Orion in the news IN THE NEWS A curation of news from around the industry featuring Orion and our people. Arcfield’s Orion Space Solutions Wins Initial $24M Space Payload Contracts Read More 3/4/26 WashingtonExec Orion to Support IARPA SINTRA Phase 2 Under Follow-On Subcontract Read More 1/21/26 ExecutiveBiz Golden Dome Will Stand or Fall on Its Sensors. Here’s How to Make Them Endure Read More 1/8/26 Payload A Closer Look at VLEO: The New Frontier in Orbit Read More 12/2/25 Via Satellite Gregg Burgess Named the new GM of Orion Space Solutions Read More 12/1/25 Ex Terra: The Journal of Space Commerce (Podcast) Arcfield Taps Gregg Burgess to Lead Orion Space Solutions Read More 11/20/25 WashExec 4 Takeaways: Orion Space Solutions on On-Orbit Refueling Read More 11/12/25 Space Intel Report Why industry says Golden Dome’s biggest challenge isn’t missiles, it’s data flow Read More 8/2/25 SpaceNews Golden Dome – Data and AI Read More 7/31/25 SpaceNews LEO’s looking a bit crowded, what about heading south a bit? Read More 7/17/25 Federal News Network Orion Space Prepares for Historic VLEO DARPA Ouija Mission Launch Read More 6/20/25 SatNow Orion Completes TRR, Brings Ouija Mission Closer to Launch Read More 6/18/25 ExecutiveBiz NESDIS Publishes Earth Observation Digital Twin Study Read More 6/3/25 ExecutiveGov Low Altitude, High Stakes: Why VLEO Will Decide Military Superiority Read More 6/3/25 Via Satellite LOAD MORE

PRESS RELEASES Check out the latest news released by Orion. Arcfield’s Orion Space Solutions secures $24M award to deliver advanced space-based sensors for proprietary customer 3/3/26 Orion will deliver innovative payloads to enable next-generation space-based environmental monitoring READ MORE Orion Space Solutions to operationalize IARPA system for space debris detection and tracking 1/20/26 Orion Space Solutions announced today a follow-on subcontract from Advanced Space to support Phase 2 of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Space Debris Identification and Tracking (SINTRA) program. READ MORE Arcfield’s Orion Space Solutions Receives Space Force Association Engineering and Space Technology Award for OrbitIQ™ at Spacepower Conference 2025 12/12/25 Award recognizes OrbitIQ™ for transforming orbital modeling, strengthening mission resilience, and advancing space superiority READ MORE Arcfield names Gregg Burgess as the new GM of its Orion Space Solutions business 11/20/25 Arcfield announced today that it has appointed Gregg Burgess as president and general manager of Orion Space Solutions. READ MORE Orion Space Solutions Prepares for Historical VLEO DARPA Ouija Program Mission Launch 6/17/25 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. READ MORE Arcfield's Orion Space Solutions Revolutionizes Real-Time Weather Data Collection with Innovative RROCI Sensor 3/4/25 Arcfield's Orion Space Solution announces a major advancement in global real-time weather data collection with the successful launch of its Rapid Revisit Optical Cloud Imager (RROCI). READ MORE Arcfield’s Orion Space Solutions to provide near real-time atmospheric modeling data to U.S. Space Systems Command Space Domain Awareness TAP Lab Accelerator 2/25/25 The company’s successful demonstration of its Dragster model during the Apollo Accelerator Cohort 4 led to this award. READ MORE Orion Space Solutions recognized with Space Force Association Innovation Award for advancing spacepower and national security 12/18/24 Recognized for mission design, technical ingenuity and operational excellence, the award highlights Orion Space Solutions’ pioneering work in space domain awareness, weather prediction and sustainable operation. READ MORE Orion Space Solutions kicks off work leveraging artificial intelligence to conduct advanced data processing for NOAA 12/12/24 Orion Space Solutions announced today that it has been awarded new work from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support its Advanced Access Methods for Earth Observations Digital Twin program. READ MORE Orion Space Solutions to expand its work demonstrating refueling in space capabilities for U.S. Space Force 11/19/24 Orion Space Solutions announced today that it has been awarded additional work from the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command to support the Tetra-6 mission. READ MORE Orion Space Solutions launches an Electro-Optical/Infrared Weather Systems (EWS) Satellite for U.S. Department of Defense support 3/7/24 Orion's state-of-the-art electro-optical/infrared weather system spacecraft is now on orbit. READ MORE Orion Space Solutions Completes Critical Design Review (CDR) for U.S. Warfighter Support 1/2/24 Orion Space Solution’s Tetra-5 will now proceed to design assembly, integration, and test READ MORE

