Seattle, Washington – The US military has been investing in the concept of tactically responsive launch in recent years. This idea focuses on the ability to quickly fuel a satellite on Earth, attach it to a rocket, and launch it into space in response to emerging threats, such as the destruction of a critical national defense satellite by an adversary.
The US Space Force showcased this capability by launching a satellite on Firefly’s Alpha rocket in 2023. This demonstration, known as the “Victus Nox” test flight, involved encapsulating the satellite into a payload fairing, mating it to the rocket, and completing all final launch preparations within 27 hours. However, there is a push for even faster response times.
With the recent award of a $60 million federal grant to the space company Gravitics, a new concept called an orbital carrier is in the works. This concept aims to provide a platform similar to an aircraft carrier in space, allowing for the pre-positioning of satellites in orbit and shielding them from the harsh space environment and potential observation by other nations or hostile actors.
Details about the operational capabilities of these orbital carriers remain somewhat vague, with company officials and news releases being cryptic about specific functionalities. The Space Force is keen on keeping these capabilities confidential. The primary goal is to safeguard satellites from the effects of space conditions and deploy them into various orbits as needed.
The orbital carriers would serve as a protective environment for the satellites, preserving their vital components and shielding them from radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations. By concealing the satellites within the carrier, the US military can deploy them strategically while maintaining a level of secrecy and security in space operations. The concept marks another innovative step in enhancing the country’s space capabilities and strengthening national defense strategies.