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

Momentus has pulled its Vigoride orbital transfer vehicle from the upcoming SpaceX Transporter 1 Falcon 9 launch set for Jan. 14, to allow for more time for FAA approval of its spacecraft. The company announced Monday that the mission will be manifested to a subsequent SpaceX launch in 2021. The Vigoride is an in-orbit transport vehicle and its first launch will be a demonstration mission. 

“This move will allow for the additional time necessary to secure FAA approval of Momentus’ payloads, including completion of a standard interagency review. Momentus currently holds all other necessary licenses for its Vigoride vehicle,” the company said in a statement. 

Momentus is in the midst of approvals for a merger with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Stable Road Acquisition Corp., through which Momentus will become a publicly traded company. The company said Jan. 4 that the deal remains on target to close in the first quarter of 2021. 

Momentus President Dr. Fred Kennedy said in a release that with this delay, the company still expects to achieve its revenue expectations for 2021.