K2 Space plans first large satellite launch for 2026 mission with SpaceX support

K2 Space plans to launch its first large satellite mission, called Gravitas, in February 2026. This mission will carry Department of Defense payloads under a $60 million contract and will utilize SpaceX’s Transporter-16 rideshare service. The satellite will operate in low Earth orbit before moving to medium Earth orbit, a challenging area for spacecraft. K2 Space aims to enhance resilience in satellite operations by developing a multi-orbit strategy. The company is building many satellite components in-house to reduce costs and improve production speed. K2 Space's approach marks a significant shift in satellite manufacturing, allowing for quicker delivery and lower prices compared to traditional methods.