A rendering of Momentus’ Vigoride in-space shuttle. Photo: Momentus
Momentus will undertake a rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) demonstration mission with NASA next month, as the former moves to fulfill a contract signed with the U.S. Space Force last year.
Momentus’ Vigoride 7 orbital service vehicle (OSV) will carry NASA’s R5 Spacecraft 10 (R5-S10) alongside other payloads when it is launched via the upcoming SpaceX Transporter mission set for March. R5-S10 will serve as a free-flying imager for Vigoride 7, monitoring the spacecraft’s health and performance.
With NASA’s support, Momentus is demonstrating a Low-Cost Multispectral RPO Sensor (LCMRS) suite, as stipulated by a $1.86 million contract it signed with SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the Space Force, last June.
“This cutting-edge sensor system will enhance spacecraft situational awareness and relative navigation — critical for ISAM [in-space assembly and manufacturing], autonomous satellite servicing and space debris management,” Momentus said in a release on Monday.
The mission is also set to demonstrate real-time space communication and inter-satellite links via Wi-Fi-based data transmission. This is designed so the NASA cubesat will transfer large files to the Vigoride host platform and downlink them to ground control.
“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,” Momentus said.