Tech
U.S. Space Force Plans Orbital Aircraft Carrier for Satellite Deployment

DENVER, Colorado — The race for space superiority intensifies as the U.S. Space Force initiates a project to develop an orbital aircraft carrier. This groundbreaking concept is the brainchild of Gravitics, an aerospace startup with ambitious goals.
Gravitics recently secured a $60 million contract from the U.S. Space Force for this revolutionary project. Designed to launch satellites directly from Earth’s orbit, the orbital aircraft carrier aims to enhance operational agility and respond swiftly to national security threats, eliminating the need for traditional rocket launches.
According to Gravitics officials, this carrier will provide an unpressurized environment to house and protect satellites from the harsh conditions of space. Colin Doughan, CEO of Gravitics, emphasized the platform’s strategic significance, stating, “The orbital aircraft carrier is a game-changer, acting as a pre-positioned launch platform in space.”
The increasing interest from the U.S. military in enhancing its orbital presence highlights concerns about a potential “space arms race.” The carrier’s capability to quickly deploy satellites based on strategic needs positions America as a leader in space technology.
Additionally, Gravitics is teaming up with Axiom Space to develop a pressurized space module, showcasing the company’s commitment to both defense and commercial avenues in space exploration. As innovations in space technology emerge, partnerships between private companies and the Department of Defense are becoming more critical.
This advancement in orbital capabilities sets the stage for a new era of security, surveillance, and communication in space. However, as these developments unfold, questions about international space cooperation arise: How will these innovations affect global relations, and can space remain a domain for shared peace and progress?