Orion will deliver innovative payloads to enable next-generation space-based environmental monitoring Orion will deliver innovative payloads to enable next-generation space-based environmental monitoring CHANTILLY, Va., Mar. 3, 2025 – Arcfield today announced that its subsidiary, Orion Space Solutions (Orion), a leader in advanced space-based sensing technologies, has been awarded initial contracts valued at more than $24 million to deliver more than 25 state-of-the-art payloads for a proprietary space customer. The work includes design, manufacturing, testing, and calibration of mission-specific instrumentation over a multi-year period. These awards have a total potential contract value of over $100M as batch deliveries are completed. “Orion’s high-performance payloads are at the heart of the future of space-based intelligence,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman and CEO, Arcfield. “This effort reinforces Arcfield’s role as a leading hardware provider for novel commercial and defense space initiatives.” The Orion payloads will enable unprecedented space-based environmental monitoring (SBEM) capabilities and are the result of decades of Orion heritage in these technological areas. "Collaborating with our partner on this mission underscores Orion’s commitment to delivering game-changing innovations in space-based environmental monitoring," said Gregg Burgess, president and general manager, Orion. “With these payloads, we are leveraging decades of advanced sensor development to support space-based intelligence and next-generation satellite systems.” About Arcfield Arcfield is a science and engineering company, purpose-built to relentlessly protect the nation and its allies from today’s national security threats. We have nearly 70 years of demonstrated experience supporting missions in space superiority, hypersonic defense and nuclear deterrence, digital transformation, and undersea and surface warfare. Our solution areas include space mission engineering, atmospheric science, digital engineering, mission assurance, and advances in modeling and simulation that together with our enterprise-wide adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning lead to effective and efficient mission success. Headquartered in Chantilly, VA with 18 North American offices, Arcfield employs 2,200 engineers, scientists, analysts, IT specialists and other professionals. Visit arcfield.com for more details. Press Contact Katerina Figurski Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer 571.401.2155 katerina.figurski@arcfield.com Previous Next Mar 3, 2026 Arcfield’s Orion Space Solutions secures $24M award to deliver advanced space-based sensors for proprietary customer

Orion Space Solutions delivers cutting-edge technology and expertise that has been proven in a wide range of missions. Our adaptability and deep domain knowledge enable us to support defense and civilian customers regardless of their mission needs. Rooted in space science and physics, we develop innovative technologies that drive progress in space. MISSION-PROVEN CAPABILITIES Orion Space Solutions delivers cutting-edge technology and expertise that has been proven in a wide range of missions. Our adaptability and deep domain knowledge enable us to support defense and civilian customers regardless of their mission needs. Rooted in space science and physics, we develop innovative technologies that drive progress in space. RROCI Striving to bridge gaps and improve the functionality of space-based environmental monitoring (SBEM) systems, the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) sought a commercial prototype electro-optical/infrared weather system (EWS) capable of characterizing global clouds in near real-time to support Department of Defense operations. SSC selected Orion Space Solutions to produce the EWS Rapid Revisit Optical Cloud Imager (EWS RROCI). EWS RROCI utilized commercial off-the-shelf systems to produce cloud characterization and launched in March 2024. LEARN MORE TETRA The Tetra program is advancing autonomous multi-spacecraft operations in geostationary orbit (GEO) through a series of cutting-edge demonstration missions. Tetra-5, set to launch in early 2026, will showcase autonomous Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) with two advanced spacecraft designed to validate automated refueling and servicing capabilities at GEO altitudes. Building on this foundation, Tetra-6, launching in 2027, will further expand autonomous space operations, integrating AI-driven control systems and advanced sensors to enhance precision maneuvering and on-orbit servicing. By pioneering these technologies, the Tetra program is laying the groundwork for routine satellite servicing and extending mission lifespans in high Earth orbit. LEARN MORE KRAKEN The Orion Space Solutions’ Kraken mission will conduct in situ and remote sensing observations