K2 Space to Launch Extra-Large Satellite in 2026

K2 Space and the Future of Large Spacecraft

K2 Space is making a significant investment in the concept of larger spacecraft, anticipating a future where space hardware dimensions are substantially increased.

The company is developing expansive spacecraft based on the prediction that launch expenses will continue their downward trend, driven by vehicles like SpaceX’s Starship and other heavy-lift launch systems. This outlook is gaining traction, as evidenced by K2 Space’s recent announcement of a $60 million contract with the Department of Defense for its first complete satellite mission.

The Gravitas Mission

Scheduled for no earlier than February 2026, the mission, named Gravitas, will utilize SpaceX’s Transporter-16 rideshare program to deploy multiple national security payloads.

The satellite will initially operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) before transitioning to medium Earth orbit (MEO). According to K2 Space co-founder and CEO Karan Kunjur, MEO has “historically presented considerable operational difficulties.”

Reaching MEO typically necessitates either highly capable satellite propulsion or a more expensive direct-to-orbit launch. Furthermore, spacecraft operating in this orbit must withstand a heightened radiation environment throughout their operational lifespan.

However, the Space Force is actively expanding its presence in MEO, primarily for applications such as missile tracking and warning systems, as well as enhancements to the Global Positioning System (GPS) network.

A Multi-Orbit Strategy

Kunjur emphasized the importance of a diverse orbital approach, stating, “MEO provides an additional layer of resilience.”

He explained that a robust architecture should incorporate assets in LEO, MEO, and geosynchronous orbit (GEO). K2 Space strongly believes in the viability of this future orbital configuration.

Contract Details and Funding

The contract represents a “step change” for K2 Space, according to Kunjur, who co-founded the company with his brother, Neel.

The $60 million in funding is structured as a 1:1:2 ratio of government funds, Small Business Innovation Research matching funds, and private investment – meaning $30 million originated from private investors, approaching the $50 million Series A funding round closed in February.

Disrupting Traditional Satellite Procurement

K2 Space has attracted both venture capital and DoD interest with its proposal for large-scale hardware.

The company’s Mega class satellite boasts a substantial 3-meter-by-3-meter payload bay, offered at a cost of under $15 million per satellite, with lead times of less than three months.

These figures signify a fundamental shift in conventional large satellite procurement practices.

In-House Manufacturing

The Torrance, California-based startup’s unique satellite architecture relies on a significant degree of in-house component manufacturing.

This includes critical elements such as reaction wheels, flight computers, solar arrays, and a 20-kilowatt electric propulsion system – projected to be one of the most powerful systems deployed in orbit.

Kunjur noted that a cost-effective supply chain for these components is currently unavailable, prompting K2 Space to establish its own manufacturing capabilities.

Mass Production Focus

“The challenge lies not only in designing components to meet mission performance requirements but also in designing for mass production,” Kunjur stated.

He clarified that the company’s approach is to build for scalability, ensuring that each successive satellite can be produced efficiently, immediately following the previous one.

Upcoming Technology Demonstrations

K2 Space is also planning to launch several technology demonstrators on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission in January, with an anticipated mission duration of a few months.