Momentus Inc. (MNTS) shares surge 30% premarket on NASA robotic systems study contract, boosting 2025 revenue outlook

Momentus Inc., a player in the burgeoning in-space transportation and infrastructure sector, has recently secured a contract from NASA to conduct a study on advanced robotic systems for space applications. This development underscores the growing intersection between commercial space ventures and government-backed exploration initiatives, potentially positioning companies like Momentus at the forefront of enabling more sophisticated orbital operations.

The NASA Contract: A Step Towards Autonomous Space Robotics

The contract involves a terrestrial study exploring options to integrate and fly advanced robotic technologies aboard orbital service vehicles. Such systems are designed to enhance capabilities in areas like autonomous satellite servicing and lunar operations, which are critical for future missions. According to details from Momentus’ announcements, the company has completed the initial phase of this robotics study under NASA’s Flight Opportunities programme, and it has submitted a proposal for a larger follow-on contract, with a decision anticipated in September 2025.

This move aligns with NASA’s broader strategy to foster innovations that support sustainable space exploration. The technologies in question aim to enable in-orbit assembly, maintenance, and even resource utilisation on celestial bodies. For Momentus, whose core offerings include satellite buses and in-space transportation services, this contract represents an opportunity to demonstrate practical applications of its orbital service vehicles, such as the Vigoride platform.

Implications for Momentus’ Business Model

Momentus operates in a competitive landscape where firms are vying to provide last-mile delivery in space—transporting payloads from initial launch orbits to their final destinations. The NASA contract not only validates the company’s technological roadmap but also opens doors to recurring revenue streams from government partnerships. Historically, Momentus has secured similar deals, including a 2024 award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for in-space demonstration of large-scale structures, and another NASA contract in early 2024 for flight and payload integration services.

Analysts project that such contracts could bolster Momentus’ revenue growth, with estimates suggesting a 30% increase for fiscal year 2025, based on secured partnerships and technological advancements. This is particularly pertinent given the company’s focus on in-orbit demonstrations, with planned launches on SpaceX missions in 2026. The integration of robotic systems could enhance the efficiency of these operations, reducing costs and expanding service offerings to include autonomous repairs or assembly tasks.

Market Reaction and Valuation Context

As of the latest trading data on 13 August 2025, Momentus shares are priced at $1.11 on the Nasdaq, reflecting a market capitalisation of approximately $7.7 million. The stock has experienced significant volatility, with a 52-week range from $1.03 to $28.56, indicating a sharp contraction from its highs. The 50-day moving average stands at $1.29, while the 200-day average is $3.86, pointing to a downward trend over the longer term.

Despite these figures, the announcement of the NASA contract has sparked investor interest, highlighting the potential for government contracts to act as catalysts in the space sector. Forward-looking metrics show a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.12 based on estimated earnings per share of -9.06, underscoring the speculative nature of investments in early-stage space companies. Book value is negative at -1.25, with a price-to-book ratio of -0.89, which may reflect ongoing operational challenges and the need for capital infusions.

Broader Industry Trends

The space industry is witnessing a surge in robotic and autonomous technologies, driven by ambitions for lunar bases and Mars exploration. NASA’s Artemis programme, for instance, emphasises in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) and robotic mobility systems, as evidenced by past contracts like the $5 million award to Motiv Space Systems in 2022 for developing drive systems for extreme environments.

Competitors such as Maxar Technologies have also benefited from similar initiatives, with a $142 million NASA award in 2020 for the Space Infrastructure Dexterous Robot (SPIDER) to demonstrate on-orbit assembly. Meanwhile, collaborations like Lockheed Martin’s 2020 cryogenic fluid management demo, supported by Momentus’ Vigoride vehicle, illustrate the interconnected ecosystem where commercial providers enable government objectives.

For Momentus, integrating advanced robotics could differentiate its services in a market projected to reach $10 billion by 2030 for in-space transportation alone, according to industry models from firms like BIS Research. This growth is fuelled by increasing satellite deployments and the need for sustainable orbital infrastructure.

Risks and Analyst Perspectives

While the contract is a positive development, risks abound. Momentus has faced financial headwinds, including debt obligations and the need for milestone payments from contracts like its DARPA deal, where it recently received funds for Phase 3 execution in July 2025. The company’s earnings per share for the trailing twelve months is -15.58, reflecting losses typical of growth-stage space firms.

Analyst sentiment, as reported by credible sources like Investing.com, remains cautious but optimistic about technological milestones. For instance, the planned 2026 in-space assembly demo for DARPA could serve as a proof-of-concept, potentially attracting more commercial clients. However, execution risks, such as launch delays or technical failures, could impact timelines.

Forecasts from analyst models suggest that if Momentus secures the follow-on NASA contract, it could contribute to a revenue uplift of 15–20% in 2026, assuming successful integration with upcoming SpaceX Transporter missions. Market sentiment from financial news outlets like StockTitan indicates growing confidence in Momentus’ role in high-profile projects, with recent awards from the U.S. Space Force for orbital technology further bolstering its credentials.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook

Momentus has been proactive in forging alliances, including a partnership with Portal Space Systems in 2025 to test advanced flight computers, and an expansion of its Department of Defense contract for large-structure assembly. These efforts position the company to capitalise on the shift towards in-space manufacturing and servicing, areas where robotic advancements are pivotal.

In a sector where dry humour might note that building factories in the sky is no longer science fiction but a funded reality—as per DARPA’s ambitions outlined in 2024—these contracts could be the rocket fuel Momentus needs. Investors should monitor the September decision on the follow-on mission, as it may signal stronger government backing and improved financial stability.

Investment Considerations

• Growth Potential: Government contracts provide validation and non-dilutive funding, essential for capital-intensive space ventures.
• Volatility: With shares trading near 52-week lows, upside exists but is tied to execution of tech demos.
• Competitive Edge: Expertise in robotics could open doors to lunar and beyond-Earth operations, aligning with global space agendas.
• Risk Mitigation: Diversification through partnerships mitigates reliance on single revenue sources.

In summary, Momentus’ NASA contract for studying advanced robotic systems highlights the company’s evolving role in space infrastructure. While challenges persist, this development could mark a turning point, offering investors exposure to the next frontier of autonomous space technologies.

References

• BIS Research. (2024). Global In-Space Transportation Market Forecast, 2020–2030. https://x.com/BISResearch
• Investing.com. (2025). Momentus to demonstrate in-space assembly for DARPA in 2026. https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/momentus-to-demonstrate-inspace-assembly-for-darpa-in-2026-93CH-4119284
• Marsden, R. (2024, June 2). DARPA awards Momentus contract. The Register. https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/02/darpa_momentus_contract/
• Momentus Inc. (n.d.). Official website. https://momentus.space/
• Momentus Inc. (2024a). Momentus awarded NASA contract to provide flight and payload integration services. https://investors.momentus.space/news-releases/news-release-details/momentus-awarded-nasa-contract-provide-flight-and-payload
• Momentus Inc. (2024b). Momentus receives contract from DARPA to pave way for large-scale space structures. https://investors.momentus.space/news-releases/news-release-details/momentus-receives-contract-darpa-pave-way-large-scale-space
• Momentus Inc. (2024c). Momentus awarded expansion of Department of Defense contract for assembly. https://investors.momentus.space/news-releases/news-release-details/momentus-awarded-expansion-defense-department-contract-assembly
• Momentus Inc. (2024d). Momentus receives milestone payments for successful DARPA execution. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/momentus-receives-milestone-payments-successful-120200268.html
• Momentus Inc. (2025). Momentus secures NASA contract to study the launch of robotic systems. https://www.stocktitan.net/news/MNTS/momentus-secures-nasa-contract-to-study-the-launch-of-robotic-4m6cjgbds63r.html
• StockTitan. (2024). Momentus wins contract in highly competitive U.S. Space Force selection. https://www.stocktitan.net/news/MNTS/momentus-wins-contract-in-highly-competitive-u-s-space-force-space-2a0llrdyjhk2.html
• Yahoo Finance. (2024). Momentus awarded NASA contract for in-space power system demonstration. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/momentus-awarded-nasa-contract-space-120000437.html