Momentus has entered a launch service agreement with Swarm Technologies, making this the first constellation customer for Momentus.
The agreement includes a first launch onboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission in December 2020, with additional launches to be scheduled over the 2021-2022 time frame. Swarm's constellation of uniquely small satellites enables it to offer worldwide connectivity at a fraction of the cost of existing space-based solutions, and the company plans to launch 150+ satellites over the next couple of years.
After the integration of 12 Swarm satellites into a single 3U deployer, the satellites are then carried on the first leg to orbit via a Falcon 9 rocket. This, however, is where similarities to existing launch providers end. Beginning in 2021, the Momentus Vigoride in-space shuttle will perform the next leg of the journey, providing constellation deployments into optimal orbits, which is a huge value-add for networks like Swarms.
"Swarm has long been on our radar because the Momentus service model is well-matched with Swarm's need for low cost, dependable access to space with our unique capability to offer delivery into precision orbits," said Mikhail Kokorich, CEO of Momentus. "We look forward to supporting the rollout of their global constellation."
"Swarm is excited to start launching with Momentus, particularly given their ability to launch frequently and to deliver our satellites into optimal altitudes, LTDNs, and phasing for our constellation." said Sara Spangelo, CEO of Swarm. "So far they've been great to work with, and we look forward to launching with them in the future!"
A graduate of the prestigious Y Combinator program and based in Santa Clara, California, Momentus previously announced a $25.5MM Series A raise last year, bringing total funding to nearly $50M. Momentus utilizes proprietary technologies, including water plasma propulsion to enable revolutionary low cost orbital shuttle and charter services. The prototype of the Vigoride vehicle, "El Camino Real", was launched and tested last year. The first full-scale Vigoride test mission is planned for Q4 of 2020 on the SpaceX dedicated rideshare mission.
