Seattle-based aerospace startup Gravitics has secured a $60 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop a revolutionary satellite deployment system designed to rapidly launch satellites into orbit in times of crisis, acting as a sort of space-based aircraft carrier. The system, dubbed the Orbital Carrier, is being heralded as a potential game-changer in orbital security. Acting as a “prepositioned launch pad in space,” the Orbital Carrier will house multiple maneuverable satellites, ready to be deployed on demand in the event existing assets are disabled, threatened, or interfered with — particularly amid growing concerns about space aggression from countries like China and Russia. “The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer,” said Colin Doughan, CEO of Gravitics, in a statement. “It bypasses traditional launch constraints, enabling space vehicle operators to rapidly select a deployment orbit on demand.” The carrier is designed to operate much like an aircraft carrier — but for space. Instead of returning to Earth to reload or refuel, it remains in orbit, allowing for near-instantaneous deployment of satellites in response to emergent threats or system failures. The $60 million award was made through SpaceWERX, the innovation-focused wing of the U.S. Space Force. Funding comes from a combination of government support, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) reserves, and private investment. The contract gives Gravitics the green light to both develop and demonstrate the Orbital Carrier, with potential test launches projected as early as 2026. Analysts say the system could provide the United States with critical tactical flexibility in space, particularly in an era where satellite networks are increasingly vital for communications, surveillance, and navigation — and are more vulnerable than ever to foreign interference. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)