Momentus and NASA Partner to Advance In-Orbit Servicing and Space Operations

A groundbreaking mission to advance in-orbit servicing, rendezvous and proximity operations, and space infrastructure development in low Earth orbit

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Momentus Inc., a commercial space firm specializing in satellite solutions and in-space infrastructure, has entered into a Space Act Agreement to deepen its collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through a groundbreaking mission set to advance in-orbit servicing and assembly capabilities. Under this initiative, Momentus will deliver a NASA CubeSat to low Earth orbit (LEO) to demonstrate joint rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) as well as formation flying.

Why it matters

This collaboration between Momentus and NASA will enable advanced cost-effective, scalable, and efficient space servicing solutions. By demonstrating RPO, inter-satellite communication, and formation flying, this mission lays the foundation for a future where spacecraft operate with greater autonomy, ushering in a new era for in-orbit assembly, servicing, and deep-space exploration.

The details

Central to the mission is NASA's R5 Spacecraft 10 (R5-S10), which will act as a free-flying imager for Momentus' Vigoride 7 Orbital Service Vehicle (OSV), assessing spacecraft health and performance. The R5-S10 technology demonstration mission is funded and managed by NASA's Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) program and the Engineering Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. This demonstration marks a critical step in refining In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities, essential for future autonomous space operations.

  • The R5-S10, alongside several other payloads, will ride aboard Vigoride 7, which is scheduled for launch no earlier than March 2026 via a SpaceX Transporter mission to LEO.

The players

Momentus Inc.

A commercial space firm specializing in satellite solutions and in-space infrastructure.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

The independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.

R5 Spacecraft 10 (R5-S10)

A NASA CubeSat that will act as a free-flying imager for Momentus' Vigoride 7 Orbital Service Vehicle, assessing spacecraft health and performance.

Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) program

A program within NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate that is based at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley.

Engineering Directorate at NASA's Johnson Space Center

The directorate responsible for managing the R5-S10 technology demonstration mission.

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The takeaway

This mission highlights the advantages of Momentus' multi-manifest hosted payload missions, where the combination of payloads in-orbit increases the fidelity of all payloads and achieves greater results. By enabling hosted payloads and advanced servicing demonstrations, Momentus continues to play a pivotal role in supporting government and commercial customers in missions ranging from security tracking and scientific exploration to autonomous space operations.