A rendering of Momentus’ Vigoride in-space shuttle. Photo: Momentus

Momentus has reached a launch service agreement with Swarm Technologies, marking its first constellation customer, the company announced on Wednesday. Momentus is a provider of in-space transportation services for satellites, and Swarm is planning to launch more than 150 small satellites over the next few years to offer worldwide connectivity. 

The agreement includes a first launch onboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission planned for December of this year, with additional launches to be scheduled over the 2021-2022 time frame. 

Momentus compares its service to the in-space version of a connecting flight. Beginning in 2021, Momentus’ Vigoride in-space shuttle will deliver constellations into their optimal orbits after they are launched via a Falcon 9 rocket. 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.

“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.”