CEO Colin Doughan is also CEO of Stockbridge, which is 'creating solutions at the intersection of aerospace and blockchain'. Ew.They worked at Lockheed as a financial analyst prior to these two ventures.Assuming it's not total vaporware, the hab they're proposing has a 7.6m diametre, which I think means Starship only for launch.
Late last year, @colindoughan (one of my cofounders at @AltiusSpace) started a company focused on affordable human spaceflight facilities, and eventually artificial gravity stations. It's cool to see them opening up a bit about what they're up to.Check out their StarMax™ module concept -- basically the biggest rigid pressurized module you can fit into a Starship launch. 400m^3 of volume, high structural FOS, and unlike an inflatable, you can outfit internally on the ground (and easily mount things externally).
Quote from: Cheapchips on 07/01/2022 10:18 pmCEO Colin Doughan is also CEO of Stockbridge, which is 'creating solutions at the intersection of aerospace and blockchain'. Ew.They worked at Lockheed as a financial analyst prior to these two ventures.Assuming it's not total vaporware, the hab they're proposing has a 7.6m diametre, which I think means Starship only for launch. It wasn't public info, but Colin was also one of my cofounders at Altius Space Machines, and helped me run things for most of the first decade or so of operations (during evenings and weekends). He's a great guy, and I'm glad to see them starting to come out of stealth. He's definitely better at fundraising than I've ever been, and I think he's got a pretty realistic concept he's pursuing. I can't say much more, but am looking forward to when they can talk more about their customer traction and long-term vision.~Jon
lQuick personal update: starting next week I'll be joining my former Altius cofounder, @colindoughan at his space station startup, @GraviticsInc. I'll be supporting them as they refine their technical architecture/technology roadmap, and will also be supporting biz dev efforts.
For those of you not following them closely, @GraviticsInc is developing their StarMax pressurized modules initially for microgravity applications, but with a long-term goal of enabling artificial gravity space facilities.
Those of you who've been following me for a long time know I've been beating the drum on the importance of learning how humans adapt to hypogravity conditions, and this new role will give me an opportunity to work more directly on charting a path to those kinds of capabilities.
Good luck, I hope you’re all successful.
8-Meter space station hardware. How big are your dreams?
Megan welding @GraviticsInc StarMax support equipment.#spaceforpeople
They've started a YouTube channel which has this brief Starmax flyby.
Gravitics raises $20M to make the essential units for living and working in space https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/17/gravitics-space-stations/ via @techcrunch
Welcome back to #SpaceStationSaturday, a weekly series on past, present, and future space stations.This week, we are highlighting our own StarMax. The StarMax is a flexible-use space station module designed to be a key building block for next generation commercial space stationsWith a diameter of 7.6m, a height of 9.8m, and a volume of 400m³, the StarMax possesses nearly half the volume of the ISS in one module. The StarMax form factor is designed to come in a variety of diameters, which will allow it to fit on most next generation launch vehicles.StarMax’s rigid body allows it to be outfitted with internal systems and accommodations on the ground, and can also have exterior systems like solar panels, radiators and additional payloads all set up before launching to space.Complete with flexible docking and berthing systems, its modular design enables endless possibilities for configuration. StarMax’s exterior hull is composed of thick-gauge aluminum, which gives it the highest safety factor of any human-rated spacecraft.Other than habitation, the StarMax can be outfitted for many use cases including as a propellant depot, a spacecraft ‘garage’ and a manufacturing and science laboratory. The StarMax platform is quite versatile because it’s designed to be a building block for space infrastructure.The first StarMax hardware is currently being assembled for an initial ground test prototype, which is scheduled for space worthiness tests in early 2023. Visit http://Gravitics.com to learn more!
Large bunks, small bunks, offices & labs. All options still include a huge expanse for free floating activities
An @SpaceX Crew Dragon docked to a lone @GraviticsInc StarMax. With independent power and propulsion, and 400 m^3 volume, this can be a station in its own right even without other modules
mPower Technology is excited to announce that its innovative solar technology, DragonSCALES will be used as the solar power solution for the @GraviticsInc StarMax space station modules. bit.ly/3Fhlz8Y #solarpower #solar #spacetech #spacenews #space #spacepower
mPower Technology Selected by Gravitics as Solar Module Supplier for StarMax Space Station ModulesALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – December 13, 2022 – Innovative solar technology company, mPower Technology, Inc., announced today that its DragonSCALESTM solar power system will be used as the solar power solution for the Gravitics StarMaxTM space station modules.Gravitics is leading the way in a new era of human presence in space with the introduction of StarMax – a flexible-use space station module that provides up to 400 cubic meters of usable habitable volume. StarMax represents a rethinking of the manufacturing plan for space station modules. With updated techniques and design goals based on next-gen launch vehicles, Gravitics can reduce costs and increase performance.mPower Technology’s DragonSCALES solar modules are composed of a completely flexible, interconnected mesh of high-efficiency silicon solar cells and will serve as a key component of the integrated solar cell option for StarMax. DragonSCALES modules are ideally suited for this application. They are lightweight, low cost, and resistant to damage from orbital debris. Additionally, since they are flexible, they enable completely new design options that align with the curved configuration of StarMax.“Power is a critical component of any space station,” said Colin Doughan, CEO of Gravitics. “We look forward to working with mPower to provide space-proven, reliable solar power for our StarMax modules, enabling the next generation of space stations.”“We are thrilled to team up with Gravitics to help the company produce the building blocks for a sustainable human presence in space,” said Kevin Hell, CEO and president of mPower Technology. “We believe DragonSCALES is the perfect solar power solution for StarMax.”
I'm assuming that this is designed to launch on Starship? I don't know of any other options, besides maybe New Glenn with a custom fairing.
Quote from: lrk on 12/21/2022 10:17 pmI'm assuming that this is designed to launch on Starship? I don't know of any other options, besides maybe New Glenn with a custom fairing. Yes. "StarMax" = Starship Maximum.
