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.
https://twitter.com/brickmack/status/1602425257423429632QuoteAn @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
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 12/12/2022 09:13 pmhttps://twitter.com/brickmack/status/1602425257423429632QuoteAn @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 modulesSeems like the Dragon is out of proportion (too large) in comparison with the StarMax in the graphic, but I could be wrong.
Seems like the Dragon is out of proportion (too large) in comparison with the StarMax in the graphic, but I could be wrong.
Quote from: AS_501 on 12/23/2022 04:12 amSeems like the Dragon is out of proportion (too large) in comparison with the StarMax in the graphic, but I could be wrong.Starmax must be about 8 m in diameter and about 8 m long.Dragon 2 with trunk is about 4 m in diameter and about 8 m long.I did not count pixels, but it looks OK to me.
Quote from: DanClemmensen on 12/23/2022 04:25 amQuote from: AS_501 on 12/23/2022 04:12 amSeems like the Dragon is out of proportion (too large) in comparison with the StarMax in the graphic, but I could be wrong.Starmax must be about 8 m in diameter and about 8 m long.Dragon 2 with trunk is about 4 m in diameter and about 8 m long.I did not count pixels, but it looks OK to me.Including MMOD shielding and the endcones, but not including docking/berthing mechanisms, StarMax is 7.8 meters wide and 9.7 meters long
#SpaceStationSaturday Astronaut Acrobatics- Skylab was the first space station launched by the US in 1973. Built from a spent S-IVB stage of a Saturn V rocket, Skylab had 361㎥ of habitable volume. Its Orbital Workshop dome was 6.7m in diameter and had a large open areaWith weightlessness to their advantage, astronauts were able to show off their gymnast skills and perform all types of acrobatics. Compared to the Skylab, our StarMax modules will provide 400㎥ of habitable volume with an 8m diameter
Clip of them cutting out a big door in their factory. Gives a nice feel for their module scale.I'm sure they could have made the hole in a less dramatic way, but where's the fun in that. https://twitter.com/GraviticsInc/status/1616244294779551744?s=20&t=IAnoruzClqVQsGuAbzAcKQ
I found a neat graphic of a StarMax superimposed on a Starship
Quote from: whitelancer64 on 02/02/2023 04:52 pmI found a neat graphic of a StarMax superimposed on a Starship Oh cool, where did you find that one? ~Jon
Stacking domes ahead of our pressure test
Preparing domes for our upcoming pressure test
#NomNomNom
Quote from: jongoff on 03/07/2023 10:51 pm#NomNomNom#WenPop
Today’s pressure test is underway. We are now filling the StarMax pressure test article
We are preparing to begin today’s StarMax prototype hull pressure test. We’ll add air to the pressure of the test article until holding at 14.7 PSI, or 1 Atmosphere, which will be normal operating pressure for a StarMax in space. Our target for today’s test is to hold at 26.4 PSI
StarMax test article is stable and holding pressure. It’s currently at a checkpoint pressure of 6 PSI
Our team is tracking vessel temperature, hull strain, and more as we hold at various levels of pressure on the way up to 14.7 PSI
StarMax test article has reached 14.7 PSI, equal to one standard atmosphere
We have successfully pressurized the StarMax test article to over 26.4 PSI. With that, we have proven space worthiness of our StarMax prototype hull
Popping back on Twitter for a second to signal boost this. Amazing work by our engineers and manufacturing team! Hitting our target proof pressure with our first pressure vessel prototype.
Successful first pressure test of the StarMax prototype
Barreling toward our next milestone
https://twitter.com/graviticsinc/status/1643679536163491844QuoteBarreling toward our next milestone
Yesterday we conducted our first propulsion ignition test at our new facility. The igniter was fired 5 times. All inspections between runs were successful and the igniter is in good health.
A time laps of their interior mockup being built, with some new? interior shots from 44 sec. They also show a dodecagon 'wheel' with 50+ Max modules. The wheel and struts look to be about 4m diameter? That'd be 70 or so Starship launches?Nice that they're thinking big.
