Home > News > featured news > Momentus and Axient to Collaborate on Space Services from Low-Earth Orbit to Cislunar Space

Aerospace

Momentus and Axient to Collaborate on Space Services from Low-Earth Orbit to Cislunar Space

Businesswire | June 02, 2023 | Read time : 04:17 min

Momentus and Axient to Collaborate on Space Services from

Momentus Inc. ("Momentus" or the "Company"), a U.S. commercial space company that offers orbital transportation and in-space infrastructure services, and Axient LLC (“Axient”), a key player in the U.S. civil, commercial, and national security space markets, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on technologies and capabilities to serve customers from Low-Earth Orbit to Cislunar space.

The two companies will work together to propose and develop capabilities to address a wide variety of space activities such as, but not limited to, launch services, space communication, space domain awareness, precision navigation and timing, and related technologies to utilize in, from, or through the Low-Earth Orbit, Geostationary Transfer Orbit, Geostationary Orbit, and Cislunar domains.

“Axient is a well-established company with a strong track record in defense and classified missions working for the Defense Department, including the Air Force Research Labs as well as NASA,” said Momentus Chief Executive Officer John Rood. “A priority activity we’ll be exploring is how Momentus can support assembly, integration and test of payloads, including classified payloads, with Momentus’ Vigoride Orbital Service Vehicle. We see competitive advantages in our collaboration and the joint solutions our teams can bring to the government and commercial markets.”

“We are looking forward to working with Momentus and furthering the utilization of their Vigoride platform. Their agile bus construction and additive technology, paired with our deep capability in spacecraft assembly, integration and test, enable us to deliver commercial and government solutions together across multi-domains,” said Axient Senior Vice President of National Security and Space Systems Dan Benjamin.

About Momentus

Momentus is a U.S. commercial space company that offers in-space infrastructure services, including in-space transportation, hosted payloads and in-orbit services. Momentus believes it can make new ways of operating in space possible with its planned in-space transfer and service vehicles that will be powered by an innovative water plasma-based propulsion system.

About Axient

Axient advances defense and civil missions from aerospace to cyberspace with multi-domain test and analysis, mission engineering and operations, and advanced technologies. With over 2,200 employees, Axient is headquartered in Huntsville, AL and has provided premier services and solutions to the Federal government for over three decades. Axient’s customers include the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, the Missile Defense Agency, NASA, and many commercial partners.

Spotlight

El Al Israel Airlines Eyes Airbus Order

El Al Israel Airlines is closing on a new narrowbody deal with Airbus for their A321neo. However, they still have proposals from Boeing for the 737 MAX. Which way will the company eventually go, and can Airbus organise a contract before Boeing offers a more attractive deal?

More featured news

Spotlight

El Al Israel Airlines Eyes Airbus Order

El Al Israel Airlines is closing on a new narrowbody deal with Airbus for their A321neo. However, they still have proposals from Boeing for the 737 MAX. Which way will the company eventually go, and can Airbus organise a contract before Boeing offers a more attractive deal?

