CAPE CANAVERAL, FL — A SpaceX rocket carrying technology developed by a metro Atlanta company successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Tuesday morning.

The SpaceX Bandwagon 5 rocket lifted off shortly after 7 a.m., carrying a satellite equipped with Space Armor, a protective shield created by Marietta-based Atomic-6.

The technology consists of specially designed tiles that function similarly to a bulletproof vest, protecting satellite communications equipment from high-speed debris traveling through space at thousands of miles per hour.

The launch marks the first time Space Armor has traveled into orbit.

Trevor Smith, founder and CEO of Atomic-6, says the company hopes to demonstrate the technology’s effectiveness during the mission.

“We’re hoping that we actually get hit just in the right spot during that mission to showcase the ability to protect space assets,” Smith said.

The mission is expected to last approximately one year.

Tuesday’s launch was originally scheduled for Monday morning but was postponed due to weather conditions.