Latest news with #Gravitics
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China's PLA warns US Space Force ‘orbital carrier' risks escalating arms race
China's military has warned that a plan by the US Space Force to deploy 'orbital carriers' will accelerate an arms race in space Advertisement In a commentary published on Thursday by the PLA Daily, an expert from the People's Liberation Army Space Engineering University pointed to a recent US$60 million contract awarded by the US Space Force to develop an orbital transport craft. The article said the project would 'boost US war-fighting strength, yet intensify the two nations' military rivalry and threaten space security'. The article, published under the name Wang Tiantian, appeared to refer to a contract granted to the Seattle-based space infrastructure company Gravitics. The firm announced in March that it was creating a ' game-changer ' system that it expected to have launched for demonstration as early as 2026. The carrier could deploy 'multiple manoeuvrable space vehicles' within hours – instead of days or weeks – using conventional launchers to counter possible threats, the company said. At a defence conference in March, Michael Guetlein, US Space Force vice-chief of space operations, said the service was shifting towards 'a warfighting force'. Advertisement
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
China's bid to survive trade war, PL-15 missiles' first combat test: SCMP daily highlights
Catch up on some of SCMP's biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing Beijing is doubling down on efforts to create a stronger domestic market, as it focuses on reducing China's vulnerability to external tariff shocks even amid a tentative ceasefire in the country's trade war with the United States. Two new car-carrying ships made in China, including one that can hold a record number of vehicles, embarked on their maiden voyages on Thursday, underscoring the scale of the country's vehicle export ambitions. US company Gravitics recently won a lucrative contract to provide a 'game-changer' for the US Space Force 'orbital carrier' vehicle, raising new concerns for the PLA. Photo: Gravitics China's military has warned that a plan by the US Space Force to deploy 'orbital carriers' will accelerate an arms race in space.
South China Morning Post
16-05-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
China's PLA warns US Space Force ‘orbital carrier' risks escalating cosmic arms race
China's military has warned that a plan by the US Space Force to deploy 'orbital carriers' will accelerate an arms race in space In a commentary published on Thursday by People's Liberation Army Daily, an expert from the PLA Space Engineering University pointed to a recent US$60 million contract awarded by the US Space Force to develop an orbital transport craft. The article said the project would 'boost US war-fighting strength, yet intensify the two nations' military rivalry and threaten space security'. The article, published under the name Wang Tiantian, appeared to reference a contract granted to the Seattle-based space infrastructure company Gravitics. The firm announced in March that it was creating a ' game-changer ' system that it expected to have launched for demonstration as early as 2026. The carrier could deploy 'multiple manoeuvrable space vehicles' within hours – instead of days or weeks – using conventional launchers to counter possible threats, the company said. At a defence conference in March, Michael Guetlein, US Space Force vice-chief of space operations, said the service was shifting towards 'a warfighting force'. Guetlein listed escalating threats, including China's 2024 low-orbit manoeuvres involving five synchronised satellites conducting ' dogfighting ' drills, and Russia's use of jamming and laser systems, alongside concerns that Moscow may be arming satellites with nuclear warheads. The PLA Daily commentary cited design specifications suggesting the craft included hard-points for weapons and could carry up to 10,000kg (22,046lbs) of payload within a 60-cubic metre (2,119-cubic feet) compartment. That capacity would allow for more than 150 kinetic kill vehicles – space interceptors adapted from missile defence systems – enabling rapid and sustained offensive or defensive operations, it said. Because of this dual-use potential, 'such ambiguity has triggered warnings that demand heightened vigilance from all spacefaring nations', the commentary said.
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.
