Momentus, Inc. is a cutting-edge New Space company based in San Jose, California, specializing in satellite buses and in-space infrastructure services. These offerings include space transportation, hosted payloads, and other in-orbit services. The company utilizes spacecraft electric propulsion technology for its orbital tug services, tailored to varying payload masses and mission requirements.

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Innovative Space Tugs and Propulsion Technology

Momentus emphasizes “space infrastructure” services such as space transportation, on-orbit refueling, and satellite servicing. The company’s orbital tugs are designed for flexible payload transport and powered by its proprietary Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) technology, which ionizes water using microwaves for propulsion.

The company promotes three models of tugs with ascending payload capacities and Delta-v capabilities:

• Vigoride: Compact solution for light payloads.
• Ardoride: Mid-range option for moderate payloads and Delta-v demands.
• Fervoride: High-capacity tug for extended missions and heavier payloads.

These propulsion systems aim to deliver specific impulses “two to three times” greater than traditional chemical propulsion, positioning Momentus for high-efficiency thrust applications.

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Company History and Key Milestones

Founded in 2018 by Russian physicist and entrepreneur Mikhail Kokorich, Momentus emerged from the Y Combinator startup accelerator. Despite Kokorich’s pivotal role in patent development, regulatory challenges with U.S. authorities led to his resignation in 2021 due to national security concerns.

Key Milestones:

• 2018: Raised $8.3 million in seed funding from Prime Movers Lab, Liquid 2 Ventures, and others.
• 2019: Claimed successful in-space testing of MET technology, later scrutinized by the SEC.
• 2020: Valued at $1.2 billion after a SPAC merger; valuation halved after public trading commenced.
• 2021: Raised $143 million privately and $247 million via IPO after Kokorich’s resignation.

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Demonstration Missions and Operational Progress

• May 26, 2022: Launched the first demonstration mission using Vigoride-3 (VR-3) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-5 Rideshare Mission. Despite multiple anomalies, including solar panel deployment issues, the spacecraft deployed six FOSSA Systems satellites and one Orbit NTNU payload.
• January 3, 2023: Deployed Vigoride-5 (VR-5) on the SpaceX Transporter-6 Mission.
• April 15, 2023: Launched Vigoride-6 (VR-6) on the Transporter-7 Rideshare Mission.
• October 10, 2023: Acted as payload integrator for SpaceX’s Transporter-9 Mission. Despite successful deployment for HelloSpace, three payloads failed to deploy.
• October 9, 2024: Selected by NASA for launch services under the VADR (Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare) contract.

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Shaping the Future of In-Orbit Services

With advanced propulsion technology and a growing portfolio of successful missions, Momentus is positioned to revolutionize satellite transportation and in-orbit servicing. The company continues to innovate, offering scalable solutions to meet the demands of an evolving space industry.

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Resources

www.momentus.space
www.wikipedia.org
www.satnews.com  edition December 11^th, 2023
www.businesswire.com  edition October 9^th, 2024
www.zoominfo.com
www.sky-brokers.com
www.crunchbase.com
www.cbinsights.com