to characterize space weather dynamics in very low earth orbit (vLEO). This pathfinding mission features a highly integrated and comprehensive instrument suite designed to measure key parameters such as electron density, ion composition and neutral atmosphere interactions. In the size of a 27U CubeSat, Kraken will demonstrate innovative technologies for operating in the challenging vLEO environment. This mission is set to launch in 2026. LEARN MORE ACMES ACMES is a NASA-funded Earth science CubeSat showcasing next-generation thermal imaging and remote sensing capabilities. With three integrated payloads, the mission’s primary objective is to demonstrate high-resolution imaging and advanced thermal control technologies that enable sustained Earth observation from space. Its primary instrument captures long-wave infrared (LWIR) data across 25 spectral bands with better than 45-meter resolution. Additional payloads include a compact methane sensor for climate monitoring and an ionospheric diagnostic probe for space weather analysis. Set to launch in 2027, ACMES support critical applications in climate science, agriculture, disaster response, atmospheric monitoring and space environment research. LEARN MORE

Orion provides detailed space mission planning and design expertise throughout the mission lifetime—from formulation through implementation to on orbit mission operations—we have the expertise and experience to deliver successful space missions. END-TO-END SPACE MISSION SOLUTIONS Orion provides detailed space mission planning and design expertise throughout the mission lifetime—from formulation through implementation to on-orbit mission operations—we have the expertise and experience to deliver successful space missions. LEARN MORE SUPPORT THE MISSION. SECURE THE NATION. Every day we play a critical role in securing the nation by providing government customers with unparalleled expertise, technology and commitment. Are you up for the challenge? EXPLORE CAREERS ORION SPACE SOLUTIONS SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES RROCI Orion's state-of-the-art electro-optical/infrared weather system spacecraft is now on orbit! READ MORE CUSTOMIZED SPACE SOLUTIONS ACROSS EVERY DOMAIN As scientists and engineers, Orion knows what it takes to collect quality data and how to use it. We leverage innovative solutions—including small satellites, miniaturized instruments, models and data products—to deliver actionable insights to our customers. LEARN MORE DEMONSTRATING CAPABILITIES. DELIVERING SYSTEMS. Orion’s SmallSat science missions demonstrate our proven ability to achieve mission success—regardless of how demanding or rigorous the requirements. LEARN MORE PIONEERING THE NEXT FRONTIER OF THE SPACE RACE Unlocking the potential of very low Earth orbit (VLEO) LEARN MORE FOR EARTH, SPACE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN SERVICES Orion Space Solutions helps customers gain low-cost access to space through innovative SmallSat sensors and subsystems. Our robust satellite system designs, in-depth analyses, and advanced technical and scientific capabilities ensure mission success. LEARN MORE PRODUCTS We understand the science, objectives and requirements that drive successful mission architectures. Orion gained this in-depth understanding through the development and execution of two decades worth of our own successful space-based missions. LEARN MORE CAREERS Whether you are just starting your career or are an experienced professional, Orion is always seeking new minds to advance the innovation and technology we work on every day. LEARN MORE NEWSROOM Explore the Orion newsroom to stay up to date on our latest missions, news and business and industry developments. Learn about all things Orion in the marketplace. READ MORE MISSIONS At Orion Space Solutions, we deliver cutting-edge technologies and scientific expertise that power advanced space missions across diverse orbits and applications. RROCI Launched in March 2024, EWS RROCI is a prototype system that provides near real-time global cloud characterization in support of defense operations. LEARN MORE TETRA The Tetra program is advancing autonomous satellite servicing with multi-spacecraft missions designed to extend operational lifespans in geostationary equatorial orbit (GEO). LEARN MORE KRAKEN Set to launch in 2025, the Kraken mission will demonstrate advanced space weather sensing and resilient technologies in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) using a compact 27U CubeSat. LEARN MORE ACMES Launching in 2025, ACMES will demonstrate advanced thermal imaging and sensing technologies for climate science, agriculture and space weather research. LEARN MORE Latest news Orion Space Solutions Receives Space Force Association Engineering and Space Technology Award for OrbitIQ™ at Spacepower