Following the news of a significant contract expansion from the U.S. Department of Defense, Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS) shares are seeing a strong jump. MNTS stock was up 21.58% at $4.62 as of the most recent market check.
A Crucial Role in the Space Assembly Mission
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has given Momentus Inc. an enhanced contract to assist a large-scale structural assembly demonstration in orbit. Launched on a SpaceX Transporter rideshare as early as 2026, this mission is an essential component of DARPA’s Novel Orbital and Moon Manufacturing, Materials, and Mass-efficient Design (NOM4D) program. Momentus will offer DARPA’s in-space assembly payload full mission support, including launch coordination, payload integration, and in-orbit hosting.
Enhancing Technologies for Space-Based Manufacturing
Momentus initially secured the NOM4D contract in April 2024 and has successfully completed the first two phases. The newly awarded Phase 3 contract, valued at approximately $3.5 million, advances the NOM4D initiative, which aims to revolutionize the construction of large, precision-engineered space structures.
The program envisions transporting raw materials from Earth to fabricate critical components, such as antennas, solar arrays, and optical systems, directly in orbit rather than relying on traditional deployment methods.
Paving the Way for Future Space Infrastructure
The ability to construct and assemble complex structures in space offers significant advantages, including cost reduction and increased mission flexibility. Robotic in-orbit assembly could facilitate the creation of large communications arrays, orbital manufacturing hubs, and next-generation space systems capable of repairs and upgrades.
This latest DARPA contract builds upon previous government awards secured by Momentus from NASA and the U.S. Space Development Agency in late 2024, further strengthening the company’s position as a key player in the future of space infrastructure.
The upcoming mission will mark the fourth deployment of the Vigoride platform and its first operational collaboration with DARPA. Additionally, Momentus is offering remaining capacity on the mission for customers seeking low Earth orbit deployment and hosted payload opportunities in early 2026.