Gravitics, a company based in Marysville, Wash., has announced plans to work with Rocket Lab USA and other partners to adapt its space station architecture for the U.S. Space Force as part of a $1.7 million contract awarded through the 2023 SpaceWERX Tactically Responsive Space Challenge. Gravitics was selected from among 18 companies fast-tracked for Phase II Small Business Innovation research contracts. The goal of the project is to develop orbital platforms that will enable rapid response options for the Space Force, offering unconventional and potentially game-changing solutions for Tactically Responsive Space missions.
According to Gravitics CEO Colin Doughan, the company will continue to focus on commercial applications for its modules, which are currently being developed at a 42,000-square-foot facility in Marysville and could be ready for delivery as early as 2026. The company is excited to offer these commercial capabilities to the Department of Defense while also advancing their technology for space station modules. Gravitics plans to leverage its commercial space station product architecture to address the missions required by the Space Force in a timely and effective manner.
Lt. Col. Jason Altenhofen, director of operations at Space Safari, expressed the importance of innovative commercial technologies in addressing challenging situations faced by the Space Force. He believes that the use of Gravitics’ space station module could be a crucial aspect of solving tough challenges in the future. The company’s collaboration with partners such as Rocket Lab USA, True Anomaly, Space Exploration Engineering, and Eta Space will help in refining mission architecture, developing use-case specific outfitting, and creating flight hardware for the project.
Gravitics’ space station module offers a unique and potentially revolutionary solution for Tactically Responsive Space missions, providing the U.S. Space Force with the ability to respond rapidly to changing situations in space. By adapting their commercial space station architecture, Gravitics aims to meet the mission requirements on tactically relevant timelines, ensuring that the Space Force has access to advanced technology and capabilities. The company is committed to developing and manufacturing these modules as part of its core mission, with plans to offer them to both commercial clients and the Department of Defense.
With a focus on commercial applications for space station modules, Gravitics is working towards offering innovative solutions for the U.S. Space Force through their partnership with Rocket Lab USA and other collaborators. The company’s efforts to develop orbital platforms that enable rapid response options demonstrate their commitment to advancing technology for space missions. By leveraging their expertise in space station architecture and collaborating with industry partners, Gravitics is poised to deliver cutting-edge capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the Space Force.
Overall, Gravitics’ collaboration with Rocket Lab USA and other partners on the $1.7 million contract for the U.S. Space Force demonstrates their commitment to advancing space technology and providing innovative solutions for Tactically Responsive Space missions. With a focus on commercial applications and a dedication to developing and manufacturing space station modules, Gravitics is at the forefront of delivering advanced capabilities for both commercial and government clients. Their unique approach to space station architecture, combined with strategic partnerships, positions them as a key player in the future of space exploration and defense.
