Momentus Jumps After NASA Awards Study on In-Orbit Robotics

Momentus Inc. said NASA has awarded it a study contract to evaluate flying advanced robotic technologies on the company’s Vigoride orbital service vehicle. The work, granted under the agency’s Flight Opportunities program, will assess how autonomous robotic maneuvers could support on-orbit servicing, debris mitigation, satellite assembly and future lunar surface operations. The study makes Momentus one of two companies NASA is vetting for a larger demonstration mission, with a follow-on contract decision anticipated in September. If selected, the mission would use Vigoride to carry and test the robotic systems in low-Earth orbit. Investors welcomed the award, sending Momentus shares up about 43% in pre-market trading to roughly $1.10 on Wednesday.