Related News

Business Aviation

VSE Corporation Completes Desser Aerospace Acquisition

Businesswire | July 04, 2023

VSE Corporation ,a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) services for air, land and sea transportation assets for commercial and government markets, announced today it has closed its previously announced acquisition of Desser Holding Company LLC (“Desser Aerospace”), a global aftermarket solutions provider of specialty distribution and MRO services. Concurrent with the purchase of Desser Aerospace, VSE sold Desser Aerospace’s Proprietary Solutions businesses to the Loar Group Inc. (“Loar”), a diversified manufacturer and supplier specializing in aerospace and defense. MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY “We are excited to officially welcome the talented Desser Aerospace team to our VSE Aviation business,” stated John Cuomo, President and CEO of VSE Corporation. “The acquisition marks an important step on our path to increase the Company’s exposure to the high-growth, higher-margin aviation distribution and MRO markets. By combining Desser Aerospace’s distribution and repair capabilities with VSE Aviation’s aftermarket business, we have broadened our product and service portfolio and created a platform for geographic expansion into international markets.” "VSE Aviation and Desser Aerospace have long been committed to providing market-leading, technical solutions that enhance the value and performance of their customers’ aircraft," said Ben Thomas, President of VSE Aviation. "We're excited to bring these two teams together as we look to create one organization focused on supporting the unique needs of our combined customer bases." AGREEMENT TERMS VSE acquired Desser Aerospace for a total cash consideration of $124 million, subject to customary working capital adjustments. In a separate transaction, the Company concurrently sold Desser Aerospace’s Proprietary Solutions businesses, including Seginus Aerospace, AOG Aviation Spares, and DAC Engineered Products to Loar, for a total cash consideration of $30 million. The total net cash outlay for the assets VSE acquired is $94 million. The Company amended its existing credit facility with its lending syndicate in connection with the acquisition. The amendment provided for an incremental $90 million Term Loan A and a revision of certain financial covenants of the existing credit facility. Upon closing, the Company funded $90 million of the purchase price with the proceeds from Term Loan A and a $4 million drawdown on its existing credit facility. ADVISORS Jones Day served as legal counsel to VSE Corporation. Jefferies LLC served as financial advisor to Desser Holding Company LLC. ABOUT VSE CORPORATION VSE is a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services for air, land and sea transportation assets for commercial and government markets. Core services include MRO services, parts distribution, supply chain management and logistics, engineering support, and consulting and training services for global commercial, federal, military and defense customers. VSE also provides information technology and energy consulting services. ABOUT DESSER HOLDING COMPANY LLC Founded in 1920, Desser Aerospace is a leading independent distributor of specialty aviation tires, tubes, brakes, and batteries and a provider of component Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services. Desser Aerospace operates locations in California, Tennessee, the United Kingdom and Australia, serving a diverse and attractive customer base across all aviation industry segments, including commercial aviation, business and general aviation and military aftermarket customers.

Read More

Air Transport

VSE Aviation Partners with AvAir for Asset Management

PRnewswire | August 18, 2023

AvAir, an industry-leading inventory solutions provider for the aviation aftermarket has been selected by VSE Aviation to manage a large component exchange pool composed of Airbus and Boeing fleet parts. All materials will be certified by VSE Aviation's network of MROs and available for sale or exchange to AvAir's worldwide customer base. AvAir has more than 26 million in-stock parts available and works with its customers and suppliers to buy, sell, exchange, loan, lease or consign. This partnership enhances AvAir's strategic exchange pool to further meet customer demand. VSE Aviation is a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for components and engine accessories. Headquartered in South Florida, VSE Aviation provides parts and services for global commercial, business and general aviation, cargo, military, defense, and rotorcraft customers. "I'm proud that our teams were able to come together to create this agreement," said Steven Solly, Vice President of Sales at AvAir. "This collaboration between two of aviation's fastest-growing companies will bolster one of the largest global rotable exchange pools for the Boeing and Airbus fleets and we look forward to serving our customers in those markets." With this transaction, AvAir will add thousands of rotables, over various ATA chapters, where supply chain issues continue to be an issue for airlines across the globe. The entire stock will be added to AvAir's growing Dublin and Chandler facilities to support customers worldwide. "As we continue to expand our MRO offerings, partnering with AvAir and utilizing their exchange programs helps VSE Aviation reach a broader customer base across international markets," said Ben Thomas, President of VSE Aviation. AvAir is ISO 9001, AS9120 and ASA 100 certified, and adheres to the highest quality standards in all phases: purchasing, receiving, stocking, sales and shipping. About AvAir Founded in 2000, Arizona-based AvAir is a global leader in the aviation aftermarket, providing customized inventory solutions for airlines, OEMs, and MROs. AvAir has been named Parts Supplier of the Year for 2021, 2022, and 2023 by Airline Economics, the leading industry trade publication. It has also been recognized for its work in sustainability by The Aviation 100, AvAir received the Environmental Sustainability award. About VSE Aviation VSE is a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services for air, land and sea transportation assets for government and commercial markets. Core services include MRO services, parts distribution, supply chain management and logistics, engineering support, and consulting and training services for global commercial, federal, military and defense customers. VSE also provides information technology and energy consulting services.

