Momentus Expands DARPA Contract for In-Space Assembly Demonstration
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 12, 2025

Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS), a U.S. commercial space infrastructure company, has secured an expansion of its contract with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to demonstrate the in-orbit assembly of large structures. This mission, part of the DARPA Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program, is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Transporter rideshare as early as 2026.

Under the terms of the contract, Momentus will provide comprehensive mission support, including launch coordination, payload integration, and in-orbit hosting of the NOM4D assembly demonstration on its Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle. The demonstration aims to validate the payload's functionality, performance, and reliability in low Earth orbit.

Momentus was initially awarded the NOM4D contract in April 2024 and has since successfully completed the first two phases. This latest contract, valued at approximately $3.5 million, represents Phase 3 of the program and is managed by DARPA's Defense Sciences Office.

The NOM4D initiative is focused on advancing the technology necessary to construct robust and precise structures in space. By transporting raw materials from Earth, the program seeks to facilitate in-orbit manufacturing rather than relying on pre-built deployable structures. This approach could enable the fabrication of space-optimized solar arrays, antennas, and optical systems, revolutionizing how such structures are built and maintained.

"We're excited to collaborate with DARPA on this innovative project and demonstrate key in-space assembly technologies," said Momentus Chief Executive Officer John Rood. "The ability to construct large-scale structures in orbit will redefine space operations. By assembling structures that exceed the constraints of launch vehicle shrouds, we can unlock cost-efficient solutions for large antennas, orbital manufacturing hubs, and space system maintenance and upgrades. This contract builds upon our recent agreements with NASA and the U.S. Space Development Agency, reinforcing our position for future growth."

This mission will mark Momentus' fourth deployment of its Vigoride platform and its first mission in support of DARPA. Momentus is also offering additional capacity for customers seeking LEO deployment and hosted payload services in early 2026. Organizations looking to deploy microsatellites up to 200 kg, access 1kW average power, or host payloads in orbits beyond 500 km and below the International Space Station are encouraged to contact the Momentus Commercial team at [email protected] while booking opportunities remain available.

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