Latest news with #ColinDoughan
Perth Now
30-04-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Orbital carrier could offer 'game-changer' space 'launch pad'
An "orbital carrier" could offer a "game-changer" space 'launch pad'. It acts like an aircraft carrier at sea, and allows space vehicle operators to launch spacecraft and satellites into orbit faster and at a cheaper rate to "address threats on orbit". Space infrastructure firm Gravitics Inc may get up to $60 million worth of funding from SpaceWERX, which is the innovation branch of the US Space Force, to create the in-orbit carriers. Colin Doughan, chief executive officer of Gravitics, told BBC Sky at Night magazine: "We're honoured to partner with the US Space Force on this critical initiative "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." Gravitics said in a statement: "The Orbital Carrier is designed to pre-position multiple manoeuvrable space vehicles that can deliver a rapid response to address threats on orbit. "This carrier will provide the US Space Force with unprecedented flexibility and speed for in-space operations, significantly enhancing the nation's space defence posture."
The Hill
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Hill
US Space Force working to develop space ‘aircraft carrier'
A Seattle aerospace startup has been awarded a $60 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to develop a rapid satellite deployment system to launch new satellites into orbit if existing ones become inoperable. The company, Gravitics, recently announced plans to design and develop what is being called the Orbital Carrier, which prepositions multiple maneuverable space vehicles that can deliver a rapid response to address threats in orbit. The carrier provides the Space Force with what the company says is unprecedented flexibility and speed for in-space operations, which significantly enhances the U.S.'s space defense posture. 'The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer, acting as a prepositioned launch pad in space,' the company's CEO, Colin Doughan, said in a statement released by the firm. 'It bypasses traditional launch constraints, enabling space vehicle operators to rapidly select a deployment orbit on demand.' According to a report on the system is designed to be similar to an aircraft carrier for satellites, providing a rapid response to threats from companies such as China and Russia, which could address satellite interference or attacks. Funding for the development of the Orbital Carrier comes from SpaceWERX, which is the Space Force's innovation-focused partnership arm. That fund is fed through a combination of government funds, Small Business Innovation Research reserves and private grants and investments, the company said. The contract permits Gravitics to both develop and demonstrate the Orbital Carrier, which reports indicate could be ready for demonstration launches as early as 2026, Yahoo Tech reported. The vehicle has a volume of approximately 2,119 cubic feet and can launch up to 22,046 pounds of cargo into space, according to the report.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US Space Force working to develop space ‘aircraft carrier'
(NewsNation) — A Seattle aerospace startup has been awarded a $60 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to develop a rapid satellite deployment system to launch new satellites into orbit if existing ones become inoperable. The company, Gravitics, recently announced plans to design and develop what is being called the Orbital Carrier, which prepositions multiple maneuverable space vehicles that can deliver a rapid response to address threats in orbit. The carrier provides the U.S. Space Force with what the company says is unprecedented flexibility and speed for in-space operations, which significantly enhances the United States' space defense posture. Second suspect arrested in Secretary Noem's purse theft 'The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer, acting as a prepositioned launch pad in space,' the company's CEO, Colin Doughan, said in a statement released by the firm. 'It bypasses traditional launch constraints, enabling space vehicle operators to rapidly select a deployment orbit on demand.' According to a report on the system is designed to be similar to an aircraft carrier for satellites, providing a rapid response to threats from companies such as China and Russia, which could address satellite interference or attacks. Funding for the development of the Orbital Carrier comes from SpaceWERX, which is the U.S. Space Force's innovation-focused partnership arm. That fund is fed through a combination of government funds, Small Business Innovation Research reserves and private grants and investments, the company said. The contract permits Gravitics to both develop and demonstrate the Orbital Carrier, which reports indicate could be ready for demonstration launches as early as 2026, Yahoo Tech reported. The vehicle has a volume of approximately 2,119 cubic feet and can launch up to 22,046 pounds of cargo into space, according to the report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Space Force Is Working on an Aircraft Carrier for Space
Space startup Gravitics has been awarded a $60 million contract by the US Space Force to develop an "orbital carrier" that can deploy satellites from orbit. As Ars Technica reports, such a spacecraft could give the military a much faster way to respond to threats to national security in orbit compared to sending a satellite on a rocket into space. While many questions remain about what exactly this carrier could be capable of — unsurprising, considering the sensitive nature of the plans — it's yet another sign that the US military is looking to beef up its presence in orbit, highlighting a brewing "space arms race." Gravitics officials told Ars that the carrier will provide unpressurized space to house one or more satellites, which can be deployed at will in orbit. The goal is to isolate them from the hostile space environment, sparing their batteries and other sensitive electronics. The carrier could also help hide the satellites from adversaries. "The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer, acting as a pre-positioned launch pad in space," said CEO Colin Doughan in a statement. "It bypasses traditional launch constraints, enabling space vehicle operators to rapidly select a deployment orbit on-demand." Other than developing an orbital carrier, Gravitics has already started working with space startup Axiom Space on a pressurized space module. Given the latest development, the company is now looking to expand into the national defense sector as well. "The vision is space superiority," Doughan told Ars. "We think that vision is very compatible with both a Department of Defense product line as well as a commercial one." More on satellites: Astronauts Release Wooden Satellite From Space Station
