Momentus Inc. launched its Vigoride 7 Orbital Service Vehicle into low‑Earth orbit aboard SpaceX’s Transporter‑16 mission on March 30, 2026. The launch marked the company’s most advanced on‑orbit demonstration to date, following four prior Vigoride missions that deployed 17 customer satellites.
The Vigoride 7 spacecraft demonstrates Momentus’ water‑based Microwave Electrothermal Thruster propulsion, a cost‑effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional propellants. In addition to precise orbit‑transfer capability, the vehicle tested autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations, in‑space assembly, and a 3‑D‑printed fuel tank developed with Velo3D—capabilities that underpin the company’s vision of a full‑service in‑space logistics platform.
By successfully delivering a diverse payload manifest, the launch expands Momentus’ service offering into hosted payloads and in‑orbit servicing, positioning the company to pursue new contracts with the Space Development Agency, NASA, and commercial customers. The event also signals progress toward capturing the growing market for last‑mile space transportation and satellite deorbiting services.
John Rood, CEO, said, "Today's launch represents the culmination of extensive engineering, testing, and mission preparation by the Momentus team. Vigoride 7 carries one of the most diverse and technologically ambitious payload manifests we have ever flown." He added, "We're honored to support our government and commercial partners as they demonstrate capabilities that will help shape the future of in‑space logistics, autonomy, and infrastructure." Rood further noted, "The technologies flying on Vigoride 7—from autonomous maneuvering to in‑space assembly—represent critical building blocks for the emerging space economy." He also highlighted the additive‑manufacturing milestone: "Testing an additively manufactured fuel tank on Vigoride‑7 is a major achievement for Momentus and a testament to the strength of our partnership with Velo3D. Additive manufacturing opens new possibilities for spacecraft design and production, and this successful demonstration paves the way for broader adoption across our future missions."
The launch comes at a time when Momentus faces financial headwinds, including a weak current ratio and a significant decline in market value over the past year. Nevertheless, the successful demonstration provides a tangible validation of core technology and a boost to investor confidence. Market participants have responded positively to the milestone, noting its importance for the company’s future growth prospects and its potential to secure high‑value government and commercial contracts.
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