Gravitics Secures $60 Million Boost from U.S. Space Force to Develop Next-Gen Orbital Carrier System

In a major development for future space operations, U.S.-based space tech company Gravitics has been selected by the United States Space Force to receive up to $60 million in funding through the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) initiative. This investment will support the development of Gravitics’ advanced Orbital Carrier, a platform designed to revolutionize how space missions are conducted.

At its core, the Orbital Carrier is a space-based infrastructure system meant to pre-position space vehicles in orbit, allowing for rapid deployment without waiting for a launch from Earth. This approach drastically cuts down the time needed to respond to potential threats or opportunities in space and gives the U.S. Space Force a powerful new tool in its effort to maintain a technological edge.

Gravitics CEO Colin Doughan described the Orbital Carrier as a “game-changer,” comparing it to a floating launch pad in space that can deploy vehicles quickly, whenever and wherever needed. This agility is increasingly important as the space domain becomes more contested and dynamic, with global powers investing heavily in both civilian and military space assets.

One of the key advantages of the Orbital Carrier is its on-demand orbital flexibility. Instead of relying on fixed launch schedules and predetermined orbits, military operators will be able to choose deployment points as the mission demands, improving strategic response times and adaptability in space operations.

This capability fits directly into the U.S. Space Force’s evolving strategy, which now puts a strong emphasis on tactically responsive space systems—technologies that can adapt to changing mission requirements in real time.

The funding comes through SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the Space Force that runs the STRATFI program. STRATFI is designed to speed up the transition of innovative small business technologies from research and development to operational use. Gravitics’ selection is a vote of confidence in the company’s ability to deliver a platform that fits the Space Force’s long-term vision.

In addition to government funding, the Orbital Carrier project is supported by SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grants and private capital, forming a solid financial base for rapid technological advancement. The combination of these resources means the system could become operationally viable within the next few years, positioning Gravitics as a key player in the defense space sector.

As the global space race heats up, technologies like the Orbital Carrier signal a shift in how nations will prepare and project power in orbit. Instead of building satellites and launching them reactively, future missions may rely on pre-positioned platforms ready to act at a moment’s notice.

This initiative not only strengthens America’s space infrastructure but also opens the door for future commercial uses, including satellite servicing, debris removal, and modular space station construction. With the Space Force’s backing, Gravitics is now on a fast track to reshape the future of orbital logistics and defense.