A Seattle aerospace startup has been awarded a $60 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to develop a rapid satellite deployment system to launch new satellites into orbit if existing ones become inoperable.
The company, Gravitics, recently announced plans to design and develop what is being called the Orbital Carrier, which prepositions multiple maneuverable space vehicles that can deliver a rapid response to address threats in orbit.
The carrier provides the Space Force with what the company says is unprecedented flexibility and speed for in-space operations, which significantly enhances the U.S.’s space defense posture.
“The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer, acting as a prepositioned launch pad in space,” the company’s CEO, Colin Doughan, said in a statement released by the firm. “It bypasses traditional launch constraints, enabling space vehicle operators to rapidly select a deployment orbit on demand.”
According to a report on 19fortyfive.com, the system is designed to be similar to an aircraft carrier for satellites, providing a rapid response to threats from companies such as China and Russia, which could address satellite interference or attacks.
Funding for the development of the Orbital Carrier comes from SpaceWERX, which is the Space Force’s innovation-focused partnership arm. That fund is fed through a combination of government funds, Small Business Innovation Research reserves and private grants and investments, the company said.
The contract permits Gravitics to both develop and demonstrate the Orbital Carrier, which reports indicate could be ready for demonstration launches as early as 2026, Yahoo Tech reported.
The vehicle has a volume of approximately 2,119 cubic feet and can launch up to 22,046 pounds of cargo into space, according to the report.