Conference 2025 Orion Space Solutions secures $24M award to deliver advanced space-based sensors for proprietary customer Orion Space Solutions to operationalize IARPA system for space debris detection and tracking Orion Space Solutions Prepares for Historical VLEO DARPA Ouija Program Mission Launch Orion Space Solutions Revolutionizes Real-Time Weather Data Collection with Innovative RROCI Sensor Orion Space Solutions to provide near real-time atmospheric modeling data to U.S. Space Systems Command Space Domain Awareness TAP Lab Accelerator Orion Space Solutions recognized with Space Force Association Innovation Award for advancing spacepower and national security Orion Space Solutions kicks off work leveraging artificial intelligence to conduct advanced data processing for NOAA Orion Space Solutions to expand its work demonstrating refueling in space capabilities for U.S. Space Force Check out our latest white paper on space weather Satellites are the backbone of modern security, communications, and intelligence. But solar storms and geomagnetic disruptions can put them at risk. Discover how national security and critical operations can remain resilient against these unseen challenges. DOWNLOAD NOW

Orion Space Solutions announced today that it has been awarded additional work from the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command to support the Tetra-6 mission. Orion Space Solutions announced today that it has been awarded additional work from the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command to support the Tetra-6 mission. CHANTILLY, Va., Nov. 19, 2024 — Orion Space Solutions (Orion), a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcfield, announced today that it has been awarded additional work from the United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) to support the Tetra-6 mission. The additional four-year award extends Orion’s Tetra-5 prime contract, and work on both missions will address the challenge of refueling in space. The Tetra-6 mission will further enhance the capability of on-orbit refueling by demonstrating an additional refueling capability than the one used by the Tetra-5 spacecraft. Orion’s Tetra-6 SmallSat prototype spacecraft is already under development and is expected to launch in 2027, just two years after its predecessor program. Both programs will have at least a two-year mission life in geostationary orbit (GEO). “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with SSC to thoroughly demonstrate and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of on-orbit refueling,” said Chad Fish, president and general manager of Orion. “We believe that the Orion solutions will deliver cost-effective capabilities in support of the USSF’s mission to achieve dynamic space operations.” Once launched, Orion will be the first company to have deployed assets demonstrating refueling at GEO, as well as the first to host all available commercial refueling mechanisms. “Our Orion team of expert engineers and scientists have a knack for solving some of the most complex and never-been-solved-before challenges in support of national security space missions,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman and chief executive officer of Arcfield. “I am proud of the team on this achievement and look forward to two successful missions ahead for our SSC customer.” 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. Previous Next Nov 19, 2024 Orion Space Solutions to expand its work demonstrating refueling in space capabilities for U.S. Space Force

Orion Space Solutions understands the science, objectives, and requirements-base that drive successful mission architectures. We have successfully developed and executed nearly a dozen of our own space-based missions and provided input and recommendations to customers on many more missions over the past two decades. MISSION DESIGN PLANNING AND OPERATIONS Orion Space Solutions understands the science, objectives, and requirements-base that drive successful mission architectures. We have successfully developed and executed nearly a dozen of our own space-based missions and provided input and recommendations to customers on many more missions over the past two decades. Your mission. Our duty. Orion’s mission operations activities are fluid and transparent and allow for integrated customer planning and review. Mission operations occur 24/7, so customers never miss a moment. From single 1U cubesats, to constellations of ESPA-sized space vehicles, Orion enables the insight, coverage and management for successful mission execution scenarios. CONTACT 24/7 Support Monitored both local and remote Automated notifications Redundant backups Network upgrade 500Mbps up and down fiber 99.999714% Uptime Mission Operations Features