Read More

Air Transport

FAA Taps Loft Dynamics' VR Flight Simulators to Advance Aviation Goals

PRnewswire | July 18, 2023

Loft Dynamics (formerly VRM Switzerland), a leader in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation devices for pilots worldwide, announced an unprecedented partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Loft Dynamics' simulators – the first and only VR flight simulators with regulatory approval in Europe – are now undergoing U.S. evaluation by the FAA. The FAA has selected Loft Dynamics' Airbus H125 and Robinson R22 simulators to explore, for the first time, the use of VR flight simulation technology to train pilots. Both simulators have been installed at the William J. Hughes Technical Center (WHTC), the FAA's innovation hub, where they will be used to advance national aviation safety, efficiency, capacity, and environmental sustainability goals, and to drive the evolution of the National Airspace System (NAS) toward the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). "The adoption of VR flight simulators by international safety agencies like EASA and FAA is crucial given the current landscape. The world needs more than 600,000 new pilots in the next 20 years, and the emergence of electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL) will significantly add to that demand. Traditional training options absolutely cannot keep up. We need innovation to solve this quickly, and that's what we're on a mission to do," said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. "To receive approval from EASA and now introduce our technology to the FAA is an exciting and important milestone. We're thrilled to kick off this partnership and collectively forge a safer, more scalable, and sustainable future for U.S. aviation." The unique features and capabilities of Loft Dynamics' simulators allow the FAA to perform the research and development required to enhance vertical flight safety, pursue qualification under 14 CFR part 60, and advance NextGen goals. The newly installed Robinson R22 (EASA-qualified FNPT) and the Airbus H125 (EASA-qualified FTD Level 3) simulators feature: Full-scale replica cockpit and 360-degree view for precise visual cues inside and outside the aircraft. Realistic flight model for accurate studies of nominal and off-nominal events and development of safety metrics dependent on rotorcraft aerodynamics. Six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform replicating haptic sensations, including sling loads, runway texture, and force feedback from flight controls. Adaptable software for customizable training scenarios that mirror any real-world encounter, terrain, and maneuver—risk-free. Compact size, 10 times smaller than traditional full-motion simulators. Since its founding, Loft Dynamics has played a key role in modernizing the global aviation industry. Their state-of-the-art simulators have effectively reduced air time training among European operators, improved training safety, bridged the pilot skill gap, and helped reduce in-flight carbon emissions for companies worldwide, including Airbus Helicopters, Air Zermatt, and Mountainflyers. In December 2022, the company received its first institutional round, raising $20 million from U.S. technology investors to accelerate international expansion. Loft Dynamics' Airbus H125 simulator will exhibit at APSCON 2023 in Orlando, FL on July 20 and 21. To experience the FAA-used simulator, attendees may book a demo or visit booth 613 to learn more about Loft Dynamics and its future innovations, including the Airbus H145 simulator. About Loft Dynamics AG: Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland) is a market-leading company specializing in VR training devices for pilots. Founded in 2016, our mission is to revolutionize global aviation with cutting-edge VR flight simulators. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-motion platform, and full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, our simulators provide an immersive, realistic, customizable, and risk-free training experience. By offering a training solution that is 10 times smaller and 20 times less expensive than traditional simulators, we enhance training accessibility and scalability, empowering highly skilled pilots to meet the global demand. As the world's first and only qualified VR flight simulation training device (FSTD), achieving FTD Level 3 qualification from EASA, we serve leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers, and aviation experts.

