Momentus and Solstar sign $15M partnership to expand LEO communications and space infrastructure services for government and commercial missions.
Momentus and Solstar Space announced a three-year, $15 million reciprocal services agreement on October 13, 2025, expanding communications, transportation, and infrastructure capabilities in low-Earth orbit. The partnership combines Solstar’s space-based Wi-Fi and data relay services with Momentus’ Vigoride space tug logistics, launch, and orbital services. A joint demonstration mission scheduled for February 2026 will test real-time, continuous communication systems across diverse mission profiles supporting NASA, DARPA, and commercial applications.
The Curious Case of Space Communications Evolution
Current spacecraft communication systems rely heavily on ground stations that provide only intermittent connectivity when satellites pass overhead, creating communication gaps that limit real-time operations. Solstar has pioneered space-based Wi-Fi solutions, including the historic first commercial tweet from above the Kármán line during a 2018 Blue Origin flight using their Schmitt Space Communicator. The company’s Deke Space Communicator represents a hardened evolution of this technology, designed to operate in the vacuum of space while providing continuous narrowband internet connectivity through Iridium’s constellation. Momentus’ Vigoride space tug uses innovative microwave electrothermal thrusters powered by distilled water, enabling orbital transfers while supporting up to 750 kg payload capacity to various LEO destinations. Traditional communication approaches dating to the 1960s often leave space assets disconnected during critical operations, creating operational challenges for complex missions requiring persistent connectivity.
What Happens During Integrated Space Operations
The partnership will demonstrate real-time, continuous communication capabilities essential for demanding space missions including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance (ISTAR), in-space servicing, assembly, manufacturing (ISAM), and rendezvous, proximity operations, docking (RPOD). Solstar’s integrated communication suite includes Deke Narrowband Space Communicators, Slayton Wideband Space Communicators, Space Walker Wi-Fi systems, and comprehensive airtime data services. The February 2026 joint mission aboard SpaceX Transporter 16 will carry Solstar’s Deke Space Communicator on Momentus’ Vigoride-7, alongside NASA’s NOM4D payload and AFRL’s RPO demonstration. This configuration will enable 24/7 connectivity for onboard payloads, allowing ground operators to control satellites in real-time while enhancing communication between Wi-Fi-enabled satellites during proximity operations. The system promises to reduce spacecraft weight by minimizing reliance on traditional wired communication systems.
Why It Matters for Space Infrastructure Development
Persistent space-based communications represent a critical capability gap that current ground-based systems cannot address effectively for next-generation space operations. The partnership addresses growing demand for sophisticated orbital services supporting national security missions, commercial satellite operations, and scientific research requiring continuous data transmission and command capabilities. Momentus’ CEO John Rood emphasizes that this collaboration provides “key advantages to provide resilient spacecraft-to-spacecraft operations including refueling and repair, on-orbit inspection and reliable data-relay capabilities”. The integration enables advanced mission architectures previously impossible due to communication limitations, supporting complex multi-spacecraft operations and autonomous systems requiring real-time coordination. This capability becomes increasingly critical as satellite constellations grow and space-based manufacturing operations require continuous monitoring and control.
Observational Challenges in Space-Based Communications
Operating communication systems in the harsh space environment presents significant technical challenges including radiation exposure, thermal cycling, and vacuum conditions that terrestrial systems cannot withstand. Solstar’s space-hardened Deke communicator addresses these challenges through specialized design modifications that enable reliable operation throughout typical mission durations. The integration with Momentus’ Vigoride platform requires careful coordination of power systems, thermal management, and mechanical interfaces while maintaining the space tug’s primary orbital transfer capabilities. Mission planners must balance communication system mass and power requirements against payload capacity and orbital maneuvering capabilities, requiring optimization across multiple operational parameters. Regulatory coordination becomes complex when operating communication systems across multiple orbital regimes and international boundaries.
Link to Broader Space Logistics Evolution
The Momentus-Solstar partnership represents a broader trend toward integrated space services that combine transportation, communication, and operational support capabilities in single platforms. Momentus has demonstrated successful Vigoride operations through multiple missions since 2022, including payload deployments for NASA, DARPA, and commercial customers across various orbital destinations. The company’s water-based propulsion system offers environmental advantages while providing sufficient delta-V capability for complex orbital maneuvers and multi-payload deployments. Similar partnerships are emerging across the space industry as operators recognize the value of bundled services that reduce mission complexity and operational costs. The integration model pioneered by this partnership could influence future space infrastructure development by demonstrating the commercial viability of comprehensive orbital service platforms.
What the Future Holds for Integrated Space Services
The three-year agreement establishes a foundation for expanded collaboration beyond the initial demonstration mission, with both companies planning to integrate communication capabilities across Momentus’ future Vigoride missions. Solstar’s recent NASA SBIR contract for lunar Wi-Fi development indicates potential expansion of space-based communication services to cislunar operations, complementing Momentus’ orbital transfer capabilities. The partnership positions both companies to compete for larger government contracts requiring integrated communication and transportation services for complex space missions. Future developments may include autonomous coordination between multiple Vigoride vehicles using Solstar’s communication systems, enabling distributed space operations and constellation management capabilities. The successful demonstration could catalyze similar partnerships across the space industry as communication requirements become increasingly critical for advanced space operations.
Why This Discovery Is So Exciting for Space Commerce
The Momentus-Solstar partnership represents a paradigm shift toward comprehensive space service platforms that integrate multiple capabilities previously provided by separate vendors. This approach reduces mission complexity, operational costs, and coordination challenges while enabling new operational concepts requiring persistent connectivity throughout mission profiles. The demonstration mission will validate commercial viability of space-based Wi-Fi services, potentially opening new revenue streams for satellite operators and space service providers. Success could accelerate adoption of similar integrated service models across the space industry, fostering innovation and competition in the rapidly growing orbital services market. The partnership demonstrates how specialized space companies can leverage complementary capabilities to create comprehensive solutions addressing complex customer requirements in the evolving space economy.
Conclusion
The Momentus-Solstar partnership marks a significant evolution in space services, combining orbital transportation with persistent communications to enable next-generation space operations. As the February 2026 demonstration approaches, this collaboration could establish new standards for integrated space infrastructure services while opening opportunities for more sophisticated missions requiring continuous connectivity. The success of this partnership may inspire similar integrated approaches across the space industry, accelerating the development of comprehensive orbital service ecosystems. Explore more about astronomy and space discoveries on our YouTube channel, So Join NSN Today.
