Momentus Set to Launch Multiple Payloads on Upcoming SpaceX Rideshare

Showcasing advanced capabilities including autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations, in-space assembly, and next-generation communications

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Momentus Inc., a U.S. commercial space company, announced that it has delivered its Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California ahead of its launch on SpaceX's upcoming Transporter-16 rideshare mission. The mission will host 10 payloads with a suite of cutting-edge demonstrations, including autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations, in-space assembly, advanced communications, and next-generation onboard computing technologies.

Why it matters

Momentus' Vigoride mission has the potential to be a significant step forward for in-space logistics and autonomy capabilities, which are critical for the growing space economy and military and government operations in space. The mission showcases Momentus' ability to support complex commercial and government use cases in low Earth orbit and beyond.

The details

The Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle will be integrated with a launch plate and carried on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The payloads include demonstrations for the U.S. Space Force, DARPA, NASA, and several commercial space companies. These include testing autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations, in-space assembly, advanced communications, and next-generation onboard computing technologies.

  • The Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle has been delivered to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
  • The Transporter-16 rideshare mission with Momentus' Vigoride 7 is targeted for no earlier than late March 2026.

The players

Momentus Inc.

A U.S. commercial space company specializing in satellite technology, space transportation, and orbital services.

John Rood

CEO of Momentus.

SpaceX

The company providing the Falcon 9 launch vehicle for the Transporter-16 rideshare mission.

DARPA

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which has a contract with Momentus for the NOM4D in-space assembly payload demonstration.

U.S. Space Force

The innovation arm SpaceWERX has a contract with Momentus for the rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) sensor suite demonstration.

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What they’re saying

“The Vigoride 7 mission with many payloads has the potential to be a historic leap forward for in-space logistics and autonomy capabilities needed for the growing space economy and military and government operations in space.”

— John Rood, CEO, Momentus (Momentus Press Release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Momentus' upcoming Vigoride mission showcases the company's ability to support complex commercial and government use cases in low Earth orbit and beyond, highlighting the growing importance of in-space logistics and autonomy capabilities for the future of the space industry.