Recognized for mission design, technical ingenuity and operational excellence, the award highlights Orion Space Solutions’ pioneering work in space domain awareness, weather prediction and sustainable operation. Recognized for mission design, technical ingenuity and operational excellence, the award highlights Orion Space Solutions’ pioneering work in space domain awareness, weather prediction and sustainable operation. CHANTILLY, Va., Dec. 18 — Orion Space Solutions (Orion), a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcfield, has been honored with the Space Force Association (SFA) Innovation Award. The award highlights Orion’s leadership in tackling critical challenges in the rapidly evolving space domain with advanced technologies that strengthen national security and drive the future of global space exploration. “Being recognized by the SFA—an organization that like ours is deeply committed to advancing the future of space—makes receiving this award even more special,” said Chad Fish, president and general manager of Orion. “This honor is a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of our team and we are very proud to be recognized for our innovative thinking and operational excellence.” Orion is redefining space operations with a range of technologies that tackle the growing challenges of the space domain. At the forefront of these efforts are the Tetra-5 and -6 missions that are pushing the boundaries of sustainability in space with on-orbit refueling and autonomous collaboration capabilities. Complementing these advancements, the Dragster nowcasting solution provides rapid orbit drag insights to prevent collisions and optimize satellite resources. The company’s Rapid Revisit Optical Cloud Imager (RROCI) sensor, which delivers real-time weather imaging, can enhance defense operations, emergency response and climate research. Additionally, by leveraging the ionosphere as a sensor to detect hypersonic threats, Orion is redefining space security, ensuring mission success in an increasingly contested domain. As part of the Arcfield family of brands, Orion’s work complements a legacy of delivering mission-critical solutions for defense, intelligence and space agencies. Acquired in 2023, Orion’s achievements in space align with Arcfield’s commitment to advancing national security through cutting-edge technologies. “Space is the next frontier for innovation and national security, and the pace of progress will dictate our nation’s ability to remain resilient and superior in space,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman and chief executive officer of Arcfield. “Orion’s work exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking solutions that ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats. By integrating their expertise with Arcfield’s legacy of mission-critical national security space support, we are charting a path toward a future where space operations are smarter, more sustainable, and ultimately indispensable to protecting our nation.” According to SFA, its annual awards program is designed to recognize the “best of the best” in military space operations, as well as leadership in innovation, government, education and industry. Awardees were recognized at the SFA Spacepower 2024 conference in Orlando, Fl. To learn more about how Arcfield’s Orion Space Solutions is bridging critical data gaps in space exploration and its impacts, visit orion.arcfield.com . 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. Press Contact: Katerina Figurski Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer 571.401.2155 katerina.figurski@arcfield.com Previous Next Dec 18, 2024 Orion Space Solutions recognized with Space Force Association Innovation Award for advancing spacepower and national security

Orion’s advanced optical sensors deliver precise, reliable data in dynamic environments, leveraging cutting-edge engineering and miniaturization for a compact, high-performance design. Built for accuracy and efficiency, they empower your mission with invaluable data and optimal results. OPTICAL SENSORS Orion’s advanced optical sensors deliver precise, reliable data in dynamic environments, leveraging cutting-edge engineering and miniaturization for a compact, high-performance design. Built for accuracy and efficiency, they empower your mission with invaluable data and optimal results. SPECTRE SPECTRE is a next-gen, multi-spectral optical payload, designed to deliver unparalleled weather monitoring performance in a compact, small-SWaP configuration. Designed for versatility and efficiency, it’s the ideal solution for high- resolution Earth observation, climate and environmental monitoring, and defense missions where space and power are limited. Leveraging Orion’s expertise in sensor miniaturization and multi-spectral imaging, this payload redefines compact performance in the EO/IR domain.  LEARN MORE EDGE LiDAR EDGE is the world's first small-scale topographic and bathymetric scanning LiDAR that can detect small underwater objects, measure shallow water depth, and survey critical underwater infrastructure from a small UAV platform. EDGE provides high-definition measurements both above and below the water surface and accurately measures the transition from land to water. Additionally, the tool provides simultaneous water and bottom surface detection at sub-centimeter accuracy and precision from shore through shallow waters. 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

Stop by our booth to learn how Orion is advancing SmallSat platforms and mission-ready payloads to meet today’s most demanding space challenges. From rapid development to on-orbit success, our integrated solutions are built to support the full lifecycle of your mission. JOIN US AT THE 39th Annual Small Satellite Conference BOOTH #1130 Stop by our booth to learn how Orion is advancing SmallSat platforms and mission-ready payloads to meet today’s most demanding space challenges. From rapid development to on-orbit success, our integrated solutions are built to support the full lifecycle of your mission. SPACE DOMAIN Awareness SMALLSAT SPACECRAFT GROUND AND SPACE SENSORS OPERATIONAL SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS Orion delivers advanced operational space domain awareness solutions, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive analysis of the space environment and its impact on defense and civil space assets. We provide actionable insights on the impacts that space weather and ionospheric effects have on orbital activity, enhancing decision-making to protect critical space assets. LEARN MORE ADVANCED SMALLSAT SOLUTIONS FOR MULTI-ORBIT OPERATIONS Our advanced smallsat platforms are engineered for versatility across all orbital regimes, from VLEO to GEO, offering custom configurations and expert sensor integration to optimize performance and minimize costs. Our end-to-end approach ensures seamless development and rapid deployment for defense, commercial and scientific missions in any orbital environment. LEARN MORE PRECISION SENSING FROM EARTH TO ORBIT Orion’s ionospheric sensors deliver advanced monitoring and analysis with exceptional accuracy, providing real-time data to enhance satellite communications, navigation, scientific applications and more. Designed for defense, space operations and atmospheric research, they ensure actionable intelligence from any platform. LEARN MORE YOUR MISSION. OUR PRIORITY. SMALLSAT 2025 EXHIBIT HALL HOURS Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT BOOTH 1130 August 11 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MT August 12 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MT August 13 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. MT REGISTER FOR SMALLSAT PRESENTATIONS ACMES: The Next-Generation of Advanced LWIR Observations of the Earth Lucas Anderson August 11 | 2:15 p.m. SPECTRE – an EO/IR Payload Katie Nyland August 12 | 9:00 a.m. A SmallSat in VLEO: The OSS Kraken Approach Katie Nyland August 12 | 3:45 p.m. LEARN MORE FILE NAME DESCRIPTION SIZE DOWNLOAD Arcfield Company Overview Learn more about Arcfield 1 MB Orion Space Solutions Sector Overview Learn more about Orion Space Solutions 501 KB SPECTRE Learn about our EO/IR sensor 267 KB OrbitIQ Learn more about the OrbitIQ assimilative model 905 KB Ionosphere as a Service Learn more about our ionospheric modeling capabilities 580 KB CONTACT First name* Last name* Email* Phone* Message* SUBMIT

VP, Space Domain Awareness Previous Next JUNK WILSON VP, Space Domain Awareness As the vice president of space domain awareness, Junk Wilson leads Orion’s efforts to deliver system engineering and integration support to the U.S. Space Force (USSF), Space Systems Command (SSC) in Colorado Springs, CO. Under his leadership, Junk manages an expert team of engineers and scientists who execute in multiple geographies to provide advanced situational awareness to warfighters in INDOPACOM, SOCOM and EUCOM on the impact of the current space environment to their missions. Junk joined Orion in 2022 after spending six years with Booz Allen Hamilton where he led a business portfolio supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque and the USSF Space Domain Awareness PEO in SSC. Prior to that, Junk spent 24 years with the U.S. Air Force (USAF). A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in applied physics, Junk was selected for pilot training. He finished 2nd in his class, and was selected to fly the premier air superiority fighter, the F-15C. His time in the F-15 included combat and culminated as a mission commander leading large formations of dissimilar aircraft in offensive and defensive counter air missions.

