THE NEW SPACE RACE: Gravitics Wins Lockheed Martin Deal to Build Three Orbital Carriers for Golden Dome.

The spacecraft, described as orbital carriers, are platforms designed to support space-based missile defense operations. Golden Dome has been discussed largely in policy terms, and the contract signals the program is moving into the hardware phase.

Gravitics will build three orbital carriers under the arrangement. The work falls under the Golden Dome space-based missile defense program, and the platforms are intended to support demonstrations of missile defense technologies in orbit. Gravitics is a startup rather than a traditional prime contractor.

Broader Golden Dome industrial activity was visible this week. A Space Force general and U.S. Senator Jim Banks visited L3Harris to review Golden Dome work separately from the Gravitics selection, indicating activity across multiple companies tied to the program.

This is almost 22nd Century stuff.