Gravitics’ Orbital Carrier Gets The Green Light — And Big Funding

March 28, 2025
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  Launches, Satellites, Space Force
 

Gravitics Orbital Carrier: Gravitics

By Collins Eshiet,
Published by Orbital Today, 28 March 2025

The new Gravitics orbital carrier project is proof that the US Space Force is exploring new ways to protect its country from outer space. This new project has received $60 million in funding from the US government to develop a satellite carrier for orbit in space.

The Gravitics Orbital Carrier Aims To Imitate An Aircraft Carrier

In 2023, the US Space Force tested the tactical response launch concept. They quickly loaded a satellite onto a rocket and launched it to address national security threats. The test used a Firefly Alpha rocket, with the entire process completed in under 27 hours.

Two years after this test launch, the US Space Force is looking for a faster way to get satellites to space to tackle national security threats. To accomplish this goal, the agency is funding a Seattle-based space firm, Gravitics, with $60 million to develop an orbital carrier.

This space vehicle will be able to hold satellites that aren’t in use and rapidly deploy them to replace damaged satellites in space. The details of this funding and the project itself are vague at this point. However, the picture of what to expect is somewhat clear.

Jon Goff, Gravitics’ director of advanced concepts, says that the space vehicle in development will behave like an “aircraft carrier.” Similarly, like an aircraft carrier, the Gravitics orbital carrier will house satellites in optimal condition until deployment into orbit.

Why Is Gravitics The Best Pick To Develop The Orbital Carrier?

One of the major reasons why Gravitics stands out as a great pick for the Space Force’s newly found goal is the nature of its business. The firm concerns itself with the development of larger space structures that provide artificial gravity.

By using their in-house technology, Gravitics should be able to develop an orbital carrier that keeps forces of space away from the satellites it carries. Next year, we might see this orbital carrier in action as the Space Force will test out its usability.

Colin Doughan, Gravitics’ CEO, highlights why his firm is ideal for developing the satellite carrier. Gravitics claim to share a similar vision with the Space Force, “space superiority.”

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