Gravitics Wins Lockheed Martin Deal to Build Three Orbital Carriers for Golden Dome

Gravitics has been selected by Lockheed Martin to build three spacecraft for demonstrations of space-based missile defense technologies under the Pentagon's Golden Dome program. The selection, disclosed in regulatory filings, marks one of the first known industrial contracts tied directly to the Golden Dome architecture.

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.

The orbital carrier concept, placing missile defense infrastructure in orbit, represents a significant architectural choice for the Golden Dome program. The contract indicates the program has progressed from discussion into the production of hardware.

What remains to be determined is what weapons or sensors will fly on the orbital carriers, and which companies will win those contracts.