Vigoride

{{Short description|Space tug by Momentus Space}}

{{Infobox rocket

|name=Vigoride

|manufacturer=Momentus space

|capacities={{Infobox rocket/payload

|location=low Earth orbit

|mass={{cvt|750|kg}}

}}

|launches=3

|status=Operational

|success=2

|country-origin=United States

|function=Space tug

}}

Vigoride is a space tug developed and operated by Momentus Space.{{Cite web|title=Services|url=https://momentus.space/services/|access-date=2021-01-27|website=Momentus|language=en-US}} The total payload capacity that it can support to LEO is 750 kg.{{Cite web|date=2019-04-24|title=Announcing Vigoride Extended|url=https://momentus.space/2019/04/24/announcing-vigoride-extended/|access-date=2021-01-28|website=Momentus|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2019-02-06|title=Momentus signs in-space transportation pact|url=https://spacenews.com/momentus-first-vigoride-customer/|access-date=2021-02-26|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}} Vigoride is capable of changing orbital planes, inclination, and propelling spacecraft to up to 2 km/s. It also provides small satellite operators access to power, communications, and station keeping while with the tug. Momentus states that the cost is roughly $15,000 per kg depending on the exact customer specifications.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Investor Presentation December 2020|url=https://momentus.space/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Momentus_Featured-Investor-Presentation_December-2020.pdf|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=January 27, 2021|website=|page=31}} Vigoride uses a microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) and water as the propellant. In 2019, the first test of the MET in space was completed and was deemed a success in a press release,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Investor Presentation December 2020|url=https://momentus.space/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Momentus_Featured-Investor-Presentation_December-2020.pdf|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=January 27, 2020|website=|pages=20–21}} while the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission accused it of misleading investors.{{cite web |title=United States of America Before the Securities and Exchange Commission |url=https://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/2021/33-10955.pdf |website=www.sec.gov/litigation |access-date=22 July 2021}} The maiden launch was originally scheduled for January 2021, but was delayed due to Momentus not being able to receive FAA approval before the launch.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-07|title=Momentus delays first Vigoride launch|url=https://spacenews.com/momentus-delays-first-vigoride-launch/|access-date=2021-01-27|website=SpaceNews|language=en-US}} On 22 March 2021, a Vigoride mock-up named Vigoride SC was launched in place of a functional Vigoride. In October 2020, the company stated that it had already booked 1.5 Vigorides out of the 3 planned to be launched in December 2021.{{Cite web|last=Sheetz|first=Michael|date=2020-10-07|title=Momentus to become the latest space stock with ticker 'MNTS,' valued at $1.2 billion in SPAC deal|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/07/momentus-the-latest-space-stock-mnts-through-spac-deal.html|access-date=2021-01-28|website=CNBC|language=en}} On 25 May 2022, Momentus launched its first Vigoride spacecraft aboard SpaceX Transporter 5 mission.{{Cite web |title=Momentus Launches First Demonstration Flight on SpaceX Falcon 9 |url=https://momentus.space/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Momentus-Launch-Release-Final.pdf}}