Momentus completes on-orbit demo of AI-enabled LiDAR, imaging suite for autonomous rendezvous operations
MNTS•Momentus completed an on-orbit rendezvous demonstration using Vigoride-7 and a commercial sensor suite to track a NASA CubeSat. The work was funded by a $1.86 million SpaceWERX contract; Momentus said Vigoride-8 is fully booked for 2027 and Vigoride-9 has remaining capacity.
1. On-orbit demonstration
Momentus completed a rendezvous and proximity operations demonstration using its Vigoride-7 vehicle and a low-cost commercial sensor suite. AI-enabled LiDAR, infrared and optical sensors tracked a NASA CubeSat across varying distances and lighting, supporting autonomous navigation use cases.
2. Contract and mission details
The work was funded under a $1.86 million SpaceWERX contract tied to the Space Maneuver Challenge, which aims to develop a commercially viable sensing architecture. The mission also validated Solstar’s Deke communications terminal for spacecraft-to-spacecraft links and imagery downlink during proximity operations.
3. Upcoming vehicles
Momentus said Vigoride-8 is fully booked for 2027 and Vigoride-9 is in development with remaining capacity available.