#SpaceStationSaturday - Gary Hudson, our Co-Founder and Chief Architect, shares Gravitics' vision and the steps we're taking to turn this vision into reality
https://twitter.com/GraviticsInc/status/1668656125837815811?
Quote from: HMXHMX on 06/14/2023 03:46 amhttps://twitter.com/GraviticsInc/status/1668656125837815811? Sad my three days in Seattle ended up being the day before this latest testing campaign kicked off. Great to see mach diamonds again though. I'm looking forward to the vacuum chamber testing.~Jon
Quote from: jongoff on 06/14/2023 03:56 amQuote from: HMXHMX on 06/14/2023 03:46 amhttps://twitter.com/GraviticsInc/status/1668656125837815811? Sad my three days in Seattle ended up being the day before this latest testing campaign kicked off. Great to see mach diamonds again though. I'm looking forward to the vacuum chamber testing.~JonDo you guys have your own vacuum chamber, or are you shopping that out?
Gravitics MMOD Shielding tests were a success. In this video you can learn more about what goes into building the outer shell of a spacecraft, complete with solar cells, electrical harnessing, heat radiators, and protection against debris and radiation. #SpaceStationSaturday
Where did you guys do your MMOD tests?
Does Gravitics have any facilities in Colorado?
Updated Starmax free-flyer with improved RCS and stringers (stronger?).During a July 5th Aerospace Summit at Blue Origins headquarters in Kent WA the VP of business development said "When explaining Gravitics’ business model to the public, Jiral Shah, stated “Think of how Boeing builds airplanes but then sells them to Delta or United who are the operators, and they fly them. We are building space station modules and providing them to commercial space station operators like Blue Origin, or Axiom Space, or Northrop Grumman.”Will Gravitics build modules for Blue Origin?
Quote from: BrightLight on 07/07/2023 04:10 pmUpdated Starmax free-flyer with improved RCS and stringers (stronger?).During a July 5th Aerospace Summit at Blue Origins headquarters in Kent WA the VP of business development said "When explaining Gravitics’ business model to the public, Jiral Shah, stated “Think of how Boeing builds airplanes but then sells them to Delta or United who are the operators, and they fly them. We are building space station modules and providing them to commercial space station operators like Blue Origin, or Axiom Space, or Northrop Grumman.”Will Gravitics build modules for Blue Origin?Our goal is to build modules for any station operator who wants to work with us. We've started conversations with pretty much everyone in the game, not just the three mentioned above. We really want to do our part to help the commercial LEO destination market take flight.~Jon
We're setting new propulsion firing records every day using our automated testing process. Our 445 N (100 lbf) thruster has completed 35 successful firings in the span of 24 hours. This clip shows 4 controlled pulses that were recorded in real-time.
StarMax Prototype HullGravitics’ first StarMax hull is nearly fully stacked, with a complete barrel section & top dome. Our engineering teams have been evaluating vendors, materials, and refining their manufacturing approach while building this 8-meter prototype. The assembly of the barrel sections and top dome was completed in 6 weeks. As we progress in our rapid prototyping program for StarMax, we are setting a goal to completely build the primary structure in just 12 weeks.StarMax is Gravitics' flagship product: A class of Space Station modules built for the next-generation of human and robotic utilization in space. Founded in 2021, Gravitics, Inc. is an aerospace manufacturing company that designs and builds large space structures, including pressurized space station modules and free flyer platforms. Gravitics products are innovative and scalable, making them the ideal building blocks for humanity's future in space.
