Gravitics, a company based in Marysville, Wash., has been awarded a $1.7 million contract to adapt its space station architecture for the U.S. Space Force through the 2023 SpaceWERX Tactically Responsive Space Challenge. This competition was conducted in partnership with Space Safari, and Gravitics was one of 18 companies selected for Phase II Small Business Innovation research contracts. The company plans to use its commercial space station product architecture to develop orbital platforms that will enable rapid response options for the Space Force.
Lt. Col. Jason Altenhofen, the director of operations at Space Safari, expressed excitement about the potential of Gravitics’ space station module as a game-changing solution for the Tactically Responsive Space mission. He emphasized the importance of leveraging commercial technologies to address challenging problems in the future. Gravitics CEO Colin Doughan affirmed the company’s commitment to focusing on commercial applications for its modules, which are being developed at a 42,000-square-foot facility in Marysville and could be available for delivery as early as 2026.
Gravitics’ partners on the project include Rocket Lab USA, True Anomaly, Space Exploration Engineering, and Eta Space. These partners will assist Gravitics in refining mission architecture, developing use-case-specific outfitting, and creating flight hardware. The collaboration between these companies aims to enhance the capabilities of the Gravitics space station modules and enable them to meet the requirements of the Space Force. By leveraging their expertise and resources, the partners hope to contribute to the success of the Tactically Responsive Space mission.
The development and manufacturing of commercial space station modules will remain a central focus for Gravitics, according to CEO Colin Doughan. The company is excited about the opportunity to offer these commercial capabilities to the Department of Defense and potentially transform the landscape of space exploration. With a strong commitment to innovation and collaboration, Gravitics is poised to make significant contributions to the space industry and support the national security interests of the United States.
Gravitics’ approach to adapting its space station architecture for the U.S. Space Force reflects a strategic alignment with the evolving needs of the space industry. By leveraging their expertise in commercial space station products, the company is well-positioned to support the development of orbital platforms that enable rapid response options for the Space Force. Through partnerships with industry leaders such as Rocket Lab USA and other key collaborators, Gravitics seeks to enhance the capabilities of their modules and drive innovation in space technology.
Overall, Gravitics’ contract with the U.S. Space Force represents a significant milestone for the company and underscores its commitment to advancing space exploration and national security interests. By harnessing the power of commercial technologies and partnerships, Gravitics is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of space missions and providing cutting-edge solutions for the Space Force. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, Gravitics is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the space industry and contribute to the success of critical missions in space.
