- Momentus Inc. (MNTS, Financial) partners with Orbit Fab for an innovative space servicing mission launching in early 2026.
- The mission will feature the Podracer and RAFTI payloads to showcase new capabilities in space domain awareness and on-orbit refueling.
- Funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, the mission aims to extend the lifespan of satellites and enhance space operations.
Momentus Inc. (MNTS), a significant player in the U.S. commercial space industry, has announced a new partnership with Orbit Fab to spearhead a groundbreaking space servicing mission. The mission will feature the demonstration of the Podracer payload and the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) and is set to launch no earlier than February 2026 on a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission.
The Podracer, funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, aims to advance space domain awareness through a flight demonstration of its infrared imaging sensors and image processing technology. These innovations will be hosted aboard the Vigoride 7 orbital service vehicle, facilitating rendezvous and proximity operations. Orbit Fab will remotely manage the Podracer payload from its Mission Operations Center in Colorado.
During the Vigoride 7 mission, Momentus and Orbit Fab plan to conduct the first flight demonstration of RAFTI, an advanced refueling interface approved by the Space Systems Command. This technology, compatible with hydrazine, has the potential to significantly extend the operational lifespan of satellites by enabling on-orbit docking and refueling, thus increasing maneuverability and reducing mission constraints caused by limited onboard fuel reserves.
This mission marks Momentus’ fourth Vigoride mission and highlights its first collaboration with Orbit Fab. In addition to Podracer, Momentus will provide transportation and hosted payload support for other commercial and U.S. government customers, including the U.S. Defense Department, during the Vigoride 7 mission.
Momentus is actively planning a follow-up mission using its Vigoride 8 orbital service vehicle and is currently accepting bookings from government and commercial customers interested in launching microsatellites and hosted payloads in low Earth orbit.
