Both companies are developing unique technologies to address the growing challenges of space debris and orbital transport
Category: Science
As Earth's orbit becomes increasingly crowded, innovative companies like KMI Space and Gravitics are stepping up to tackle the challenges of space debris and orbital transport. With over 15,000 satellites currently in orbit and approximately 31,000 objects tracked—including space junk—the need for effective solutions has never been more urgent.
KMI Space, founded in 2019 and based in Michigan, is making strides with its REACCH system, a spaceship equipped with tentacle-like appendages inspired by gecko pads. This design allows the spacecraft to capture and move objects in orbit. According to CEO Troy Morris, their technology can be likened to “tow trucks” for space, capable of performing various maneuvers, such as moving satellites or de-orbiting debris.
In 2024, KMI Space launched a small version of the REACCH system to the International Space Station (ISS), where it underwent rigorous testing over 200 days in 2025. During this period, astronauts conducted hundreds of zero-gravity capture tests. Adam Kall, co-founder of KMI Space, noted that these tests validated their simulations, confirming the effectiveness of their design: "We can now trust it when we change the design in the simulation, that it’s showing us if this is really going to work or not with the actual physics of capture." This validation is a key step toward their next goal—a large-scale REACCH spacecraft set to launch in early 2028.
If successful, KMI Space plans to deploy more than a dozen REACCH spacecraft in orbit, capable of maneuvering active satellites or safely de-orbiting space junk. The company has raised over $10 million from various investors, alongside grants and contracts from the Department of Defense and NASA. More recently, KMI Space was awarded a StratFi grant from the Space Force, providing additional capital for its ambitious projects. Morris expressed excitement about this development: "It’s a really exciting point for us with this StratFi announcement, investor interest, and just waiting to get going on only a few more things—but it’s moving and grooving.”
Meanwhile, Gravitics, founded in 2021 and based in Marysville, Washington, is also making waves in the space sector. The company is developing orbital carriers aimed at serving both government and commercial customers. Currently, Gravitics is preparing for a reverse takeover with Non-Invasive Monitoring Systems, a Florida-based shell company, to facilitate a public offering potentially worth $125 million. This strategy offers Gravitics a faster path to being listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The reverse takeover has been under discussion for several months, and a notice filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed a previously unreported $17 million funding round completed earlier this year. This funding will support Gravitics’ ambitious plans, including the development of its Diamondback orbital carrier, which is expected to debut as early as 2027.
Gravitics has already secured high-profile contracts, including a $125 million deal with Axiom Space for a pressurized module to be used in its upcoming space station. In addition, NASA has awarded Gravitics up to $225,000 to support the creation of a hangar facility for orbital cargo vehicles. The company is also receiving funding from the U.S. Space Force and has been selected by Lockheed Martin for a contract related to the Pentagon’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative.
The innovative approaches taken by KMI Space and Gravitics are not only addressing the immediate challenges of space debris and transportation but are also paving the way for future space exploration and infrastructure development. As more infrastructure is established in space, the ability to manage and mitigate debris becomes increasingly important. KMI Space's REACCH system exemplifies a proactive approach to ensuring the safety of satellites and other space assets.
Simultaneously, Gravitics' plans for orbital carriers represent a shift toward more efficient and reliable transport options in space, which are necessary as commercial space travel and exploration continue to grow. The combination of these advancements could lead to a more sustainable and organized approach to operating in Earth's orbit.
Both KMI Space and Gravitics face challenges typical of the aerospace sector, including regulatory hurdles, technical feasibility, and the need for continued investment. For KMI Space, the successful launch and operation of its large-scale REACCH spacecraft will be a major test of its technology. Similarly, Gravitics must navigate the complex process of going public and delivering on its ambitious contracts.
As Earth’s orbit becomes increasingly crowded, the importance of companies like KMI Space and Gravitics matters. Their innovative technologies and strategic partnerships are set to shape the future of space operations, ensuring that as we reach for the stars, we also keep our orbital environment safe and sustainable.
With the increasing number of satellites and space debris, the work being done by these companies is not just about technological advancement; it is about ensuring a future where space can be explored responsibly. As Adam Kall stated, "There’s trips down, there’s trips up, there’s trips sideways. And so, we are really expending the market." The next few years will be decisive for both KMI Space and Gravitics as they push the boundaries of what is possible in space technology.