Momentus Inc. continues to advance in-space testing of its Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) and recently completed initial in-space testing of its Tape Spring Solar Array (TASSA). The MET is the Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle's (OSV) primary propulsion method that relies on solar power and uses water as a propellant. The Vigoride OSV has redundant systems to improve reliability, including two MET thrusters that can be operated independently.

The Vigoride OS Vigoride OSV will typically operate using one thruster, however, having two thrusters on the spacecraft enhances reliability and if additional thrust is needed to support faster movement of satellites over substantial distances or to new orbits, firing both thrusters enables the spacecraft to travel faster and farther. Momentus successfully completed the initial on-orbit testing sequence of the MET earlier this year and then paused testing to prioritize providing hosted payload services to Caltech for its Space Solar Power Demonstration program. The MET technology has achieved firing times that are consistent with the operational times required for Momentus missions.

Its non-toxic water propellant is intended to enable simpler, safer, and more cost-efficient operations preparing the spacecraft for launch on Earth and in operation in space. Initial In-Space TASSA Testing Complete: Momentus' TASSA is a developmental payload onboard the Vigoride-6 OSV that utilizes flexible solar cell technology, allowing the solar array to be extended and retract like a tape measure, using its concave shape to provide rigidity. Momentus was recently notified that its application was approved to issue the company a patent for technology behind TASSA.

TASSA is designed to be deployed and retract on orbit numerous times, is configurable to varying lengths based on power requirements, and utilizes thin film solar cells that are radiation resistant and self-annealing. To date, the mission was able to demonstrate the majority of the major performance requirements, including boomoke deployment, initial roll out deployment, thin film flexible solar cell power generation, low-cost slip ring performance, and retraction, providing confidence as well as identifying areas for improvement as Momentus continues development of this technology. Once TASSA is fully flight qualified, Momentus estimates that replacing Vigoride's current solar array with TASSA will substantially reduce the overall recurring production cost of its spacecraft.

Since August, Momentus has signed six commercial contracts and raised more than $16 million in gross proceeds. The Company is currently booking customers for 2024 missions.