Momentus started as a commercial space company back in 2017, led by founder Mikhail Kokorich. They focus on orbital service vehicles and water-based propulsion systems for satellite deployment missions.
Momentus Inc came onto the scene in 2017, aiming to build in-space infrastructure services. They set up shop in California and have carved out a place in the orbital services market.
Core Services:
Their main product, the Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle, uses water plasma propulsion tech. This lets Momentus move satellites between orbits after launch.
Since 2022, they’ve wrapped up several missions. Vigoride-3, their first demonstration flight, happened in May 2022. Vigoride-6 followed in April 2023 on SpaceX’s Transporter-7.
They work with satellite operators, research groups, and space companies. Their orbital tugs give small satellites a “last-mile” ride to their exact spots.
Momentus wants to open up new ways of operating in space using advanced propulsion. They keep their sights on making satellite deployment cheaper and more flexible.
Their Microwave Electrothermal Thruster uses water as fuel. That’s a cleaner option than old-school chemical propulsion.
They see themselves as leaders in space logistics and infrastructure. They help satellite operators get to precise orbits.
Momentus really pushes for accessibility in space. Their services let smaller satellite companies reach specific orbits without shelling out for pricey dedicated launches.
They’re also working on robotics. Lately, they teamed up with Lodestar Space to add robotic arms to Vigoride vehicles.
Mikhail Kokorich kicked things off in 2017 and set the technical direction. The company runs under typical governance for commercial space outfits.
Momentus partners up with major launch providers like SpaceX. These partnerships keep their mission schedule full through rideshare programs.
They’ve also teamed up with NASA on several projects, providing launch services for missions such as LLITED.
Recent Developments:
The leadership team keeps pushing water-based propulsion tech forward. They’re expanding their offerings and targeting both commercial and government customers for upcoming missions.
Momentus focuses on in-space infrastructure services, connecting satellites to their final destinations. They make money through transportation contracts, hosted payload services, and partnerships with aerospace firms and government agencies.
Momentus provides in-space transportation with its Vigoride vehicles powered by water-based plasma propulsion. This tech lets them move satellites from their initial orbits to where they actually need to be.
Their Orbital Service Vehicles mostly operate in low-Earth orbit. They can deploy a bunch of satellites in one mission.
Momentus ran its first demo mission in 2022 and has since deployed eight satellites for customers.
Their water plasma propulsion stands out from traditional chemical systems. Using water as propellant cuts costs and is less hazardous for the environment.
They also offer hosted payload services. Customers can attach equipment to Momentus vehicles and get access to space without booking a whole rocket.
Momentus brings in revenue through transportation contracts with satellite operators who want precise orbital placement. Customers pay for moving satellites from launch orbits to their final destinations.
They charge for hosted payload services as well, letting organizations mount experiments or gear on Vigoride vehicles. That opens up affordable space access for research and commercial projects.
In-orbit services give them another income stream. These services include satellite servicing, debris removal, and orbital maintenance using their transfer vehicles.
Their business model is contract-driven, so revenue grows as they complete more missions and customer deployments.
Satellite operators make up most of Momentus’s customer base. These companies want affordable solutions to move satellites to specific orbits after launch.
Momentus has built partnerships with SpaceX for launch services. This link gets their vehicles to space reliably via Falcon 9 missions.
NASA and Lockheed Martin have signed on as early customers, which is a big vote of confidence for Momentus’s tech in government and defense.
Commercial space companies are also in their sights as the satellite industry keeps growing. Momentus is after organizations that need flexible deployment and lower costs than the old ways.
The Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle is at the heart of Momentus’s technology for delivering satellites and hosting payloads. This innovative spacecraft uses water-based propulsion and has deployable solar arrays that can cut operational costs by up to 50%.
The Vigoride spacecraft is a flexible orbital platform that transports multiple customer satellites to specific orbits. Each vehicle can deploy several payloads in one go.
It comes with an 11-meter-long Tape Spring Solar Array (TASSA) system. These metal sheets, packed with flexible solar cells, coil up for launch and unroll in orbit to generate power.
Vigoride vehicles can carry everything from CubeSats to larger satellites and hosted payloads. They keep communications running throughout their missions. Ground controllers can operate the vehicle for long stretches, providing ongoing services.
Key specifications:
Momentus built a Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) that runs on water, ditching toxic fuels. This makes things cheaper and easier to manage.
The propulsion system uses microwave energy to turn water into plasma for precise maneuvers. That keeps operational expenses lower than traditional chemical thrusters.
During the Vigoride-5 mission, engineers fired the thruster 35 times in Low-Earth Orbit. These tests proved the system could handle the required maneuvers and orbital tweaks.
Momentus has flown three demo missions to prove Vigoride works. Vigoride-3 launched in May 2022 and deployed eight satellites, including six for FOSSA Space Systems.
Vigoride-5 went up in January 2023 and is still active in orbit. It’s hosting Caltech’s Solar Power Project Demonstrator, which managed to wirelessly transmit power in space and even beam some to Earth.
Vigoride-6 launched in April 2023, deploying six customer satellites for groups like ARCA Dynamics, C3S LLC, Aarhus University, and an Asian client through ISILAUNCH.
They’ve already finished vibration testing for Vigoride-7, which is set to launch on SpaceX’s Transporter-10. This next mission will show off remote proximity operations by releasing a target satellite and maneuvering nearby.
Momentus delivers specialized orbital transfer with its Vigoride vehicles, enabling precise satellite deployment and repositioning across different orbits. Their water plasma propulsion system gives satellite operators a sustainable way to get custom deliveries and handle end-of-life disposal.
Momentus uses its Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle (OSV) as the main platform for in-space transportation. The vehicle runs on a Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) that burns water for fuel.
This propulsion tech lets Vigoride change its orbital inclination and altitude after separating from launch vehicles. The water-based system is a cleaner alternative to chemical propulsion.
Key capabilities:
The Vigoride-6 mission showed these skills off by delivering two satellites to custom orbits for NASA’s LLITED program. The MET system handled the orbital inclination change.
Satellite operators can share launch costs and still reach their target orbits. That definitely cuts down mission expenses compared to booking a whole rocket.
Momentus takes space debris concerns seriously and provides satellite disposal solutions. They offer controlled de-orbit services for satellites at end-of-life.
Their orbital servicing includes satellite refueling and life extension. These services help operators get the most out of their satellites before disposal.
The Vigoride platform can approach target satellites and do proximity operations safely. Momentus has teamed up with Redwire to develop robotic systems for future service vehicles.
Disposal options:
Space agencies and commercial operators now need disposal plans before launching. Momentus offers these as standalone services or as part of a mission.
Their water-based propulsion keeps operations clean and doesn’t add more debris. This approach lines up with international space sustainability standards.
Momentus customizes transportation to fit specific satellite missions across different orbits. They work with operators during mission planning to fine-tune deployment strategies.
Their hosted payload service lets customers add experiments and tech demos to Vigoride vehicles. It’s a more affordable way to test things in space.
Partnerships with companies like SatRev and RIDE! Space show how flexible Momentus’s delivery can be. These deals cover all kinds of missions and destinations.
The Vigoride platform fits different satellite sizes and deployment setups. CubeSats, microsatellites, and bigger payloads can all ride along.
Mission alignment features:
NASA and Space Force contracts have validated Momentus’s capabilities for government satellite missions. These five-year agreements offer stable revenue and help push space technology forward.
Momentus offers hosted payload services so satellite operators can deploy payloads without buying their own spacecraft. Their Vigoride vehicles serve as platforms in space, providing power, communications, and attitude control for customer missions.
Momentus runs hosted payload services using its Vigoride orbital service vehicles. These act as space-based platforms for customer equipment. With these services, customers get orbit transfer and maintenance, plus all the basic spacecraft functions they need.
The hosted payload service includes attitude control systems that keep spacecraft properly oriented. Power systems supply electricity to customer payloads for the entire mission. Communications interfaces let customers send telemetry, receive commands, and downlink payload data.
Momentus has already signed hosted payload contracts with Caltech, FOSSA Systems, and Hello Space. Right now, they operate three Vigoride vehicles in orbit and are booking customers for missions starting in late 2026.
This hosted payload model cuts costs for satellite operators who want to test or operate equipment in space. Customers skip the hassle and expense of building their own spacecraft, but still get access to proven orbital platforms.
The Vigoride platform fits a variety of payload types thanks to standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces. Momentus helps with integration, offering payload mounting systems and power distribution networks.
Customer payloads receive dedicated power allocations and communications bandwidth tailored to their mission. The team runs pre-flight testing to make sure everything works with Vigoride systems.
Momentus offers flexible mission durations for hosted payloads. Customers can run short tech demos or longer operational missions. The water plasma propulsion system lets Vigoride adjust orbits even during hosted payload operations.
In-orbit services go beyond basic hosting. Momentus adds active payload management and data relay. Satellite operators can control their payloads remotely using Momentus ground stations and comms systems.
Momentus delivers in-space infrastructure services that go way beyond basic satellite launches. They focus on satellite deployment precision, in-orbit assembly, and ongoing maintenance to keep space assets operating at their best.
Momentus uses its Vigoride transfer vehicle to deliver satellites to exact orbital destinations. They move customer payloads from initial launch orbits to final operational positions.
A water plasma-based propulsion system powers these transfers. This tech enables efficient point-to-point moves across different altitudes and inclinations.
Customers can book deployment services through 2027. Momentus takes care of payload integration and coordinates with launch providers like SpaceX.
Deployment capabilities include:
Momentus provides telemetry and tracking during deployment. Mission ops teams watch each transfer to make sure satellites end up where they belong.
DARPA has tapped Momentus for complex in-space assembly demos. These missions involve building large structures while orbiting Earth.
Momentus supports the Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing program with full-service mission management. They arrange launch services, manage payload integration, and provide in-orbit hosting.
The NOM4D program explores advanced manufacturing for space construction. Momentus validates assembly tech with live data collection and mission control.
Assembly services cover:
These skills set Momentus up for future space infrastructure projects. Their experience with complex assembly opens doors for commercial space construction contracts.
Momentus supports customer missions with ongoing hosted payload services. They maintain satellite systems using attitude control, power management, and comms interfaces.
Hosted service packages include orbit maintenance and station-keeping. Satellites get steady power and communications support throughout their missions.
Service vehicles can extend mission durations past original specs. Power generation systems over 1 kilowatt handle energy-heavy operations and scientific experiments.
Maintenance offerings include:
Mission operations centers monitor and support missions around the clock. Customers get regular updates and performance data during their hosted missions.
Momentus gives satellite operators flexible orbital transfer services and cost-effective alternatives to traditional launch constraints. Their Vigoride vehicles deliver precise deployment to custom orbits, all while lowering mission costs.
Satellite operators often struggle when launch providers can’t reach their target orbits. Momentus bridges that gap with point-to-point transportation services that move satellites from initial deployment to specific orbits.
The Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle acts as an orbital transfer platform. It collects satellites from rideshare launches and takes them to exact positions.
This service is a lifesaver for operators needing non-standard orbital parameters. Rideshare missions drop satellites in generic orbits, which may not fit operational needs.
Now, satellite operators can reach orbits that direct launches just can’t access. The water plasma propulsion system enables efficient transfers between different altitudes and inclinations.
Mission flexibility jumps when operators separate launch schedules from orbital deployment. They can grab rideshare slots for savings and still hit their ideal orbits.
Dedicated launches usually break the budget for smaller satellite operators. Momentus opens up access to rideshare launch slots while keeping orbital precision with secondary transportation.
Operators cut launch costs by picking cheaper rideshare options. Vigoride handles the orbital transfer, making a two-step process that’s less expensive than dedicated launches.
Hosted payload services offer another way to save. Operators lease space on Vigoride vehicles instead of building full spacecraft.
The hosted model covers orbit maintenance, attitude control, power, and comms. Operators focus on their payload while Momentus runs the spacecraft.
