On April 14, 2023, Momentus Inc., a U.S.-based commercial space company specializing in in-space infrastructure services, successfully launched its third Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle (OSV), designated Vigoride-6, aboard SpaceX's Transporter-7 mission. This mission marked a significant advancement in Momentus's capabilities, demonstrating the company's commitment to providing versatile and efficient in-space transportation solutions. ([investors.momentus.space](

Overview of the Vigoride-6 Mission

The Vigoride-6 mission was designed to deliver multiple payloads to custom orbits, showcasing Momentus's innovative propulsion technology and mission flexibility. The primary objectives included:

  • Deployment of NASA's Low-Latitude Ionosphere/Thermosphere Experiment (LLITED) Payloads: Vigoride-6 was tasked with placing two satellites into specific low-Earth orbits to support NASA's LLITED mission, which aims to study the ionospheric and thermospheric conditions over low-latitude regions.
  • Utilization of Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) Technology: Momentus employed its MET propulsion system, which utilizes water as a propellant, to achieve significant changes in orbital inclination, facilitating precise payload deployments. This technology represents a novel approach to in-space propulsion, offering potential advantages in efficiency and cost-effectiveness. ([investors.momentus.space](
  • Demonstration of Tape Spring Solar Array (TASSA) Technology: The mission served as a platform to test Momentus's TASSA technology, featuring flexible solar cells bonded to tape springs. This design allows for compact stowage and efficient deployment, aiming to reduce vehicle production costs and streamline on-orbit operations. ([investors.momentus.space](

Payloads and Collaborations

In addition to the NASA LLITED payloads, Vigoride-6 carried several other significant payloads:

  • REVELA Payload for ARCA Dynamics: A payload developed by ARCA Dynamics, contributing to advancements in aerospace technologies.
  • VIREO CubeSat for C3S LLC: A CubeSat designed to demonstrate new satellite technologies and capabilities.
  • DISCO-1 CubeSat for Aarhus University: A CubeSat developed by Aarhus University, focusing on scientific research and technology demonstration.
  • IRIS-C Payload for an Asian Customer: A payload booked through ISILAUNCH, serving an Asian customer with specific mission requirements. ([investors.momentus.space](

These collaborations highlight Momentus's role in supporting a diverse range of customers, from governmental agencies to academic institutions and commercial entities, by providing tailored in-space transportation solutions.

Technological Innovations and Achievements

The Vigoride-6 mission underscored several technological milestones for Momentus:

  • Advancements in MET Propulsion: The successful operation of the MET system demonstrated the viability of using water as a propellant for in-space propulsion, potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency compared to traditional chemical propulsion methods. ([investors.momentus.space](
  • Successful Deployment of TASSA: The deployment of the Tape Spring Solar Array technology marked a significant step toward more efficient and cost-effective solar array designs for spacecraft, with potential applications in future satellite missions. ([investors.momentus.space](

These achievements reflect Momentus's ongoing efforts to innovate and enhance the capabilities of in-space transportation and infrastructure services.

Impact on the Space Industry

The successful execution of the Vigoride-6 mission has broader implications for the space industry:

  • Enhanced In-Space Transportation Capabilities: By demonstrating the ability to deliver multiple payloads to custom orbits using innovative propulsion technologies, Momentus has positioned itself as a key player in the growing market for in-space transportation services. ([investors.momentus.space](
  • Support for Diverse Payloads and Missions: The mission's diverse payload manifest illustrates Momentus's flexibility in accommodating a wide range of mission profiles, from scientific research to technology demonstrations, thereby supporting the varied needs of the space community.
  • Advancements in Sustainable Space Operations: The use of water-based propulsion and innovative solar array technologies contributes to more sustainable and cost-effective space operations, aligning with industry trends toward reducing the environmental impact and operational costs of space missions.

In summary, the launch of the Vigoride-6 Orbital Service Vehicle aboard SpaceX's Transporter-7 mission represents a significant milestone for Momentus Inc., demonstrating the company's technological innovations and its ability to execute complex, multi-payload missions. This achievement not only advances Momentus's capabilities but also contributes to the broader evolution of in-space transportation and infrastructure services, supporting a diverse array of missions and customers in the expanding space industry.

Sources

  • Momentus Inc. — Momentus Launches Vigoride-6 Orbital Service Vehicle on SpaceX Transporter-7 Mission —
  • SpaceNews — Momentus Launches Vigoride-6 Orbital Service Vehicle on SpaceX Transporter-7 Mission —
  • SpaceDaily — Momentus launches Vigoride-6 OSV on SpaceX Transporter-7 Mission —
  • Momentus Inc. — Our Missions —
  • Momentus Inc. — Momentus Launches Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle on SpaceX Transporter-6 Mission —