Momentus, Orbit Fab to launch space domain awareness and refueling tech demo

Summary points:

• Hosted Payload Contract Signed: Momentus Inc. will host Orbit Fab's Podracer and RAFTI payloads aboard its Vigoride 7 mission, launching no earlier than February 2026 via a SpaceX rideshare.

• Space Domain Awareness and Refueling Demo: Podracer will test infrared imaging and proximity operations, while RAFTI will demonstrate in-orbit satellite refueling capabilities with a hydrazine-compatible interface approved by Space Systems Command.

• U.S. Government Involvement: The mission is supported by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory and includes payloads from other U.S. defense and commercial entities, marking Momentus’ fourth Vigoride mission and first collaboration with Orbit Fab.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Space infrastructure company Momentus Inc. in San Jose, Calif., has signed a contract with Orbit Fab in Lafayette, Colo., to provide hosted payload services for the demonstration of two technologies - Podracer and the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) - scheduled to launch no earlier than February 2026 on a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission.

Funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Podracer will test infrared imaging sensors, image processing capabilities, and a control module to support space domain awareness. The technology will fly aboard Momentus' Vigoride 7 orbital service vehicle and also participate in a rendezvous and proximity operations demonstration using Momentus-developed systems.

Orbit Fab will remotely operate the Podracer payload through Vigoride's communications and data systems from its Mission Operations Center in Colorado.

Northrop Grumman taps Viasat to support Air Force commercial space internet projects

The mission will also include the first in-orbit test of RAFTI, a hydrazine-compatible satellite refueling interface approved by Space Systems Command. The technology is designed to enable on-orbit refueling, thereby extending spacecraft lifespans, reducing mission costs, and enhancing operational flexibility.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Orbit Fab to demonstrate the Podracer and RAFTI payloads," said Momentus CEO John Rood. "This mission will support several cutting-edge payloads from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, AFRL, and early-stage space companies."

"We’re excited to be working with Momentus as we advance the future of in-space mobility and dynamic space operations," said Dr. Melissa Sampson, Vice President of Business Development, at Orbit Fab. "Our collaboration underscores the critical role of on-orbit refueling for increasing satellite maneuverability and mission life. Together, we're pushing the boundaries of space technology and enabling a more agile and sustainable infrastructure in orbit."