. ASTRA’s imager will utilize commercial off-the-shelf systems to produce cloud characterization, mitigate weather risk, provide theater weather, and comparison of payload outputs to existing satellite data from a 12U satellite that meets USSF mission requirements. “USSF SMC seeks an agile, cost-effective technology to provide timely, mission-critical information to the warfighter – ASTRA’s proposed prototype will achieve this,” explains Dr. Scott Jensen, the project’s principal investigator and ASTRA Sr. Vice President for Technology. “Our solution assures easy implementation and rapid refresh of new technology into the architecture as required, and will meet both government and commercial SBEM requirements.” ASTRA’s proposed solution will provide a cost-effective and agile demonstration mission, reducing risk and demonstrating readily available commercial technology that meets USSF’s required operational mission capabilities. Previous Next Jul 28, 2020 U.S. Space Force SMC awards Orion Space Solutions EO/IR mission to support US warfighter
- Orion Space Solutions Prepares for Historical VLEO DARPA Ouija Program Mission Launch
Orion Space Solutions announced the successful completion of a test readiness review (TRR) for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Ouija program very low Earth orbit (VLEO) mission, slated for launch in late summer 2025. Orion Space Solutions announced the successful completion of a test readiness review (TRR) for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Ouija program very low Earth orbit (VLEO) mission, slated for launch in late summer 2025. CHANTILLY, Va., June 17, 2025 — Orion Space Solutions (Orion), a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcfield announced the successful completion of a test readiness review (TRR) for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Ouija program very low Earth orbit (VLEO) mission, slated for launch in late summer 2025. The Ouija program, initiated in 2022, will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and data collection. The Ouija nanosatellite, designed for long-duration operations in VLEO, will carry a comprehensive suite of ionospheric and high-frequency (HF) sensors and instruments. These include Langmuir Probes, RF Impedance Probes, HF Sounders, Atomic Oxygen Sensors, Science Magnetometers, Floating Potential Probes and Accelerometers. The mission aims to quantify the HF noise environment in space, gather unprecedented data from the F2 layer of the ionosphere, and validate near real-time HF propagation predictions. The recent successful system TRR presented by the Orion team marks a major milestone, verifying the readiness of the Ouija nanosatellite space vehicle for the demanding conditions of VLEO. During the TRR, the Orion team presented the status of the assembly and test of the space vehicle, and the plan and preparations to conduct system-level environmental test and calibration prior to launch. "The successful completion of the TRR is a testament to our team's dedication and expertise,” said Chad Fish, president and general manager, Orion. “This milestone brings us one step closer to revolutionizing our understanding of the ionosphere and HF propagation. We're excited to lead this groundbreaking mission that will push the boundaries of space exploration and data collection in VLEO." The Orion-led team, supported by partners including STR, Skeyeon, Utah State University, MMA, Benchmark, Redwire, Raytheon BCT and the University of Alaska will now focus on final preparations for space vehicle launch. “The Ouija program represents a significant leap forward in space technology and scientific research,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman and CEO, Arcfield. “We're proud to support this innovative VLEO mission which underscores our commitment to advancing space capabilities and strengthening our nation's technological edge." Distribution Statement "A" (Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited) About Orion Space Solutions, an Arcfield Company Orion, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcfield, was born from the vision to apply fundamental space physics knowledge to real-world problems. A leader in the small satellite industry, Orion leverages scientific and engineering expertise to develop unique solutions to address complex space-based challenges to turn science into data and data into knowledge. Visit orion.arcfield.com for more details. # # # Press Contact: Katerina Figurski Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer 571.401.2155 katerina.figurski@arcfield.com Previous Next Jun 17, 2025 Orion Space Solutions Prepares for Historical VLEO DARPA Ouija Program Mission Launch
- General Atomics and Orion Space Solutions win contracts for military weather satellites
