US Space Force selects Gravitics for $60M STRATFI to showcase, fly Orbital Carrier

The Orbital Carrier is engineered to station multiple maneuverable spacecraft in orbit, allowing for swift responses to potential space-based threats. This capability will offer the U.S. Space Force enhanced agility and operational speed in space, strengthening national defense capabilities.

The STRATFI selection marks a major endorsement of Gravitics’ technological vision and will help accelerate progress toward making this advanced platform a reality.

We are proud to collaborate with the U.S. Space Force on this vital initiative,” said Colin Doughan, CEO of Gravitics. “The Orbital Carrier represents a significant advancement — essentially serving as a launch platform already positioned in space. It overcomes the limitations of traditional launch systems by allowing operators to deploy spacecraft into chosen orbits quickly and on-demand.”

The STRATFI program aims to fast-track the adoption of innovative technologies from small businesses into active use within the Space Force. Gravitics’ selection for this program will provide essential funding and support to further develop and test the Orbital Carrier, helping integrate it into the Space Force’s future operational space infrastructure.

About Gravitics, Inc.

Gravitics, Inc. specializes in the design and production of large-scale space structures such as orbital carriers, cargo transport spacecraft, and modules for space stations. The company is reshaping the concept of space superiority and paving the way for a new chapter in commercial expansion both in Earth’s orbit and deeper into space.

About SpaceWERX

SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a distinct division within AFWERX, drives collaboration with forward-thinking partners to rapidly advance space capabilities and shape the future of space operations. Based in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX is staffed by 40 military, civilian, and contractor personnel and manages an annual budget of $457 million. It also works closely with the Commercial Space Office (COMSO) under Space Systems Command as a joint initiative. Since joining the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in August 2021, SpaceWERX has awarded 1,106 contracts totaling over $897 million to strengthen the nation's defense industrial base and accelerate the transition of emerging technologies into operational use.

About AFWERX

AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, harnesses cutting-edge ideas from startups and small businesses to tackle the DAF’s most critical challenges. With a team of around 370 military, civilian, and contractor staff across four hubs and sites, AFWERX manages an annual budget of $1.4 billion. Since 2019, it has awarded over 6,200 new contracts totaling more than $4.7 billion, bolstering the U.S. defense industrial base and accelerating the transition of innovative technologies into operational use.