In-space transportation means customer satellites don’t need oversized propulsion systems. Operators can design lighter, simpler spacecraft when someone else handles the transfer.
Momentus has landed major government contracts with NASA and the U.S. Space Force and built commercial partnerships to grow satellite communication capabilities across orbital operations.
Momentus recently scored two big government contracts that show its growing presence in national space operations. The company secured a $1.86 million Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contract from SpaceWERX, the U.S. Space Force’s innovation division.
This Space Force contract backs development of autonomous spacecraft operations tech. Momentus will show off a multi-spectral sensor suite that blends optical, infrared, and lidar sensors with machine vision. The system helps spacecraft approach unknown objects in low Earth orbit.
NASA awarded Momentus another contract to demonstrate advanced power processing tech for Hall Thrusters. This system uses CisLunar Industries’ Modular Configurable Electric Power Converter tech. The power unit generates over 1 kilowatt for high Delta V maneuvers and in-space assembly.
Both flight demos launch on SpaceX Transporter missions in February 2026. Momentus will host the payloads on its Vigoride orbital service vehicle, putting the company front and center for in-space transportation with government customers.
Momentus teamed up with Solstar Space Company to offer on-demand connectivity for objects in orbit. This partnership combines both companies’ strengths to deliver reliable and affordable communication services for all sorts of missions and orbits.
The Solstar partnership addresses a big need among satellite operators for dependable comms. Commercial space companies count on consistent data transmission for operations, telemetry, and payload management at different altitudes.
Momentus brings its orbital transportation via the Vigoride platform, while Solstar adds specialized space comms tech. Together, they create integrated solutions for government and commercial customers who want better connectivity.
This collaboration expands Momentus’s offerings beyond basic satellite deployment. Now, they cover transportation, hosting, and communication support for a range of space missions.
Momentus has carved out a unique spot in the commercial space industry by focusing on in-space infrastructure services instead of just launching rockets. Their specialized approach targets a $100 billion market for space servicing and manufacturing.
Momentus operates as a critical infrastructure provider in the fast-growing space economy. The commercial space company delivers satellite deployment, orbital transportation, and in-space servicing using its Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle.
The company has landed strategic government contracts that validate its tech and create recurring revenue. Notable partnerships include a $3.5 million DARPA contract for in-orbit assembly demos and selection for NASA’s five-year transportation services program.
Momentus serves several market segments at once. Government clients include NASA, DARPA, and the U.S. Air Force for national security and science missions. Commercial customers rely on rideshare capabilities for affordable satellite deployment.
The water plasma propulsion technology answers the call for sustainable space operations. This green approach avoids hazardous materials and simplifies both launch and operations.
Momentus stands out with proprietary Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) systems for precise spacecraft navigation. These are key for tough missions like debris removal and satellite servicing.
A modular Vigoride platform brings cost advantages through shared rideshare missions. Multiple clients can launch together, cutting per-mission costs and boosting efficiency.
Green propulsion technology gives Momentus an edge over companies using old-school chemical fuels. Water-based thrusters match regulatory trends for sustainable operations and make safety protocols easier.
Strategic moves in the in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) market give Momentus a first-mover advantage. Early government contracts build credibility and technical validation that others now have to chase.
Momentus has developed breakthrough propulsion tech and holds multiple patents, putting the company at the front of space infrastructure. Their water plasma-based propulsion system and proprietary orbital service vehicle designs make cost-effective in-space transportation possible.
Momentus runs its Vigoride orbital service vehicles with water-based propulsion tech. Instead of burning fuel, these systems turn water into plasma, then use it to push satellites around in space.
Using water plasma propulsion comes with some real perks compared to old-school chemical rockets. Water’s non-toxic and easy to store, so the usual safety headaches from nasty chemicals just aren’t there.
Key Benefits:
With this propulsion, Momentus vehicles move satellites between orbits and handle positioning jobs. Each Vigoride can carry several satellites to their chosen orbits using this approach.
Momentus has already shown off this propulsion in several missions. The tech lets them fly longer and drop off more satellites per trip.
Momentus holds patents on some of its most important orbital vehicle tech. These patents cover their water plasma propulsion and spacecraft control systems.
The company’s IP portfolio features designs for propulsion and techniques for orbital maneuvers. These patents make it tough for competitors to copy what Momentus does.
Protected Technologies:
Momentus keeps working on new tech for space operations. Contracts with NASA and the Space Force are helping them push ahead with autonomous systems and sensor development.
They’ve teamed up with Velo3D to use advanced 3D printing for spacecraft parts. This partnership should cut manufacturing costs and boost the performance of future Vigoride missions.
Momentus has launched 15 customer satellites across three demonstration missions in the last year. They’ve hit some important milestones in testing their propulsion and running their orbital vehicles.
The Vigoride vehicles have built up a solid record. Momentus completed three major missions from May 2022 to April 2023.
Vigoride-3 took off in May 2022 as Momentus’s first mission. It dropped off six satellites for FOSSA Space Systems and one SelfieSat for Orbit NTNU. They also carried a CalPoly Pomona satellite using a third-party deployer.
Vigoride-5 launched in January 2023 and placed the Qosmosys Zeus-1 payload in orbit. This mission kept hosting Caltech’s Solar Power Project Demonstrator, which managed to transmit wireless power in space and beam it back to Earth.
Vigoride-6 flew in April 2023 on SpaceX’s Transporter-7. It delivered four customer payloads: REVELA for ARCA Dynamics, VIREO CubeSat for C3S LLC, DISCO-1 for Aarhus University, and IRIS-C for an Asian customer.
They also deployed two NASA CubeSats for the LLITED mission at 495km.
These three demo missions proved out key tech for the Vigoride vehicle. Each flight tackled different systems and procedures.
During Vigoride-5, Momentus ran 35 test firings of their Microwave Electrothermal Thruster. This water-based propulsion worked well in Low-Earth Orbit. The tests showed the thruster could handle its planned maneuvers.
Vigoride-6 included a Tape Spring Solar Array demo. This 11-meter solar array should cut power generation costs by half compared to the current market. The flexible solar cells roll out from a tightly wound mandrel.
Momentus found and fixed a software mapping error that caused two NASA CubeSats to deploy at the wrong inclination. NASA said both CubeSats still worked for their science missions.
Right now, Momentus is still running several spacecraft at once. Vigoride-5, for example, keeps providing hosted payload services for customers.
Momentus faces some tough financial challenges as it pushes for bigger things in the commercial space world. They’re juggling immediate funding needs while landing promising contracts with NASA and the Space Force.
Momentus deals with serious financial hurdles that could threaten its spot in the market. The company risks getting delisted from Nasdaq because of low share prices and compliance issues.
They’ve racked up big losses since starting out. With a short operating history, it’s tough for investors to guess what the future holds.
Key Financial Concerns:
Momentus keeps looking for ways to raise money and stabilize finances. They’re not sure yet if current orders will turn into real revenue.
The commercial space infrastructure market isn’t really established yet. Growth could be slower than Momentus hopes, which just adds to the pressure.
Momentus has landed key government contracts that could help the company grow in space infrastructure services. NASA and Space Force deals show the company’s tech has real value.
The 2026 mission will use Vigoride’s modular design to test space manufacturing. This work lays the groundwork for future lunar and Mars infrastructure.
Contract Highlights:
Momentus plans to use its water plasma propulsion for more applications. They want to offer power management and maneuvering services for both government and commercial customers.
Expanding these services means getting more government licenses and approvals. Regulatory compliance is a must for Momentus to run its missions.
The company faces tech development risks as it tries to scale up. Turning demo missions into profitable services will need more technical validation.
Momentus Space gets a lot of attention from investors, job seekers, and space industry watchers. The company’s recent stock swings, tech developments, and expansion plans keep people talking across different platforms.
Momentus has worked on its Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) tech with several demonstration flights. They kicked off the first Vigoride demo in May 2022, launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 on the Transporter-5 rideshare.