The U.S. Space Force selected General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems and Orion Space Solutions to each develop and launch demonstration satellites for weather imaging and cloud characterization. The U.S. Space Force selected General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems and Orion Space Solutions to each develop and launch demonstration satellites for weather imaging and cloud characterization. WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force selected General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems and Orion Space Solutions to each develop and launch demonstration satellites for weather imaging and cloud characterization. The Space Systems Command announced the selection in a news release Feb. 28 but did not disclose the value of the contracts. The two companies were chosen following a three-way competition with Raytheon Technologies for the Electro-Optical/Infrared Weather System (EWS) program. Orion Space (previously known as Atmospheric & Space Technology Research Associates), based in Louisville, Colorado, will launch a cubesat in late 2022 for a one-year demonstration. Read the full story at SpaceNews . The company did not provide details of its cubesat design or industry partners in the program. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS), based in San Diego, California, will develop a 400-kilogram satellite projected to launch in 2024 0r 2025 for a three-year demonstration. General Atomics’ satellite is intended to fill a gap in weather coverage as the military’s decades-old Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites are running out of fuel and projected to be out of service between 2023 and 2026. Both demonstration satellites will be launched into a low polar orbit to collect weather imaging and cloud characterization data. “This is a major step forward for the EWS Program,” said Lt. Col. Joseph L. Maguadog, EWS materiel leader and program manager. “This EO/IR imaging capability will succeed the aging DMSP at a lower cost to the government,” he said. The EWS satellites will be used by the U.S. and NATO allies to provide weather data that is critical to military operators such as flight routes, combat search and rescue, maritime surface tracking efforts, enemy missile observation and intelligence collection. Previous Next Mar 2, 2022 General Atomics and Orion Space Solutions win contracts for military weather satellites
- Novel Ionosphere Images collected from Wave Glider in Pacific Ocean
This innovative approach allows collection of ionospheric data over the ocean from a moving platform This innovative approach allows collection of ionospheric data over the ocean from a moving platform LOUISVILLE, Co., April 18, 2023 — Scientists at Orion Space Solutions have developed a revolutionary system that enables imaging of the Earth’s upper atmosphere ionosphere from the ocean surface to detect space weather impacts on Earth. The Ocean Stabilized Ionospheric Remote Imaging Sensor (OSIRIS) uses Orion’s advanced ionospheric sensing technology to collect space physics data from mobile and moored buoys and platforms, allowing scientists to make important observations in the challenging ocean environment. Orion recently launched OSIRIS in the Pacific Ocean on Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV). “Sitting atop this unique, autonomous platform, OSIRIS is the first-ever system to collect ionospheric data from the ocean’s surface,” says Dr. John Noto, Orion’s Chief Scientist. “By developing OSIRIS’ capability to monitor the upper atmosphere, we will gain a better understanding of the dynamics and structure of the ionosphere at local, regional, and global scales.” Around the globe, land-based and buoy-based monitoring systems are used to assess space weather dynamics. Space weather affects Earth-based communications systems, power grids, and other crucial infrastructure. However, in regions such as the Pacific Ocean, few ionospheric sensors exist, making space weather forecasting and nowcasting challenging. Systems such as OSIRIS will fill these data gaps, providing a means of improving understanding of events that impact life on Earth. Collecting scientific observations of space from the ocean surface is challenging due to the ocean’s dynamic and harsh environment and its vast extent. Like buoys deployed in the middle of the ocean, OSIRIS and its Wave Glider must withstand corrosion, extreme weather events, powerful currents, and surging waves. “The Wave Glider is a robust and mature platform that scientists can rely on to test, advance, and implement new sensors. We are excited that Orion’s cutting-edge OSIRIS project leverages autonomous systems to collect space weather data from the most remote parts of our oceans,” says Shane Goodenough, CEO of Liquid Robotics. Despite initial and important advances made by Orion in previous years, there had not been sufficient progress in developing scientific instruments for collecting space physics data from the ocean surface. However, with OSIRIS, this has changed. The system allows imaging of common and “Earth-impacting” atmospheric phenomenon such as ionospheric plasma bubbles and traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs), increasing our understanding and ability to react to these effects, as well as opening up new research opportunities for the science community. The OSIRIS system manages the ocean’s environmental challenges by using a 2- or 3-axis gimballed platform for sensor stabilization, compensating for the continuous motion of the Wave Glider caused by ocean waves. This enables the system to maintain pointing stability during the acquisition period, which can range from 15 seconds to 5 minutes.The OSIRIS system uses all-sky imaging to capture the nightglow emissions, allowing imaging of ionospheric plasma bubbles and TIDs. This capability represents a transformative advancement in observational capability for studying the ionosphere and will open the way for new research activities in the field of heliophysics. Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider, a long-duration USV, harnesses wave energy for forward propulsion and collects solar energy to power onboard electronics and sensors. As it is entirely energy self-sufficient, the Wave Glider can stay on mission for more than 6 months at a time, providing real-time data and communications across a wide range of sea states and environmental conditions. The open and extensible architecture of the Wave Glider allows for custom integration of sensors and payloads, such as OSIRIS. Previous Next Apr 18, 2023 Novel Ionosphere Images collected from Wave Glider in Pacific Ocean