Today Gravitics shared a thread on X/Twitter showcasing some of their hardware in development. Check it out! https://x.com/GraviticsInc/status/1709616252644413537?s=20
All of our modules are next-gen, including our 4-meter modules that match the size of what’s currently flying on the ISS. #SpaceStationSaturday
I was wondering on the trade offs between metal vs inflatable habitats. Gravitics didn't chose inflatable even though they supposed have many advantages. On the other hand they may have drawbacks too.- I suppose developing a metal habit is far better understood than inflatables, so it may be in easier reach for a startup.- Metal version may have the opportunity to have better shielding.- Metal version allows more flexibility what can be done to the interior on the ground before launch.- With upcoming large payload volume large launch vehicles some of the original motivation for inflatables (saving volume at launch) may be far less pressing.- Inflatables may have IP issues that makes them more expensive until the relevant patents expire.Anything I missed?
I do like their practical approach to payload fairing size, and the 8m diameter should have some interesting applications.I wonder if they are considering switching from aluminum to a composite vessel in the future?
Yeah, the main question would be why do an inflatable? There’s a lot of complication involved with the inflation process. It only makes sense if you can’t do a bigger fairing. Bigelow’s 330 module would’ve been 6.7m in diameter but launched on a vehicle with a 5 meter fairing. Not that impressive. A hammerhead fairing does the same thing!To me, the more interested approach is the “constructables” which could really expand volume dramatically. More risky tho.
Quote from: yoram on 10/09/2023 06:14 pmI was wondering on the trade offs between metal vs inflatable habitats. Gravitics didn't chose inflatable even though they supposed have many advantages. On the other hand they may have drawbacks too.- I suppose developing a metal habit is far better understood than inflatables, so it may be in easier reach for a startup.- Metal version may have the opportunity to have better shielding.- Metal version allows more flexibility what can be done to the interior on the ground before launch.- With upcoming large payload volume large launch vehicles some of the original motivation for inflatables (saving volume at launch) may be far less pressing.- Inflatables may have IP issues that makes them more expensive until the relevant patents expire.Anything I missed?Dimensional issue; some of the big fairing launchers have more squat payload spaces, while an inflatable really shines with a long skinny hard core to work from.
For those of you not following me on LinkedIn, I wanted to announce that after a two month stint doing some freelance work, I'm back full-time at Gravitics as their new Director of Advanced Concepts.
I'll be running a project I helped land, and will also be leading the development of enhancements, derivatives, and advanced applications of Gravitics line of commercial space facility modules.
From demolishing walls to building dreams: Gravitics soared in 2023, fueled by an incredible team and audacious vision. Here's to the space station enabled future we're creating, module by module, milestone by milestone! #buildthesky
Quote from: BrightLight on 07/07/2023 04:10 pmUpdated Starmax free-flyer with improved RCS and stringers (stronger?).During a July 5th Aerospace Summit at Blue Origins headquarters in Kent WA the VP of business development said "When explaining Gravitics’ business model to the public, Jiral Shah, stated “Think of how Boeing builds airplanes but then sells them to Delta or United who are the operators, and they fly them. We are building space station modules and providing them to commercial space station operators like Blue Origin, or Axiom Space, or Northrop Grumman.”Will Gravitics build modules for Blue Origin?Our goal is to build modules for any station operator who wants to work with us. We've started conversations with pretty much everyone in the game, not just the three mentioned above. We really want to do our part to help the commercial LEO destination market take flight.
https://twitter.com/GraviticsInc/status/1750319218674024636
Some new renders, and details of 4m, 6m and 8m module designs:https://twitter.com/GraviticsInc/status/1768273375812870281https://twitter.com/GraviticsInc/status/1768275493122695367The 4m has a CBM at one end and a hollow cavity at the other. The 6m and 8m have CBMs at both ends, and the 6m is shown with IDSS adapters on the CBMs (square opening visible inside).
The way I understand this offer is that Gravitics is not planning to put its own station in LEO, but is offering other companies to use the modules it builds to assemble their own stations. Meanwhile, we know that all the companies entering this competition either build their own modules or order them from others, such as Airbus. So what is Gravitics' business plan? Where does it plan to get customers from?
