In recent years, the struggle to conquer space It has become increasingly strategic. It is no longer just about exploring or placing satellites in orbit, but of ensuring positions, protecting infrastructure and reacting quickly to possible threats. The United States, China and Russia lead this racedeveloping technologies that range from spy satellites to systems capable of interfering or neutralizing enemy devices.
In this context, The United States has begun to boost innovative solutions And one of them is the development of a “Orbital aircraft carrier”a spacecraft that could be differential. The American space force, through its Spacewerx Innovation Office, has signed a 60 million dollar contract With the company Gravitics to develop this technology.
The United States designs a space aircraft carrier
According to They reportthe concept is similar to that of a naval aircraft carrier, but in space. It is a platform that would remain in orbit, near strategic areas, List to deploy satellites immediatelywithout the need for launches from the earth. This would allow respond quickly to situations such as interference, electronic attacks or the loss of key satellites.
Gravitics works on a first reduced version that could be launched in 2026then bring a more advanced, with an internal volume of 60 cubic meters and a mass of up to 10,000 kilos. The design would be based on a cylindrical module with solar panels and non -pressurized compartments, from where satellites adapted to different missions could be released.
The CEO of Gravitics, Colin Doughan, says that with this new system, the satellites would already be in space, ready to act. Its objective is to provide US tool forces to Protect and quickly restore your spatial capabilitiesin an increasingly disputed environment.
In addition, the Chief of Space Operations, General Chance Saltzman, said that the United States needs more robust orbital services to maintain its leadership in space and adds that, Faced with the capabilities demonstrated by China and Russiaorbital aircraft carrier arises as a possible solution.
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