- JOHN NOTO, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist Previous Next JOHN NOTO, Ph.D. Chief Scientist John Noto joined Orion Space Solutions in 2021 as chief scientist and is responsible for innovation, research and strategic technological development. John has more than 25 years of experience as an optical scientist and engineer, with expertise in remote sensing. He has been awarded six patents in optical telecommunications and optical sensing. Specializing in the design and construction of optical sensors, his team built and tested the UV optical system in the CTIP photometer delivered to Boeing for the SENSE SMC CubeSat mission. John was the principal investigator on the ExoCube CubeSat mission funded by the National Science Foundation. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and astronomy from the University of Rochester, a Master of Science in physics from Tufts University and earned his doctorate degree in astronomy from Boston University. As an advocate for small business, he continues to serve as a mentor for the NSF I-CORP program and the E_for_all business accelerator; and, in 2013, co-founded Lowell Makes, a 501(c)(3) community maker space and business incubator in Lowell Massachusetts.
- IONOSPHERIC SENSORS | Orion
Orion’s ionospheric sensors deliver advanced monitoring and analysis with exceptional accuracy, providing real-time data to enhance satellite communications, navigation and scientific research. Designed for defense, space operations and atmospheric research, they ensure actionable intelligence from any platform. IONOSPHERIC SENSORS Orion’s ionospheric sensors deliver advanced monitoring and analysis with exceptional accuracy, providing real-time data to enhance satellite communications, navigation and scientific research. Designed for defense, space operations and atmospheric research, they ensure actionable intelligence from any platform. TRIDENT TRIDENT is a unique Doppler radar system that is designed to observe and measure the propagation properties of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs). TRIDENT can capture data of gravity waves propagating from rapidly moving point sources, such as hypersonic objects, in near-real-time. The system employs a network of synchronized receivers across wide geographic areas to triangulate and track ionospheric perturbations with high temporal and spatial resolution. Its advanced signal processing algorithms can differentiate between natural and artificial sources of ionospheric disturbances, making it valuable for both scientific research and surveillance applications. LEARN MORE OSIRIS The Ocean Stabilized Ionospheric Remote Imaging Sensor (OSIRIS) utilizes Orion’s advanced ionospheric sensing technology to capture high-resolution space physics data from mobile and moored ocean platforms. Designed to withstand the challenges of the marine environment, OSIRIS enables continuous and precise monitoring of ionospheric activity over remote and dynamic ocean regions. By providing understanding into space weather and ionospheric disturbances, OSIRIS empowers scientists to improve modeling, enhance communication reliability and advance our understanding of the Earth-space system. LEARN MORE RIO The RIO dual-frequency GPS sensor represents the state of the art for advanced GPS space weather monitoring. RIO is a software-based GPS receiver focused on characterizing ionospheric disturbances and space weather events, both of which can have an impact on wartime theatre support infrastructures, such as power grids, GPS position and timing accuracy and tactical communication disruptions. LEARN MORE
- NOAA funds Orion Space Solutions study
Noaa funds Orion Space Solutions study to define future weather satellite constellation Noaa funds Orion Space Solutions study to define future weather satellite constellation Louisville, Co., June 22, 2020 — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded ASTRA, LLC a six-month contract to design a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) CubeSats able to meet the agency’s future global weather data requirements. Part of NOAA’s initiative to advance the capability of its Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R satellite series, the agency seeks next-generation weather satellite systems from various orbits. For the geostationary (GEO) orbit, ASTRA will provide a study on GEO-utilization of Common LEO Architecture for Weather (G-CLAW) for imager- and sounder-based mission architecture and constellation design to provide NOAA with novel weather imagery and data. "As an industry leader in space science technology and research, ASTRA is proud to be chosen by NOAA to provide a next-generation LEO constellation architecture study that delivers a sustainable and cost-beneficial platform in support of NOAA’s mission to understand and predict changes to climate, weather, oceans, and our coastlines," says Bill Baker, ASTRA Senior Vice President of Data Solutions. With support from Science and Technology Corporation and Lockheed Martin, ASTRA will study a common 12U satellite approach, hosting a suite of infrared and microwave sounders, a GPS/GNSS sounder, and imager concepts that meet the mission requirements and standards for NOAA. "Data generated by satellite imagers/sounders in LEO and GEO orbits fuel NOAA's weather models and real-time forecasting capabilities, ensuring that the nation's decision makers have highly capable systems able to support critical decisions," says Dr. Scott Jensen, project principal investigator and ASTRA's Sr. Vice President for Technology. "ASTRA looks forward to providing NOAA with our G-CLAW study showing how a LEO constellation architecture may be used to meet LEO/GEO data needs and the agency's mission requirements for its next-generation satellite systems." Previous Next Jun 21, 2020 NOAA funds Orion Space Solutions study
- OrbitIQ | Orion
In the congested low Earth orbit (LEO) environment, precision is no longer optional—it’s essential. OrbitIQ, a revolutionary orbital modeling platform, transforms space traffic coordination and space domain awareness with unprecedented accuracy, drastically reducing false alarms and delivering validated predictions that ensure confidence in every decision. Built to solve challenges in the modern space era, OrbitIQ empowers operators to act with precision, efficiency and resilience. ORBITIQ™ In the congested low Earth orbit (LEO) environment, precision is no longer optional—it’s essential. OrbitIQ, our orbital modeling platform, transforms space traffic coordination and space domain awareness (SDA) with unprecedented accuracy. Built to solve challenges in the modern space era, OrbitIQ, drastically reduces false alarms and delivers validated predictions for more informed decision-making. A new era of precision in SDA Every day, operators sift through 10,000+ potential collision warnings—90% of which are false alarms. Relying on outdated systems risks missing the one warning that matters. PRECISION ORBITAL MODELING Reduced orbital uncertainty from 50 kilometers to less than 5 kilometers per object CLOUD-NATIVE ARCHITECTURE Access critical data anywhere, anytime through secure cloud deployment OPERATIONAL READINESS TODAY First unclassified, export-authorized space domain awareness solution OrbitIQ: Revolutionizing orbital modeling The operational advantages of OrbitIQ OrbitIQ was purpose-built to meet the growing demands of the space domain in an increasingly crowded and contested environment. OrbitIQ’s precision modeling gives operators an edge in every situation and ensures dominance in the crowded mega-constellation environment. Fuel efficiency Reduce unnecessary maneuvers, conserve scarce fuel and extend satellite lifespans. Operational confidence Make faster, data-driven decisions with quantified uncertainty. The appearance of U.S. DOW visual information does not imply or constitute DOW endorsement. Space Force Photo by David Dozoretz. Resilience against solar storms Rapid recovery and uninterrupted operations during geomagnetic disruptions. Enhanced spacepower Prevent adversaries from leveraging tactics like camouflage or deception. Enabling data-driven decisions in the space domain with AWS Built on the scalable and resilient AWS cloud platform, OrbitIQ leverages a comprehensive, dynamic digital twin of the space environment to deliver groundbreaking SDA. By modeling the intricate interactions between the thermosphere, ionosphere and satellites, OrbitIQ provides a holistic understanding of the current state, precise forecasting of future conditions and trajectories, and the ability to simulate and analyze complex operational scenarios with unparalleled accuracy. DOWNLOAD THE DATASHEET The OrbitIQ ecosystem OrbitIQ integrates three advanced, proprietary technologies into a seamless operational ecosystem designed for unprecedented accuracy. Dragster™ Real-time physics-based drag modeling to dynamically adapt predictions based on actual atmospheric conditions AstroLabe™ A cloud-native engine that produces realistic covariance models across all six degrees of freedom Four-Dimensional Ensemble Variational Assimilation (4DEnVar) Real-time updates to the orbital environment using current thermosphere measurements Building resilience for the future The space domain is becoming increasingly crowded, contested and competitive. OrbitIQ ensures that operators can continue to protect national security interests and collaborate with international partners while adapting to new challenges, including: Emerging mission demands in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) and cislunar space Mitigating the growing threats posed by debris and adversarial strategies Supporting allied coordination and transparency to secure long-term orbital sustainability Request a demo today! First name* Last name* Company name Phone Email* Area of inquiry* Message* Submit