We still have to prove that we can close the sale (and more importantly deliver on it), and while there are elements of our business plan that aren't public info, our main focus is exactly what we've said it is -- developing modules to sell or lease to LEO destination developers.
Thanks for this clarification! I understand that you first have to prove that your products are good and functionally suitable for potential customers. I just wonder if you will find such a first customer, because Axiom, Blue Origin, Sierra, Starlab or Vast have either already ordered such modules somewhere or are constructing them. The closest to your concept is Starlab, which is being built by Airbus for Starlab Space. I wish you luck, but I have a concern about whether this is the time for near mass production of unified orbital modules.
Today, Gravitics announced a Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA to provide engineering consultation for developing verification and validation approaches for large orbital spacecraft.Vehicle-level qualification testing, including thermal, vacuum, vibration, and acoustic testing, is a necessary element in preparing spacecraft for challenging launch and space environments, particularly for long duration missions. Today’s qualification methodologies are focused on 4-meter class payloads and smaller, but new vehicles are expanding the possibilities of what can be launched to space. ULA’s Vulcan, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, and SpaceX’s Starship are among the next generation launch vehicles that can support wider diameters, up from 4-meter to as large as 8-meter class payloads. The space industry faces a formidable challenge of certifying large-diameter structures that can fly on these launch vehicles.Gravitics offers a range of space infrastructure products, including structures as small as 3 meters and commercial space station modules as large as nearly 8 meters in diameter. The larger Gravitics space station module products (6-meter class, and 8-meter class) face the qualification challenges highlighted above. Responding to this need, NASA and Gravitics have signed a Space Act Agreement (SAA) to develop verification and validation by similarity approaches for 6 to 8-meter diameter structures.“It is time to build bigger,” said Colin Doughan, CEO of Gravitics. “I am optimistic that the qualification and validation solutions being pioneered by Gravitics will be used across the industry from 6 to 8-meter diameter payloads and beyond.”
Quote from: JSz on 03/16/2024 08:35 amThanks for this clarification! I understand that you first have to prove that your products are good and functionally suitable for potential customers. I just wonder if you will find such a first customer, because Axiom, Blue Origin, Sierra, Starlab or Vast have either already ordered such modules somewhere or are constructing them. The closest to your concept is Starlab, which is being built by Airbus for Starlab Space. I wish you luck, but I have a concern about whether this is the time for near mass production of unified orbital modules.Yeah, I can't go into details, but we're definitely seeing interest from some of the CLD developers, in spite of what you're saying above. Whether that materializes into orders remains to be seen, but I'm optimistic (in spite of being a pessimist by nature).~Jon
pressurized spacecraft
Quote from: jongoff on 07/09/2024 03:07 pmpressurized spacecraftWait, this isn't a delivered module, but something that can arrive on it's own then?
IIRC, all the US-built pressurised ISS modules, all except for BEAM were built at MSFC. Other than Columbus, the other NASA and ESA supplied modules were built by Thales, including Nanorack's Bishop and the upcoming Axiom module. A commercial contract manufacturer of pressurised modules based in the US is a unique offering.
The Gravitics project will be the closest to the Starlab station, as both are to be 8 m in diameter.
The company offers 4-meter diameter spacecraft sized for today’s launch vehicles and larger options that will be enabled as new launch vehicles come online, like SpaceX’s Starship.
The nearly 50-employee company, based in a northern suburb of Seattle, aims to provide space station modules — effectively the building blocks of the orbiting habitats — as a plug-and-play product line that can launch on a variety of rockets, whether those currently flying such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 or future behemoths such as Blue Origin’s New Glenn.The space station modules Gravitics is designing range from 3 meters (9 feet) to 8 meters (26 feet) in diameter. The largest module, which the company boasts will have the “largest interior volume in a standalone spacecraft,” is dubbed StarMax, a name inspired by SpaceX’s towering Starship rocket.“We started by looking at Starship and saying, ‘Someone is going to maximize that payload volume,’” Doughan said.