The Vigoride-3 spacecraft ran into some technical issues on its debut. The solar panels didn’t deploy right, and the communication systems worked in an off-nominal mode the whole time.
Even with those problems, the spacecraft managed to deploy five out of seven customer payloads between May and September 2022. Two FOSSA Systems satellites went up in May, then four more through August, plus one SelfieSat from Orbit NTNU in September.
Momentus flew more demo missions with Vigoride-5 in January 2023 and Vigoride-6 later that year. They also acted as a payload integrator for the Transporter-9 mission in November 2023, but only two out of five payloads deployed.
The MET propulsion system uses water as the propellant, which microwaves ionize and then accelerate out of the spacecraft. This tech aims for specific impulse rates two to three times higher than chemical propulsion.
Momentus Space is a space infrastructure company that needs people with aerospace engineering, software, and space operations backgrounds. Their focus is on orbital transfer and satellite deployment.
Most career opportunities are in spacecraft engineering, propulsion development, and mission operations. The headquarters in Santa Clara, California, is where most jobs are based.
Technical roles usually ask for degrees in aerospace or electrical engineering, or related fields, with experience in spacecraft systems. Operations jobs might need experience with satellite deployment and mission planning.
Because they work with electric propulsion, there’s a need for engineers who know plasma physics and advanced propulsion. Software engineers familiar with spacecraft control and orbital mechanics also fit in well.
Momentus went public via a SPAC merger in 2021, starting out valued at $1.2 billion. The stock price dropped to about half that when trading began.
Technical hiccups during demo missions shook investor confidence. The mixed results from the first Vigoride flight—payload failures and spacecraft glitches—left people wondering if the tech was really ready.
Regulatory trouble with the SEC also hit the stock. The SEC accused Momentus of misleading investors about MET propulsion’s space testing back in 2019.
How well the company executes missions and reliably deploys payloads has a direct impact on stock movements. Each mission update or tech milestone seems to move the market.
The space tech sector’s market swings and the ups and downs of SPAC companies add to the volatility. Competition and demand for orbital services also play a role in how the company is valued.
Momentus Space lists its headquarters at 3901 North First Street in San Jose, California. Some sources mention Santa Clara as well.
This California base is the main spot for spacecraft development, engineering, and business. Being in Silicon Valley gives access to aerospace talent and puts them near other space tech firms.
The company mostly operates from this single facility for design and manufacturing. Mission operations and customer payload integration happen there, too.
Momentus zeroes in on orbital transfer services using electric propulsion, setting it apart from launch providers like SpaceX or companies that build satellites. They call themselves a “last-mile delivery” service for satellites already in orbit.
Vigoride is the smallest of three planned tugs, with Ardoride and Fervoride meant for bigger payloads and more maneuvering. They used to mention a fourth model, Valoride, but that’s disappeared from recent materials.
Unlike companies chasing reusable rockets or mega-constellations, Momentus aims at the growing market for satellite deployment and repositioning. This specialized focus helps them stand out from broader space infrastructure players.
Their hub-and-spoke model is designed to work with major launch providers, not compete with them. It’s a collaborative approach, different from vertically integrated companies that want to own the whole mission chain.
Reddit’s all about investment chatter when it comes to Momentus. People really dig into the stock’s ups and downs and love speculating about technical hurdles the company faces.
You’ll see plenty of folks picking apart the company’s demo missions. They try to figure out how those results might mess with or boost Momentus’s valuation.
Space nerds on Reddit get into the nitty-gritty of the MET propulsion system. There’s a lot of debate over whether using water as a propellant is actually smart or just a weird choice compared to the usual electric propulsion setups.
People keep a close eye on mission updates. When Vigoride flies, users track every detail and love comparing how each demo mission stacks up.
Regulatory headaches and SEC actions? Those come up a lot, too. Redditors try to guess how these compliance issues could mess with the company’s future or tank the stock price.
And of course, you’ll find endless comparisons with other space tug outfits and orbital service providers. People like to argue about where Momentus fits in, and whether their tech actually stands out in the crowded satellite deployment game.
