Founded in 2017, Momentus Space is a U.S. commercial space company headquartered in San Jose, California. The company’s core mission is to offer in-space infrastructure services, including satellite buses, in-space transportation, hosted payloads, and other in-orbit services.
Momentus focuses on providing cost-effective solutions for satellite deployment and orbital transfer, utilizing its proprietary Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle (OSV). This vehicle is designed to transport satellites to their designated orbits and offers hosted payload capabilities. The company has established notable partnerships and affiliations within the space industry. NASA selected Momentus to provide launch services for future agency missions through its Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) contract. Additionally, Momentus has collaborated with private space firms such as SpaceX, signing contracts to reserve ports on multiple SpaceX Transporter missions. The company has also entered into agreements with organizations like Lodestar Space for integrating robotic arms onto its Vigoride OSV and with Solstar Space to demonstrate on-orbit Wi-Fi connectivity.
Momentus has secured patents that underscore its commitment to innovation:
- Pierced Waveguide Thruster: This patent describes a propulsion system where a microwave energy source heats propellant in a chamber that traverses a waveguide, enhancing efficiency.
- Space Mission Energy Management Architecture: This patent outlines a spacecraft propulsion system comprising two thrusters operating according to different propulsion techniques, with a controller directing collected solar energy to heat a propellant for one thruster or to generate electric energy for the other.
Momentus offers in-space infrastructure services to support satellite operators, researchers, and commercial space enterprises. The Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle (OSV) provides in-space transportation, delivering satellites to their specific orbits and offering hosted payload services. It also supplies satellite buses equipped with essential systems such as power, propulsion, and communication, facilitating rapid deployment for satellite operators. Momentus also offers platforms for hosting payloads in orbit, enabling clients to test technologies or conduct research without the need to develop standalone satellites. Momentus also explores services like in-orbit assembly and maintenance, aiming to support the construction and upkeep of large-scale structures in space.
Momentus is contracted to deploy two satellites for NASA’s Low-Latitude Ionosphere/Thermosphere Enhancements in Density (LLITED) mission. The company is collaborating with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on the Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program. Momentus also has agreements with companies like SatRev and RIDE! Space to provide orbital delivery services.
Momentus aims to revolutionize in-space transportation and infrastructure services by focusing on cost-effective and sustainable solutions. The company’s emphasis on water-based propulsion systems and in-orbit services positions it to play a significant role in the evolving space economy. By facilitating more accessible and efficient satellite deployment and maintenance, Momentus contributes to the broader goal of making space operations more sustainable and commercially viable.
