The U.S. Department of Defense's DARPA has moved its NOM4D program to in-space testing after successful lab results. This includes two projects by Caltech and the University of Illinois set for 2026. Caltech will utilize a robot to construct a circular truss in space, marking a significant step towards large-scale manufacturing in orbit. The emphasis on in-space testing is to face real challenges unlike in lab settings, enhancing the project's practical impact.
The maturity is there, and there would be more impact if we took the capabilities we have now and actually go demonstrate them in space to show that it can be done.
Momentus' role in NOM4D phase 3 will see it shuttling Caltech's composite fiber longeron-assembling robot to orbit aboard its Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle.
Collection
[
|
...
]