Space startup Momentus states that their Vigoride water plasma thruster has successfully complete thermal vacuum testing. This is considered to be a critical milestone. The successful test in a simulated space environment means that Momentus’ revolutionary thruster is headed for real-world space applications later this year.
Chemical rockets currently launch everything that humans want into space. Although alternative launch systems have been proposed, as of 2022, rockets are still the only way to reach low Earth orbit. Once the cargo has reached the microgravity environment, very little power is necessary to maneuver it to its final destination. Engineers are always working to find cheaper, safer and more energy efficient ways to accomplish launching packages into orbit. California-based Momentus claims that their water thruster is continuing to progress. The latest successful test is only the next step on their journey into space.
Rob Schwarz is Momentus’ Chief Technology Officer. He said in a press release, “The TVAC campaign put our Vigoride vehicle to the test in conditions that closely simulate the space environment. TVAC coupled with our testing of the avionics, propulsion, and software helps ensure that all Vigoride spacecraft systems are ready for operation in space.”
Momentus’ officials emphasized that this type of testing is critical because simulated space environments allow engineers to test components and find problems without incurring the high costs of actually launching their system into space. Schwarz said, “We test to learn, push, advance our technology, and find anything to address prior to launch. The few test anomalies we experienced during TVAC, particularly for a development program, is a testament to the diligence of a talented team.”
While testing is critical for any system under development, unique thruster designs like Vigoride which use solar power to super heat water for thrust, offer unique challenges that can cause a mission failure once it is in space. John Rood is the Chairman and CEO of Momentus. He said, “I’m very proud of the tremendous efforts put in by the entire team. We’re getting into a cadence that people with space experience will recognize and appreciate.” The successful TVAC test occurred at almost the same time as an announcement from Momentus about another critical regulatory hurdle.
In the press release, it was revealed that “In preparation for the mission, on March 21, 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs (CRSRA) office approved a Momentus request to modify the Vigoride satellite system remote-sensing license.”
Rood said, “That activities like pre-launch testing and working through licensing processes are becoming the norm for us illustrates the company’s strides since going public last August.”
According to the press release, the next move for Vigoride is a series of vibrations test to ensure that the drive and its components are ready for the rigors of space launch. “Vibration testing is the final phase of the ground test campaign before the vehicle is shipped to the launch service provider for flight. “As previously disclosed, Momentus is targeting its first Vigoride mission in June 2022 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 vehicle, pending receipt of appropriate government licensing.”