The US Space Force is funding the development of the "Orbital Carrier" (Orbital Carrier) - a new spacecraft, that will be able to unfold the satellites at any necessary moment.
What is Orbital Carrier?
The project develops Gravitics from Seattle with the support, which cooperates with private companies to create new technologies. For this project is allocated to 60 millions of dollars.
Gravitics describes the Orbital Carrier as a platform, which can carry several maneuverable spacecraft, ready for immediate deployment in the event of a threat. This is a kind of analogue of an aircraft carrier, but in space, which will allow the rapid deployment of satellites to protect American space facilities.
Why it matters to the US Space Force?
In recent years, the US Space Force has been actively developing the ability to deploy satellites. This includes moving vehicles quickly into orbit and launching new missions at short notice.
Gravitics CEO Colin Dogan emphasizes, that the Orbital Carrier concept is a "critical initiative" to ensure operational response in space. According to him, this device allows you to instantly choose the desired orbit for satellites, without relying on traditional ground launches.
Defense against new threats in space
Recently, the US Space Force has been paying more and more attention to countering threats from China and Russia, who are developing anti-satellite weapons, test new technologies and even practice maneuverable battles in space.
Among the methods, which are used by potential adversaries:
- Radio frequency interference;
- Cyber attacks on satellites;
- Laser "blinding" of sensors of reconnaissance vehicles.
In response, the US Space Force created special units, which are trained in detection, neutralization and countermeasures against enemy satellites. Training maneuvers on jamming signals and simulation of combat actions in orbit have already been conducted.
The launch of the Orbital Carrier will be another step in this strategy. He will allow:
- Instantly launch new satellites into orbit in case of threats;
- Block signals or restore damaged intelligence systems;
- Promptly replace satellites, which have failed.
Rapid response at a new level
IN 2023 In 2016, the US Space Force set a record for the fastest satellite launch - the Victox Nox mission was carried out by Firefly Aerospace in just 27 hours after receiving the launch order.
Thanks to the Orbital Carrier, it will be possible to perform such missions even faster - because the satellites will already be in space, ready to deploy.
Source: https://www.space.com/us-space-force-orbital-carrier-spacecraft-launch-pad-in-space