U.S. Space Force Partners with Gravitics to Develop Orbital Aircraft Carrier for Enhanced Satellite Deployment

Washington, D.C September 2025 : In a significant advancement for U.S. space capabilities, the U.S. Space Force has awarded a contract of up to $60 million to Seattle-based aerospace startup Gravitics. This partnership aims to develop an innovative "Orbital Aircraft Carrier," a space-based platform designed to revolutionize satellite deployment and bolster national security in the increasingly contested domain of space.

What Is the Orbital Aircraft Carrier?

The Orbital Aircraft Carrier is conceptualized as a modular, unpressurized space station capable of housing multiple maneuverable satellites. This platform will serve as a pre-positioned launch pad in orbit, allowing for the rapid deployment of satellites without the need for traditional ground-based rocket launches. By eliminating the constraints of terrestrial launch schedules and infrastructure, the Orbital Carrier offers unprecedented flexibility and speed for in-space operations, significantly enhancing the nation's space defense posture.

According to Gravitics CEO Colin Doughan, "The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer, acting as a pre-positioned launch pad in space. It bypasses traditional launch constraints, enabling space vehicle operators to rapidly select a deployment orbit on-demand."

Strategic Implications

This initiative is part of a broader U.S. strategy to maintain space superiority amid growing global competition. By establishing a pre-positioned platform in orbit, the U.S. aims to bolster its operational capabilities and readiness in addressing both immediate and long-term security challenges. The Orbital Carrier's ability to deploy satellites on-demand enhances the nation's agility in responding to threats and ensures a resilient space infrastructure.

Technical Specifications and Development Timeline

The Orbital Carrier is designed to accommodate multiple satellites, providing an unpressurized environment that protects sensitive electronics from the harsh conditions of space. This protective feature not only safeguards military assets but also grants the U.S. a tactical advantage by masking satellite positions from adversaries, thereby enhancing its space security posture.

Gravitics plans to demonstrate the Orbital Carrier's capabilities as early as 2026, with the initial mission focusing on validating the platform's ability to operate in space and deploy assets on orbit. The demonstration will serve as a critical step toward full operational deployment.

Public-Private Collaboration

This project underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing space technology. Collaborations with innovative startups like Gravitics enable the rapid integration of cutting-edge technologies into national defense strategies, fostering the growth of the U.S. space sector and maintaining a competitive edge in space operations.

Global Perspective

The development of the Orbital Aircraft Carrier has significant implications for international space dynamics. As nations enhance their space capabilities, the U.S. aims to lead in space innovation, ensuring that advancements in space exploration contribute to shared peace and progress for all of humanity.

The collaboration between the U.S. Space Force and Gravitics to develop the Orbital Aircraft Carrier marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of space operations. By enabling rapid, on-demand satellite deployment from orbit, this initiative enhances the U.S.'s strategic capabilities and sets the stage for future advancements in space technology. As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of global space exploration and security.