Latest news with #OrbitFab
Business Wire
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Momentus and Orbit Fab Partner to Advance Space Servicing with Podracer and RAFTI Demonstration Flight
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS), a leading U.S. commercial space company specializing in satellite solutions, transportation, and in-space infrastructure, has signed a contract with Orbit Fab to provide hosted payload services for the on-orbit demonstration of Podracer, a space domain awareness payload, and the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI). The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than February 2026 aboard a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission. Fueling the future of space—Momentus and Orbit Fab demonstrates next-gen refueling and sensing technologies—delivering agile operations and mission resilience in orbit. Funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Podracer will conduct a flight demonstration of infrared imaging sensors, image processing technology, and a control module to enhance space domain awareness aboard the Vigoride 7 orbital service vehicle (OSV). Podracer will also be used as part of a rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) demonstration mission that Momentus plans to conduct during the Vigoride 7 mission using a system developed by Momentus. Through Vigoride's communications and data transfer systems, Orbit Fab will operate the Podracer payload remotely from its Mission Operations Center in Colorado, ensuring real-time control and monitoring of the hosted payload mission. During the Vigoride 7 mission, Momentus and Orbit Fab plan to conduct the first flight demonstration of a hydrazine compatible, Space Systems Command approved RAFTI. Orbit Fab's advanced refueling interface is designed to extend the operational lifespan of satellites, by enabling spacecraft docking and refueling, thereby eliminating the current limitations imposed by onboard fuel reserves. This advancement is expected to significantly reduce costs and improve operational flexibility for satellite operators by mitigating mission constraints caused by fuel shortages. 'We are thrilled to collaborate with Orbit Fab to demonstrate the Podracer and RAFTI payloads to continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in space servicing and space domain awareness,' said Momentus CEO John Rood. 'The new contract with Orbit Fab adds another advanced technology payload to what will be an exciting mission early next year in which Momentus will support several cutting-edge payloads from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, AFRL, and innovative early-stage space companies.' "We're excited to be working with Momentus as we advance the future of in-space mobility and dynamic space operations,' said Dr. Melissa Sampson, Vice President of Business Development, at Orbit Fab. 'Our collaboration underscores the critical role of on-orbit refueling for increasing satellite maneuverability and mission life. Together, we're pushing the boundaries of space technology and enabling a more agile and sustainable infrastructure in orbit.' This launch marks Momentus' fourth Vigoride mission and its first collaboration with Orbit Fab. In addition to Podracer, Momentus will provide transportation and hosted payload support during the Vigoride 7 mission for several additional commercial and U.S. government customers, including the U.S. Defense Department. As demand for Vigoride missions continues to grow, Momentus is actively planning a follow up mission using its Vigoride 8 OSV. Government and commercial customers interested in launching microsatellites up to 200 kg, cubesats, and hosted payloads in LEO are encouraged to contact the Momentus Commercial Team at sales@ for booking opportunities while space remains available. About Momentus Momentus is a U.S. commercial space company offering satellites, satellite components, and in-space transportation and infrastructure services. 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 and the Investor Relations section of our website at 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.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Private Astroscale probe will refuel Space Force satellites high above Earth on landmark 2026 mission
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The U.S. arm of on-orbit services and logistics company Astroscale will attempt to refuel a pair of U.S. Space Force spacecraft in a daring and complex mission planned for 2026. The mission, announced at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs on Tuesday (April 8), aims to pave the way for scalable refueling services in space and bring "added agility and operational flexibility for dynamic space operations" for the Space Force, Astroscale said in a statement. Launch is scheduled for summer 2026. Astroscale's 660-pound (300 kilograms) APS-R Refueler spacecraft will head for the geostationary belt (GEO), around 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above Earth's equator. Positioned slightly above GEO, it will target one of two U.S. Space Force Tetra-5 satellites due to be launched next year, and attempt to dock with the spacecraft. The Refueler will then transfer hydrazine propellant to the target satellite from a refillable tank. Related: Wow! Private space-junk probe snaps historic photo of discarded rocket in orbit Both spacecraft will be traveling around 6,870 mph (11,050 kph) in orbit, requiring exquisite guidance, propulsion and sensor systems to safely approach and dock. That's not all. The mission includes a partnership with startup Orbit Fab. The Tetra-5 satellites will carry Orbit Fab's Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI), which will facilitate refueling. After docking with and refueling a Tetra-5 spacecraft, APS-R will back off, scan for leaks, then head to an Orbit Fab fuel depot to collect more propellant. APS-R will then travel to a second, currently undisclosed spacecraft for another rendezvous, docking and refueling test. "We're changing the reality of what's possible," Ron Lopez, president of Astroscale U.S., said in the statement. "This mission proves that in-space logistics does not have to be years away. We're a focused team with one goal: deliver and operate an operational prototype spacecraft for the Space Force." Related Stories: — Astroscale aims to capture old space junk with robotic arm in 2026 (exclusive video) — Astroscale gets up to $80 million for space junk inspection mission — Private space-junk probe to conduct up-close inspection of spent rocket stage Astroscale is also making strides in active debris removal with the ADRAS-J orbital inspection mission, which last year got up close to a spent rocket stage. The company also launched the ELSA-d mission in 2021. Astroscale's APS-R Refueler will not be the first spacecraft to attempt to dock with and extend the life of another spacecraft. Northrop Grumman has tested life-extension services for satellites with its Mission Extension Vehicle-1 and Mission Extension Vehicle-2 flights in recent years. China meanwhile launched its own Shijian 25 test refueler and mission extension spacecraft in January. Such missions could lead to a change in how satellites are designed, such as being readily serviceable. This could lead to extended missions and help reduce space debris.
