Momentus Inc., a U.S. commercial space company offering satellites, satellite components, and in-space transportation and services, announced that it was awarded a contract by NASA to perform a study to fly critical foundational robotics technologies into space. Momentus has subsequently completed work under this initial contract and expects to submit a proposal to NASA to fly a follow-on mission that would demonstrate this cutting-edge technology in space. 

NASA expects to award a contract in September and Momentus is one of two companies under evaluation for this larger contract for the follow-on mission planned by NASA. This mission marks a pivotal step in NASA’s ongoing efforts to test and validate key technologies that could support the next era of space exploration and stimulate commercial robotic servicing operations in orbit.

The contract, awarded under NASA’s Flight Opportunities program managed by the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, tasked Momentus to conduct a terrestrial study that explored options to fly advanced robotic systems in space aboard one of its upcoming orbital service vehicle flights. These technologies are designed to demonstrate autonomous robotic maneuvers and operations that could inform future on-orbit servicing, debris mitigation, satellite assembly, and lunar surface operations. The contract also included the development of a commercialization plan to demonstrate that space robotics can be applied in space in commercially meaningful use cases at commercially viable price points.

“This win demonstrates our commitment to advancing space infrastructure by supporting innovative technologies that can transform how we operate in space,” said John Rood, CEO of Momentus. “We’re honored to be entrusted by NASA to help mature these cutting-edge robotics systems. Space robotics is rapidly becoming a strategic capability that we expect to leverage in the future to support customers in the commercial and national security sectors.”

The study designed a mission that leverages the Vigoride orbital service vehicle, Momentus’ flagship spacecraft designed to transport and deploy payloads with precision. Vigoride is also used as a satellite bus with payloads for missions such as communications and missile tracking. A potential test flight could allow NASA and its partners to assess the performance of robotics systems in microgravity, paving the way for more complex autonomous operations in space.

Click here to learn more about Momentus' Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle