Contract with Private Firm Raises Speculations
The Pentagon has contracted an American startup developing space station modules, raising questions about potential military applications.
The collaboration aims to test Pentagon technologies amid increasing demand for responsive and tactical space capabilities. Could this be the initial step towards a military space station?
Gravitic's Groundbreaking Module
Gravitic, a startup established in 2021, announced the research contract.
They are developing a prototype module called StarMax, measuring 25 feet in diameter and offering 14,000 cubic feet of volume – equivalent to 40% of the current International Space Station (ISS) volume.
US Space Force's Interest in Rapid Space Response
The United States Space Force, the space branch of the Pentagon, is eager for technologies enabling quicker responses in its space operations.
The Pentagon seeks rapid reaction capabilities in the event of space threats, such as enemy satellites targeting their assets.
Russia and China are frequently identified as threats to American military satellites, with spy, patrol, or even zombie satellites.
Last year, the Pentagon commissioned a responsive mission demonstration by American company Victus Nox, which proved successful.
Military Space Station as a Potential Goal
A military space station has likely captured the attention of the US Space Force.
Generally, a space station module can facilitate various – primarily tactical – purposes, including enhanced Earth-based response capabilities.
Could we witness a US military space station orbiting in the future?
Indeed, armed forces are increasingly embracing the orbital environment for conducting microgravity experiments unattainable on Earth.
Nations without robust space programs have sent military astronauts to the ISS for experiments through partnerships with space superpowers like the US.
Summary
The Pentagon's contract with a private space station module developer signals potential interest in military space capabilities. Gravitic's StarMax module could provide a stepping stone towards this goal. The US Space Force is exploring rapid response technologies, and a military space station remains a possibility in response to emerging space threats.