Read More

Business Aviation

VSE Corporation Completes Desser Aerospace Acquisition

Businesswire | July 04, 2023

VSE Corporation ,a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) services for air, land and sea transportation assets for commercial and government markets, announced today it has closed its previously announced acquisition of Desser Holding Company LLC (“Desser Aerospace”), a global aftermarket solutions provider of specialty distribution and MRO services. Concurrent with the purchase of Desser Aerospace, VSE sold Desser Aerospace’s Proprietary Solutions businesses to the Loar Group Inc. (“Loar”), a diversified manufacturer and supplier specializing in aerospace and defense. MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY “We are excited to officially welcome the talented Desser Aerospace team to our VSE Aviation business,” stated John Cuomo, President and CEO of VSE Corporation. “The acquisition marks an important step on our path to increase the Company’s exposure to the high-growth, higher-margin aviation distribution and MRO markets. By combining Desser Aerospace’s distribution and repair capabilities with VSE Aviation’s aftermarket business, we have broadened our product and service portfolio and created a platform for geographic expansion into international markets.” "VSE Aviation and Desser Aerospace have long been committed to providing market-leading, technical solutions that enhance the value and performance of their customers’ aircraft," said Ben Thomas, President of VSE Aviation. "We're excited to bring these two teams together as we look to create one organization focused on supporting the unique needs of our combined customer bases." AGREEMENT TERMS VSE acquired Desser Aerospace for a total cash consideration of $124 million, subject to customary working capital adjustments. In a separate transaction, the Company concurrently sold Desser Aerospace’s Proprietary Solutions businesses, including Seginus Aerospace, AOG Aviation Spares, and DAC Engineered Products to Loar, for a total cash consideration of $30 million. The total net cash outlay for the assets VSE acquired is $94 million. The Company amended its existing credit facility with its lending syndicate in connection with the acquisition. The amendment provided for an incremental $90 million Term Loan A and a revision of certain financial covenants of the existing credit facility. Upon closing, the Company funded $90 million of the purchase price with the proceeds from Term Loan A and a $4 million drawdown on its existing credit facility. ADVISORS Jones Day served as legal counsel to VSE Corporation. Jefferies LLC served as financial advisor to Desser Holding Company LLC. ABOUT VSE CORPORATION VSE is a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services for air, land and sea transportation assets for commercial and government markets. Core services include MRO services, parts distribution, supply chain management and logistics, engineering support, and consulting and training services for global commercial, federal, military and defense customers. VSE also provides information technology and energy consulting services. ABOUT DESSER HOLDING COMPANY LLC Founded in 1920, Desser Aerospace is a leading independent distributor of specialty aviation tires, tubes, brakes, and batteries and a provider of component Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services. Desser Aerospace operates locations in California, Tennessee, the United Kingdom and Australia, serving a diverse and attractive customer base across all aviation industry segments, including commercial aviation, business and general aviation and military aftermarket customers.

Read More

Air Transport

VSE Aviation Partners with AvAir for Asset Management

PRnewswire | August 18, 2023

AvAir, an industry-leading inventory solutions provider for the aviation aftermarket has been selected by VSE Aviation to manage a large component exchange pool composed of Airbus and Boeing fleet parts. All materials will be certified by VSE Aviation's network of MROs and available for sale or exchange to AvAir's worldwide customer base. AvAir has more than 26 million in-stock parts available and works with its customers and suppliers to buy, sell, exchange, loan, lease or consign. This partnership enhances AvAir's strategic exchange pool to further meet customer demand. VSE Aviation is a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for components and engine accessories. Headquartered in South Florida, VSE Aviation provides parts and services for global commercial, business and general aviation, cargo, military, defense, and rotorcraft customers. "I'm proud that our teams were able to come together to create this agreement," said Steven Solly, Vice President of Sales at AvAir. "This collaboration between two of aviation's fastest-growing companies will bolster one of the largest global rotable exchange pools for the Boeing and Airbus fleets and we look forward to serving our customers in those markets." With this transaction, AvAir will add thousands of rotables, over various ATA chapters, where supply chain issues continue to be an issue for airlines across the globe. The entire stock will be added to AvAir's growing Dublin and Chandler facilities to support customers worldwide. "As we continue to expand our MRO offerings, partnering with AvAir and utilizing their exchange programs helps VSE Aviation reach a broader customer base across international markets," said Ben Thomas, President of VSE Aviation. AvAir is ISO 9001, AS9120 and ASA 100 certified, and adheres to the highest quality standards in all phases: purchasing, receiving, stocking, sales and shipping. About AvAir Founded in 2000, Arizona-based AvAir is a global leader in the aviation aftermarket, providing customized inventory solutions for airlines, OEMs, and MROs. AvAir has been named Parts Supplier of the Year for 2021, 2022, and 2023 by Airline Economics, the leading industry trade publication. It has also been recognized for its work in sustainability by The Aviation 100, AvAir received the Environmental Sustainability award. About VSE Aviation VSE is a leading provider of aftermarket distribution and repair services for air, land and sea transportation assets for government and commercial markets. Core services include MRO services, parts distribution, supply chain management and logistics, engineering support, and consulting and training services for global commercial, federal, military and defense customers. VSE also provides information technology and energy consulting services.

Read More

Air Transport

FAA Taps Loft Dynamics' VR Flight Simulators to Advance Aviation Goals

PRnewswire | July 18, 2023

Loft Dynamics (formerly VRM Switzerland), a leader in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation devices for pilots worldwide, announced an unprecedented partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Loft Dynamics' simulators – the first and only VR flight simulators with regulatory approval in Europe – are now undergoing U.S. evaluation by the FAA. The FAA has selected Loft Dynamics' Airbus H125 and Robinson R22 simulators to explore, for the first time, the use of VR flight simulation technology to train pilots. Both simulators have been installed at the William J. Hughes Technical Center (WHTC), the FAA's innovation hub, where they will be used to advance national aviation safety, efficiency, capacity, and environmental sustainability goals, and to drive the evolution of the National Airspace System (NAS) toward the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). "The adoption of VR flight simulators by international safety agencies like EASA and FAA is crucial given the current landscape. The world needs more than 600,000 new pilots in the next 20 years, and the emergence of electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL) will significantly add to that demand. Traditional training options absolutely cannot keep up. We need innovation to solve this quickly, and that's what we're on a mission to do," said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. "To receive approval from EASA and now introduce our technology to the FAA is an exciting and important milestone. We're thrilled to kick off this partnership and collectively forge a safer, more scalable, and sustainable future for U.S. aviation." The unique features and capabilities of Loft Dynamics' simulators allow the FAA to perform the research and development required to enhance vertical flight safety, pursue qualification under 14 CFR part 60, and advance NextGen goals. The newly installed Robinson R22 (EASA-qualified FNPT) and the Airbus H125 (EASA-qualified FTD Level 3) simulators feature: Full-scale replica cockpit and 360-degree view for precise visual cues inside and outside the aircraft. Realistic flight model for accurate studies of nominal and off-nominal events and development of safety metrics dependent on rotorcraft aerodynamics. Six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform replicating haptic sensations, including sling loads, runway texture, and force feedback from flight controls. Adaptable software for customizable training scenarios that mirror any real-world encounter, terrain, and maneuver—risk-free. Compact size, 10 times smaller than traditional full-motion simulators. Since its founding, Loft Dynamics has played a key role in modernizing the global aviation industry. Their state-of-the-art simulators have effectively reduced air time training among European operators, improved training safety, bridged the pilot skill gap, and helped reduce in-flight carbon emissions for companies worldwide, including Airbus Helicopters, Air Zermatt, and Mountainflyers. In December 2022, the company received its first institutional round, raising $20 million from U.S. technology investors to accelerate international expansion. Loft Dynamics' Airbus H125 simulator will exhibit at APSCON 2023 in Orlando, FL on July 20 and 21. To experience the FAA-used simulator, attendees may book a demo or visit booth 613 to learn more about Loft Dynamics and its future innovations, including the Airbus H145 simulator. About Loft Dynamics AG: Loft Dynamics AG (formerly VRM Switzerland) is a market-leading company specializing in VR training devices for pilots. Founded in 2016, our mission is to revolutionize global aviation with cutting-edge VR flight simulators. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-motion platform, and full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, our simulators provide an immersive, realistic, customizable, and risk-free training experience. By offering a training solution that is 10 times smaller and 20 times less expensive than traditional simulators, we enhance training accessibility and scalability, empowering highly skilled pilots to meet the global demand. As the world's first and only qualified VR flight simulation training device (FSTD), achieving FTD Level 3 qualification from EASA, we serve leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers, and aviation experts.

Read More

More featured news