Momentus has plans to provide orbital shuttle service to its customers on SpaceX’s first dedicated SmallSat Rideshare mission.
Momentus’ Vigoride orbital shuttle will carry multiple customer satellites, with a total mass up to 250 kg., each to its own custom orbit on a mission scheduled to launch no earlier than late 2020. As part of this launch, Momentus will offer its customers the ability to access multiple destination orbits through its in-space last-mile transportation services.
Artistic rendition of Momentus’ Vigoride.
Image is courtesy of the company.
A graduate of the prestigious Y Combinator program and based in Santa Clara, California, Momentus recently announced a $25.5 million Series A, bringing total funding to $34 million. Momentus employs new and proprietary technology including water plasma propulsion for the mission of low-cost sustainable transportation through space. Momentus’ Vigoride orbital shuttle, which is designed and built in-house, is powered by proprietary water plasma propulsion to ferry satellites from one orbit to another.
Mikhail Kokorich, the CEO of Momentus, said that showing ridesharing from the Falcon 9 will be a game-changer. By ferrying payloads to multiple orbits from a single launch, the company multiplies the capability of an already very impressive system.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO at SpaceX said the company is excited to have Momentus as SpaceX’s first customer on a dedicated small satellite rideshare mission. Their innovative technology will offer a strong complement to Falcon 9’s capability to reliably and affordably launch payloads for small satellite operators.
For all involved in the satellite and space industry and the various market segments that add value to these dynamic environments, the 2020 SmallSat Symposium is truly worth your consideration for attendance.
The SmallSat Symposium is hosted by Satnews Publishers which, since 1983, has been a provider of a satellite news, media and events. This information packed forum was created to enable you and your company to secure a larger portion of market share as well as to take part in the next stages of your company’s or organization’s growth.
The personal connections at the SmallSat Symposium enable attendees to network with established organizations, subject-matter experts as well as ‘NewSpace’ entrants.
The SmallSat Symposium will focus on new technologies and the business environment that is shaping the implementation of smallsat constellations, smallsat launchers, the challenges facing the smallsat developer and actors as well as the enormous benefits of these advanced technologies that will benefit our world.
This event assembles more than 100 diverse speakers, all of whom possess deep industry experience. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to mingle and network with peers while enjoying exceptional, complimentary meals and refreshment breakfast.