Key Terms
cubesat
technical
A cubesat is a very small, standardized satellite about the size of a shoebox or smaller that carries simple instruments for tasks like communications, imaging, or testing new technology. Because cubesats cost far less and can be built and launched faster than traditional satellites—think of them as the startup-friendly version of a large spacecraft—they matter to investors as an affordable way to enter space markets, enable new services or data streams, and scale up constellations, while also carrying technical, regulatory and launch risks that affect potential returns.
low earth orbit
technical
Low Earth orbit (LEO) is the region of space close to Earth, roughly from about 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the surface, where satellites and spacecraft circle the planet quickly—think of it as a busy highway just overhead. It matters to investors because many communications, imaging and data services rely on satellites in LEO; their shorter lifespans, lower launch costs, crowded lanes and debris risks directly affect the cost, revenue potential and operational risks of companies that build, launch or use these satellites.
orbital service vehicle
technical
An orbital service vehicle is a spacecraft that acts like a tow truck and mobile mechanic in orbit: it approaches, inspects, repairs, refuels, relocates or removes other satellites and space debris instead of launching replacements. For investors, these vehicles can lower costs and extend the revenue life of satellites, create new service markets and revenue streams, and change risk profiles for satellite operators and insurers, affecting valuations across the space industry.
02/09/2026 – 08:00 AM
A groundbreaking mission to advance in-orbit servicing, rendezvous and proximity operations, and space infrastructure development in low Earth orbit.
SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS), a commercial space firm specializing in satellite solutions and in-space infrastructure, has entered into a Space Act Agreement to deepen its collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through a groundbreaking mission set to advance in-orbit servicing and assembly capabilities.
Under this initiative, Momentus will deliver a NASA CubeSat to low Earth orbit (LEO) to demonstrate joint rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) as well as formation flying. Central to the mission is NASA’s R5 Spacecraft 10 (R5-S10), which will act as a free-flying imager for Momentus’ Vigoride 7 Orbital Service Vehicle (OSV), assessing spacecraft health and performance. The R5-S10 technology demonstration mission is funded and managed by NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) program and the Engineering Directorate at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The SST program is based at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley and operates in the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. This demonstration marks a critical step in refining In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities—essential for future autonomous space operations.
A key aspect of this mission is NASA’s support for Momentus in executing the Low-Cost Multispectral RPO Sensor suite (LCMRS) rendezvous demonstration mission, which Momentus has been selected to perform for the Air Force Research Labs SPACEWERX organization, which is the innovation arm of the U.S. Air Force. This cutting-edge sensor system will enhance spacecraft situational awareness and relative navigation—critical for ISAM, autonomous satellite servicing and space debris management.
Additionally, inter-satellite link demonstrations using WiFi-based data transmission will enable the CubeSat to transfer large files to the Vigoride host platform. These files will be downlinked to the Momentus Operations Center and NASA Johnson, demonstrating the viability of real-time space communication for future missions.
R5-S10, alongside several other payloads, will ride aboard Vigoride 7, which is scheduled for launch no earlier than March 2026 via a SpaceX Transporter mission to LEO. Momentus’ Vigoride 7 OSV is fully booked for hosted payloads. This mission highlights the advantages of Momentus’ multi-manifest hosted payload missions. The combination of payloads in-orbit increases the fidelity of all payloads and achieves greater results. By enabling hosted payloads and advanced servicing demonstrations, Momentus continues to play a pivotal role in supporting government and commercial customers in missions ranging from security tracking and scientific exploration to autonomous space operations.
This collaboration between Momentus and NASA will enable advanced cost-effective, scalable, and efficient space servicing solutions. By demonstrating RPO, inter-satellite communication, and formation flying, this mission lays the foundation for a future where spacecraft operate with greater autonomy—ushering in a new era for in-orbit assembly, servicing, and deep-space exploration.
About Momentus
Momentus is a U.S. commercial space company offering satellites, satellite components, and in-space transportation and other services utilizing our Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle. The Company offers satellites to support government and commercial customers for missions like communications, missile tracking, and cutting-edge science missions. Momentus offers services such as hosted payloads, support for in-space assembly, on-orbit servicing and refueling, and transportation of satellites to specific orbits.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain statements which may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected filing of the Company’s Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and its management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, and are not guarantees of future performance. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Momentus’ control. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties included under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company on April 9, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Commission, accessible on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at investors.momentus.space. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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Momentus Contacts
Media: press@momentus.space
Investors: investors@momentus.space
Source: Momentus Inc.