. | . |
Momentus selected as launch provider for Swarm by Staff Writers Santa Clara CA (SPX) Apr 23, 2020
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.
SpaceX plans Wednesday Starlink satellite launch from Florida Orlando FL (SPX) Apr 22, 2020 SpaceX plans to launch its seventh Starlink satellite cluster from Florida at 3:37 p.m. EDT Wednesday amid restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. The Falcon 9 rocket is prepared for lift off from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. The planned launch has an hourlong period for same-day delays, according to the U.S. Space Force weather forecast window. The weather is expected to be 90 percent favorable for a launch, according to a Space Force forecast. Thursday is a backup day ... read more
|
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |