THE NEW SPACE RACE: Gravitics Wins Lockheed Martin Deal to Build Three Orbital Carriers for Golden Dome.

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.

This is almost 22nd Century stuff.

THE SECOND-ORDER EFFECTS ARE OUTSTANDING:

RULE OF LAW:

HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE:

I’VE SEEN MORE COMFORTABLE GUESTS OF HONOR IN HOSTAGE VIDEOS: The Body Language of This Black Pastor at an El-Sayed Presser Says It All.

ONCE MORE UNTO THE MEME, DEAR FRIENDS:

UPDATE:

ANOTHER UPDATE: And Eric S. Raymond is doing just that:

OPEN THREAD: Tuesday’s groovy.

AMERICA’S NEWSPAPER OF RECORD:

Almost as much as they’re excited about this recent development in Roger Goodell’s NFL: Map Shows NFL Teams With Male Cheerleaders Amid Online Scrutiny.

In accordance with the prophecy:

Speaking of the Cowboys, the ghost of Tex Schramm weeps, wonders where it all went wrong for his beloved league.

UPDATE: