In recent years, the race to conquer space has become increasingly strategic. It’s no longer just about exploration or placing satellites in orbit, but about securing positions, protecting infrastructure, and responding quickly to potential threats. The United States, China, and Russia lead this race, developing technologies ranging from spy satellites to systems capable of interfering with or neutralizing enemy devices.
In this context, the United States has begun pushing innovative solutions, one of which is the development of an “orbital aircraft carrier,” a spacecraft that could be a game-changer. The U.S. Space Force, through its SpaceWERX innovation office, has signed a $60 million contract with Gravitics to develop this technology.
The U.S. designs an orbital aircraft carrier
According to reports, the concept is similar to that of a naval aircraft carrier, but in space. It would be a platform that remains in orbit near strategic zones, ready to deploy satellites immediately, without the need for launches from Earth. This would allow rapid responses to situations like interference, electronic attacks, or the loss of key satellites.
Gravitics is working on a first scaled-down version that could launch in 2026, followed by a more advanced one with an internal volume of 60 cubic meters and a mass of up to 10,000 kilograms. The design would be based on a cylindrical module with solar panels and unpressurized compartments, from which satellites tailored to different missions could be released.
Gravitics CEO Colin Doughan states that with this new system, satellites would already be in space, ready to act. His goal is to provide U.S. forces with tools to quickly protect and restore their space capabilities in an increasingly contested environment.
Additionally, the chief of space operations, General Chance Saltzman, has noted that the United States needs more robust orbital services to maintain its leadership in space and adds that, in the face of capabilities demonstrated by China and Russia, the orbital aircraft carrier emerges as a potential solution.
Image: 20Minutos
