Momentus secures DARPA contract expansion to advance in-space assembly technologies

Momentus Inc. saw its shares soar by 42% to $5.40 after the announcement of a significant $3.5 million contract expansion with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This new development underscores Momentus’ growing role in advancing in-space assembly technologies, as the company prepares to support a critical demonstration mission scheduled for early 2026 aboard a SpaceX Transporter rideshare.

The contract falls under DARPA’s Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program, positioning Momentus as a key player in the evolution of orbital manufacturing and space infrastructure development. The mission aims to showcase the feasibility of assembling large-scale structures directly in space, a breakthrough that could redefine the future of space exploration and commercial activities beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

What is the DARPA NOM4D program, and why is it important?

The DARPA NOM4D program is designed to lay the groundwork for constructing robust, precise structures directly in space, moving away from traditional Earth-based manufacturing and launch constraints. Unlike conventional deployable structures engineered to survive the intense conditions of launch, NOM4D focuses on building components that are optimised specifically for the space environment.

The program’s vision extends beyond simple satellite deployment. It aims to enable the creation of large-scale structures such as solar arrays, high-gain antennas, and precision optics, all fabricated and assembled in orbit. This shift from Earth-dependent manufacturing to in-space assembly could dramatically reduce launch costs, enhance design flexibility, and unlock new possibilities for scientific, commercial, and defence applications.

Momentus’ role in this initiative is critical. The company will provide full-service support, including launch service arrangements, payload integration, and in-orbit hosting for DARPA’s complex assembly mission. This contract expansion represents Phase 3 of the NOM4D program, following the successful completion of the first two phases since the initial contract award in April 2024.

How will the Momentus Vigoride vehicle support in-space assembly?

At the heart of the mission is the Momentus Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle, a cutting-edge spacecraft designed to support payload transportation, hosting, and in-orbit operations. The Vigoride vehicle is uniquely suited for this mission due to its versatile architecture, which enables it to carry and manage complex payloads while performing precision manoeuvres in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

The upcoming demonstration will focus on validating the functionality, performance, and reliability of in-space assembly technologies. This includes testing robotic systems, structural deployment mechanisms, and autonomous assembly processes under real space conditions. The data collected will be instrumental in refining future designs and operational protocols for large-scale orbital manufacturing.

John Rood, Chief Executive Officer of Momentus, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s growing partnership with DARPA:

“We’re thrilled to support DARPA in this groundbreaking program. Demonstrating key enabling technologies for in-space assembly has the potential to transform how we operate in space. The ability to assemble structures that are too large for traditional launch vehicles opens up new opportunities for communications, advanced manufacturing, and even the repair and upgrade of existing space systems.”

What does this contract mean for the future of space infrastructure?

The significance of this contract extends beyond its monetary value. It represents a strategic step in the broader effort to establish a sustainable and flexible space-based manufacturing ecosystem. The ability to construct large structures in orbit has profound implications for both commercial and defence sectors.

For commercial enterprises, in-space assembly can lead to the development of next-generation satellites with greater capabilities, such as high-throughput communication systems, advanced Earth observation platforms, and even orbital data centres. For defence applications, it offers the potential for more resilient and adaptable space-based assets, enhancing national security and strategic advantages in space operations.

Momentus is well-positioned to capitalise on these emerging opportunities. The company’s recent contracts with NASA and the U.S. Space Development Agency, secured in late 2024, highlight its growing expertise in supporting complex in-orbit missions. These projects, combined with the DARPA contract, reinforce Momentus’ role as a leader in the rapidly evolving space infrastructure industry.

What’s next for Momentus and the space industry?

This mission marks Momentus’ fourth Vigoride mission and its first collaboration with DARPA. With additional payload capacity available, the company is actively seeking commercial partners interested in low-Earth orbit deployment and hosted payload missions for the 2026 mission window.

As the space industry shifts towards more ambitious projects, including orbital manufacturing hubs, space-based solar power stations, and deep-space exploration platforms, the technologies demonstrated in this mission could serve as a foundation for future advancements.

The success of the upcoming in-space assembly mission will not only validate critical technologies but also set the stage for a new era of space exploration where large, complex structures are built and maintained entirely in orbit.