Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET)
Momentus Space
The MET is Vigoride's primary propulsion system: a water-plasma thruster that uses solar-powered microwave energy to heat distilled water propellant and expel hot gases through a rocket nozzle. Initial on-orbit testing was successfully completed on Vigoride-5.
Technical specifications
- Propellant
- Distilled water
- Energy source
- Solar-powered microwave
- Function
- Vigoride OSV primary propulsion
- On-orbit status
- Initial test sequence successfully completed (Vigoride-5)
About
The Momentus Microwave Electrothermal Thruster (MET) is an innovative in-space propulsion system that uses microwave energy to superheat water propellant, producing high-velocity exhaust for efficient orbit raising and maneuvering. Water propellant is non-toxic, safe to handle, and cost-effective. The MET provides high specific impulse compared to cold gas systems, enabling significant delta-V for small satellite orbit transfers and station-keeping.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.
