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Space
Space
Science
Brett Tingley

US Space Force wants a new 'orbital carrier' to be a satellite launch pad in space

A cylinder-shaped spacecraft wrapped in solar panels opens up like a clamshell above earth.

The U.S. Space Force is funding the development of a new "Orbital Carrier" spacecraft that can deploy multiple satellites when needed.

The Orbital Carrier is being designed by Seattle-based company Gravitics and is funded through the Space Force's SpaceWERX development office, which partners with private industry to develop new technologies and spacecraft. SpaceWERX has set aside up to $60 million to fund the development of Gravitics' Orbital Carrier concept.

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