The US Space Force has awarded a $60 million contract to space startup Gravitics to develop an orbital carrier that can deploy satellites from orbit, marking a significant step in the US military’s efforts to bolster its presence in orbit.
The US Space Force has awarded a $60 million contract to space startup Gravitics to develop an ‘orbital carrier’ that can deploy satellites from orbit. Such a spacecraft could give the military a much faster way to respond to threats to national security in orbit compared to sending a satellite on a rocket into space.
Isolating Satellites from Hostile Space Environment
Gravitics officials told Ars Technica that the carrier will provide unpressurized space to house one or more satellites, which can be deployed at will in orbit. The goal is to isolate them from the hostile space environment, sparing their batteries and other sensitive electronics.
This design allows for a secure and efficient deployment of satellites, enabling space vehicle operators to rapidly select a deployment orbit on-demand. By isolating the satellites from the harsh conditions of space, Gravitics aims to prolong their lifespan and maintain their operational effectiveness.
A Game-Changer in Space Operations
According to CEO Colin Doughan, ‘The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer, acting as a pre-positioned launch pad in space.’ This statement highlights the potential benefits of an orbital carrier in space operations. By bypassing traditional launch constraints, the carrier enables rapid deployment and repositioning of satellites, giving the military a significant advantage in responding to threats in orbit.
An orbital carrier is a type of spacecraft designed to transport and deploy smaller satellites into orbit.
These carriers are typically equipped with multiple payload adapters, allowing them to carry multiple satellites on a single mission.
Orbital carriers can be launched using various rocket systems and can reach a wide range of orbits, from low Earth orbit (LEO) to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).
They play a crucial role in space exploration by enabling the deployment of satellite constellations for communication, navigation, and scientific research purposes.
Expanding into National Defense
Given the success of their pressurized space module project with Axiom Space, Gravitics is now looking to expand its operations into the national defense sector. CEO Doughan stated that ‘the vision is space superiority,’ which he believes is compatible with both a Department of Defense product line and a commercial one.
Achieving space superiority refers to the ability of a nation or organization to dominate and control space-based assets, such as satellites and spacecraft.
This concept is crucial in modern warfare, as it enables secure communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities.
According to a 2020 report by the US Space Force, there are over 5,000 active satellites orbiting Earth, with many more planned for launch in the coming years.
Maintaining space superiority requires advanced technologies, including anti-satellite missiles and cyber warfare capabilities.
This development marks an important step in the US military’s efforts to bolster its presence in orbit, highlighting a growing ‘space arms race.’ As Gravitics continues to develop its orbital carrier and expand into new markets, it remains to be seen how this technology will shape the future of space operations.
- futurism.com | The Space Force Is Working on an Aircraft Carrier for Space