Gathering of power industry and solar science experts in April focuses on early warning needs and opportunities Gathering of power industry and solar science experts in April focuses on early warning needs and opportunities LOUISVILLE, Co., April 28, 2022 — Our electric grid is at the whim of the natural world’s powerful forces – wind, lightning, Sun. As the solar cycle ramps back up in activity (a regular occurrence after relatively quiet period), the power grid reawakens to the threat of space weather, which has the potential to push the system beyond its tipping point. Space weather is a global and imminent threat, falling in the same likelihood of occurrence in the next five years as “pandemic influenza,”[1] but society is less prepared for a space weather disaster than another pandemic. Power grids are complex systems and solar activity resulting in geomagnetic storms can wreak havoc on grid infrastructure. Current ability to predict such storms exists, but is only as mature as weather prediction was 50 years ago. This makes good communication between scientists, emergency managers, and those in charge of the power grid essential. Such communications are often stymied by lack of common vocabulary and technical focus and understanding between the groups. Orion Space Solutions’ (OSS) Ryan McGranaghan[2] and his university and power grid collaborators strive to change this reality through the concept of convergence ,[3] or a radical merging of innovative ideas, approaches, and technologies from a diverse range of sectors and expertise. Through a National Science Foundation-funded workshop (Award Number: AGS-2131047) and with the understanding that to reimagine grid resilience, data from diverse fields must be open and broadly usable and the traditionally disparate communities must be connected, McGranaghan brought together experts from diverse fields to share expertise and take advantage of the spectrum of innovation, knowledge, and assets available within and across these groups. The group was animated by three questions: What are the research & development and operational gaps that emerge from a holistic view of the Sun-to-Power Grid system and what solutions can we imagine to address them? What is the composition of the teams that can create these solutions? How do we connect these gaps to existing programs and form bridges across them? “We designed this event based on a convergence approach to Sun-to-Power Grid resilience, recognizing that national-scale societal challenges require transdisciplinary collaboration and novel ways to facilitate it”, says Dr. McGranaghan of OSS. “So we created a simulation game that enabled individuals from every part of the system to communicate, learn, and understand.” The interactions were facilitated through an extreme space weather simulation game--a table-top coupled with simulation and observational data in an interactive environment to reveal novel research and development gaps for the Sun-to-Power Grid System. The novel simulation game identified linkages across knowledge areas to better anticipate, understand, and respond to effects of space weather on the nation’s power grids. The engaging three-day workshop generated new understanding about the complex sun-to-power grid system by converging the range of communities that are involved, identifying the research & development and operational gaps, and proposing solutions for those gaps. In a close, and novel, partnership with RWI Synthetics[4] , they demonstrated the human dimension of socio-economic impacts of outage by synthesizing the entire population of Washington DC, including social, economic, and medical details to model and visualize the individualized impacts of outage on the population of a city. The event was organized into three days: the simulation game, synthesizing lessons learned and gaps, and systems-building, which had teams of data scientists and domain scientists and engineers work together to prototype solutions. Critical outcomes include: A lessons learned database that cover how to achieve convergent interactions and guidance for future Sun-to-Power Grid interactions; Enumerated and organized R&D gaps that can guide the community in setting policy, advocating resources, and proposing new projects; and A knowledge base of simulation data, literature, a community exchange platform, and a template for running simulation games. The workshop is the next step in the successful NSF Convergence Accelerator Project the Convergence Hub for the Exploration of Space Science (CHESS)[5] which pioneered the paradigm-shifting convergent approach to Sun-to-Power Grid research, development, and operations. “Space weather is about societal resilience, multiphysics, and multiscale. This simulation game embodied all three facets”, says Dr. Mangala Sharma, Program Director for Space Weather Research at the NSF. The community the CHESS project has been cultivating along with existing programs and projects in the field includes representatives from the National Science Foundation, NASA, Department of Energy, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), United States Geological Survey (USGS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), several national space weather programs, and numerous academic and private institutions. [1] https://assets.lloyds.com/assets/pdf-solar-storm-risk-to-the-north-american-electric-grid/1/pdf-Solar-Storm-Risk-to-the-North-American-Electric-Grid.pdf [2] http://www.ryanmcgranaghan.com/ [3] https://www.nsf.gov/od/oia/convergence/index.jsp [4] https://rwisynthetics.com/ [5] https://www.chessscience.com/ Previous Next Apr 27, 2022 Uptick in solar activity parallels discussion on effects of space weather on the electrical grid