Gravitics Wins NASA Award and Lockheed Martin Partnership for Orbital Logistics
The Seattle-based firm expands its role in U.S. defense and civil space operations with new contracts for sample return and national security.
Gravitics secured two strategic milestones in August 2026, expanding its footprint across the U.S. space and defense sectors. The orbital infrastructure company was selected by NASA for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award and tapped by Lockheed Martin to support a high-priority government contract.
Under the NASA SBIR Phase I award, Gravitics will develop the "Multiple-Downmass Hangar." This project aims to enable affordable and frequent commercial sample return from low Earth orbit (LEO), addressing a critical bottleneck in orbital logistics. Simultaneously, Lockheed Martin selected Gravitics to support the execution of a U.S. Department of War contract described as being of national importance. Michael Bowker, Chief Business Officer at Gravitics, called the selection by Lockheed Martin a "meaningful milestone" for the company.
The Infrastructure Play
Based in Seattle, Gravitics specializes in large-volume standardized orbital infrastructure and logistics. The company previously emerged from stealth with $20 million in seed funding to develop space station modules, including the "StarMax" module. Its current portfolio includes the Viper OTX and Orbital Carrier programs, which provide rapid orbital transfer and pre-positioned capabilities for commercial, civil, and defense operators.
This push into sample return is a strategic extension of the company's existing cargo capabilities. CEO Colin Doughan stated that adding innovative return capability is a "natural evolution" of the company's current cargo delivery architecture.
Strategic Defense Integration
These partnerships follow a significant existing relationship with the U.S. military. Gravitics is currently executing a Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) contract with the U.S. Space Force. That agreement is worth up to $60 million and focuses on the development of orbital carrier technology.
By securing a role with a prime contractor like Lockheed Martin on national security priorities while solving the "downmass" constraint for NASA, Gravitics is positioning itself as a critical logistics layer for the LEO economy. The ability to move materials not just to orbit, but back to Earth, is essential for the long-term viability of commercial space manufacturing and scientific research.
Future Outlook
As Gravitics moves forward with the SBIR Phase I development, the industry will watch for the transition to Phase II and the eventual deployment of the Multiple-Downmass Hangar. The company's rapid integration into the U.S. defense industrial base suggests a shift toward more standardized, modular infrastructure in orbit. While the specific details of the Lockheed Martin contract remain classified due to its national importance, the partnership signals a growing reliance on specialized infrastructure startups to supplement the capabilities of traditional aerospace primes.