K2 Space will fly its extra-large satellite for the first time in 2026

K2 Space has secured a $60 million contract with the Space Force to launch its first full satellite mission, Gravitas, in February 2026. The mission will carry multiple national security payloads to medium Earth orbit using SpaceX's Transporter-16 rideshare. K2 Space is developing large, cost-effective satellites with a 3-meter-by-3-meter payload bay for under $15 million each, with lead times of less than three months. This approach could significantly change traditional satellite procurement, offering increased resilience through a multi-orbit strategy.