Gravitics Secures $125 Million Deal to Expand Axiom Space’s Private Space Station, Fueling Growth in the Orbiting Habitat Market
The burgeoning private space station market continues to heat up as Washington-based startup Gravitics has secured a $125 million contract to build and deliver a pressurized spacecraft module for Axiom Space’s upcoming space station. This deal represents a significant milestone for Gravitics, a company founded in 2021 and already making a splash in the industry.
Key Takeaways:
- Private Space Station Boom: This deal highlights the growing trend of private companies building and operating their own space stations, as NASA plans to decommission the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of the decade.
- Gravitics’ Rise: The contract marks a major step for Gravitics, which specializes in creating modular, plug-and-play space station components designed for a variety of launch vehicles. They previously secured $20 million in venture funding to fuel their rapid growth.
- Axiom’s Expansion: With modules already being built by Thales Alenia, the new partnership with Gravitics further solidifies Axiom’s position as a frontrunner in the private space station market.
- Targeting a Multi-Year Future: The deal signifies a long-term vision for both companies. Gravitics plans to have its components tested on the ISS later this year and launch a subscale spacecraft by 2026. Axiom is targeting a launch of its space station in 2025.
- Beyond Axiom: Gravitics is not limiting itself to just Axiom. The company is aiming to participate in the second phase of NASA’s Commercial LEO Destinations (CLD) program, aiming to develop space station solutions that can be integrated into various projects.
Building the Future of Space Stations:
Gravitics is developing a range of space station modules that vary in size, from 3 meters (9 feet) to 8 meters (26 feet) in diameter. Their flagship offering, the StarMax module, boasts the "largest interior volume in a standalone spacecraft," inspired by SpaceX’s Starship rocket. The company’s modular approach allows for flexibility and adaptability, catering to a variety of customer needs and mission profiles.
"We started by looking at Starship and saying, ‘Someone is going to maximize that payload volume,’" said Colin Doughan, CEO and founder of Gravitics.
The Space Force Factor:
While Gravitics aims to be a key player in the commercial space station market, they are also strategically engaging with the US Space Force. The company is currently working with the Space Force on early development contracts, recognizing their growing budget and potential demand for space-based capabilities.
"Space Force’s budget is already ballooning beyond NASA’s, and it won’t stop," emphasized Doughan.
Rapid Growth Through Innovation:
The Axiom deal is propelling Gravitics’ expansion, prompting them to double their workforce in the coming months and embark on a new round of fundraising. The company is committed to developing cutting-edge technology and pushing boundaries in space station design. They have already conducted propulsion system testing and pressure testing of module prototypes, and are actively developing new approaches to testing large spacecraft in collaboration with NASA.
"We’re a very hardware-rich company, so we’re building at the same time we’re finalizing design," Doughan stated, highlighting their hands-on approach and commitment to rapid progress.
The Future is Orbital:
The private space station market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with companies like Axiom and Gravitics leading the charge. This burgeoning sector promises exciting possibilities for research, manufacturing, tourism, and even space-based infrastructure development. By securing major deals like the Axiom contract, Gravitics is positioning itself as a key player in this evolving landscape. As they continue to innovate and expand their capabilities, Gravitics aims to play a key role in shaping the future of human activity beyond Earth.
