Gravitics and Axiom Space Partner to Expand Space Station
Washington-based Startup Signs $125 Million Contract
Gravitics, a Washington-based startup, has signed a $125 million contract with Axiom Space to expand its planned space station. This deal marks a significant milestone in the private market for orbiting habitats. Gravitics will provide a pressurized spacecraft module that will attach to Axiom’s station after its planned launch in two years.
About Gravitics
Gravitics is a relatively new company, founded in 2021, with a team of nearly 50 employees based in a northern suburb of Seattle. The company aims to provide space station modules as a plug-and-play product line that can launch on various rockets. They offer modules ranging from 3 meters (9 feet) to 8 meters (26 feet) in diameter, with the largest one dubbed StarMax, inspired by SpaceX’s Starship rocket.
Designing Space Station Modules
Gravitics’ CEO and founder, Colin Doughan, explained that the company started by looking at SpaceX’s Starship and saying, "Someone is going to maximize that payload volume." Doughan said, "We hope to be on multiple teams for the [second phase of CLD], not as the prime [bidder] because we have zero interest in operations… But I do anticipate that you’ll start seeing some of the architectures reflect some [of our space station modules] built into some of these designs moving forward."
Prototyping and Testing
Gravitics has been working on prototypes and testing key parts, such as test-firing its propulsion system and pressure-testing module prototypes. They plan to fly some of their components to the ISS later this year for testing and have a subscale spacecraft launched by 2026.
Partnerships and Funding
The Axiom deal is a catalyst for Gravitics’ growth, and the company plans to double its head count in the coming months and kick off a new round of fundraising. Gravitics has already signed agreements with NASA on new approaches to testing large spacecraft and an early Space Force development contract.
Conclusion
Gravitics’ partnership with Axiom Space is a significant step forward in the private market for orbiting habitats. The company’s focus on providing space station modules as a plug-and-play product line and its work on prototypes and testing key parts position it well for future growth. As the private space industry continues to evolve, Gravitics is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of space exploration and habitation.
FAQs
Q: What is Gravitics?
A: Gravitics is a Washington-based startup founded in 2021 that provides space station modules as a plug-and-play product line.
Q: What is the contract with Axiom Space worth?
A: The contract is worth $125 million.
Q: What is the purpose of Gravitics’ space station modules?
A: Gravitics’ space station modules are designed to provide a pressurized spacecraft that can launch on various rockets and serve as the building blocks of orbiting habitats.
Q: What is StarMax?
A: StarMax is the largest space station module designed by Gravitics, which measures 8 meters (26 feet) in diameter and has the "largest interior volume in a standalone spacecraft."
Q: How does Gravitics plan to fund its growth?
A: Gravitics plans to double its head count and kick off a new round of fundraising in the coming months.
Q: What is the timeline for Gravitics’ subscale spacecraft launch?
A: Gravitics plans to launch its subscale spacecraft by 2026.
Author: www.cnbc.com
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