US Space Force wants a new ‘orbital carrier’ to be a satellite launch pad in space | Space
The U.S. Space Force is funding the development of a new “Orbital Carrier” spacecraft that can deploy multiple satellites when needed.
By: Brett Tingley for Space News
“The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer, acting as a pre-positioned launch pad in space.”
The Orbital Carrier is being designed by Seattle-based company Gravitics and is funded through the Space Force’s Space-WERX development office, which partners with private industry to develop new technologies and spacecraft. SpaceWERX has set aside up to $60 million to fund the development of Gravitics’ Orbital Carrier concept. The Orbital Carrier is designed to carry “multiple maneuverable space vehicles that can deliver a rapid response to address threats on orbit,” Gravitics wrote in a statement.
That means it will act as the space-based equivalent of an aircraft carrier, ready to rapidly deploy satellites in response to any threats to U.S. spacecraft in orbit. In recent years, the U.S. Space Force has been pushing for the development of more responsive spacecraft operations. This means being able to quickly reposition satellites in orbit, or being able to launch spacecraft on accelerated timelines. In the statement, Gravitics CEO Colin Doughan said the Orbital Carrier concept is a “critical initiative” for the U.S. Space Force’s ability to position spacecraft quickly and defend assets in orbit.
