Space startup Gravitics has awarded a $60 million contract to the U.S. Space Force to build an innovative “orbital carrier.” This vehicle will be able to rapidly deploy satellites directly from orbit, giving the Army new capabilities to counter threats in space. According to Ars Technica, the technology will allow for a much faster response to challenges compared to traditional rocket launches.
While the details of the project remain secret due to its military nature, it is clear that the U.S. is looking to reinforce its orbital presence. Experts see this as a step towards a new phase of the “space arms race”, where speed and technological advantage become decisive.
According to Gravitics, the carrier will have an unsealed bay to accommodate one or more satellites. They will be protected from the extreme conditions of space, which will preserve their solar panels and electronics. In addition, the vehicle can camouflage satellites, making them difficult for the enemy to detect.
“This is a revolution,” said Gravitics CEO Colin Dogan. “The carrier will be a platform for instant launches in space, avoiding the limitations of ground-based launches.Operators will be able to select a deployment orbit in a matter of hours.”
In addition to the military project, Gravitics is working with Axiom Space to develop a pressurized module for commercial missions. But the new contract with the Pentagon underscores the startup’s ambitions to become a key player in defense.
“Our goal is absolute supremacy in space,” Dogan added. “We combine innovation for the military and the private sector to provide U.S. leadership in orbit.”
The development of Gravitics could be the foundation for future technological breakthroughs — in both military and civilian sectors. The only question is how quickly competitors will respond to this challenge.
We previously reported on how the U.S. Space Force asked for $700 million for cybersecurity.
