US startup with Russian roots seeks to develop ‘space delivery’ business

Momentus, a US startup founded by Russian entrepreneur Mikhail Kokorich, wants to offer in outer space the same services that DHL and FedEx provide on Earth, but with multi-million dollar ‘packages.’ The company plans to move satellites from one orbit to another one.

Momentus is planning to use the funds to launch its Vigoride rocket, which is powered by water-plasma thrusters, in order to transport satellites into space. The first tests will start in 2019, said Mikhail Kokorich, the company founder.

In mid November Momentus raised $8.3 million from global investment firms Prime Movers Lab, Liquid 2 Ventures, One Way Ventures, Mountain Nazca and Silicon Valley-based Y Combinator.