Latest news with #MelissaSampson
Business Wire
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Momentus and Orbit Fab Partner to Advance Space Servicing with Podracer and RAFTI Demonstration Flight
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS), a leading U.S. commercial space company specializing in satellite solutions, transportation, and in-space infrastructure, has signed a contract with Orbit Fab to provide hosted payload services for the on-orbit demonstration of Podracer, a space domain awareness payload, and the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI). The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than February 2026 aboard a SpaceX Transporter rideshare mission. Fueling the future of space—Momentus and Orbit Fab demonstrates next-gen refueling and sensing technologies—delivering agile operations and mission resilience in orbit. Funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Podracer will conduct a flight demonstration of infrared imaging sensors, image processing technology, and a control module to enhance space domain awareness aboard the Vigoride 7 orbital service vehicle (OSV). Podracer will also be used as part of a rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) demonstration mission that Momentus plans to conduct during the Vigoride 7 mission using a system developed by Momentus. Through Vigoride's communications and data transfer systems, Orbit Fab will operate the Podracer payload remotely from its Mission Operations Center in Colorado, ensuring real-time control and monitoring of the hosted payload mission. During the Vigoride 7 mission, Momentus and Orbit Fab plan to conduct the first flight demonstration of a hydrazine compatible, Space Systems Command approved RAFTI. Orbit Fab's advanced refueling interface is designed to extend the operational lifespan of satellites, by enabling spacecraft docking and refueling, thereby eliminating the current limitations imposed by onboard fuel reserves. This advancement is expected to significantly reduce costs and improve operational flexibility for satellite operators by mitigating mission constraints caused by fuel shortages. 'We are thrilled to collaborate with Orbit Fab to demonstrate the Podracer and RAFTI payloads to continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in space servicing and space domain awareness,' said Momentus CEO John Rood. 'The new contract with Orbit Fab adds another advanced technology payload to what will be an exciting mission early next year in which Momentus will support several cutting-edge payloads from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, AFRL, and innovative early-stage space companies.' "We're excited to be working with Momentus as we advance the future of in-space mobility and dynamic space operations,' said Dr. Melissa Sampson, Vice President of Business Development, at Orbit Fab. 'Our collaboration underscores the critical role of on-orbit refueling for increasing satellite maneuverability and mission life. Together, we're pushing the boundaries of space technology and enabling a more agile and sustainable infrastructure in orbit.' This launch marks Momentus' fourth Vigoride mission and its first collaboration with Orbit Fab. In addition to Podracer, Momentus will provide transportation and hosted payload support during the Vigoride 7 mission for several additional commercial and U.S. government customers, including the U.S. Defense Department. As demand for Vigoride missions continues to grow, Momentus is actively planning a follow up mission using its Vigoride 8 OSV. Government and commercial customers interested in launching microsatellites up to 200 kg, cubesats, and hosted payloads in LEO are encouraged to contact the Momentus Commercial Team at sales@ for booking opportunities while space remains available. About Momentus Momentus is a U.S. commercial space company offering satellites, satellite components, and in-space transportation and infrastructure services. The Company offers satellites to support government and commercial customers for missions like communications, missile tracking, and cutting-edge science missions. Momentus offers services such as hosted payloads, support for in-space assembly, on-orbit servicing and refueling, and transportation of satellites to specific orbits. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements which may constitute 'forward-looking statements' for purposes of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected filing of the Company's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and its management team's expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future, projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, and are not guarantees of future performance. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Momentus' control. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties included under the heading 'Risk Factors' in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company on April 9, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Commission, accessible on the Commission's website at and the Investor Relations section of our website at Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Newsome High students get taste of farming industry in growing agriculture program
The Brief Students at Newsome High School are getting hands-on experience learning about livestock, poultry and different aspects of the agriculture industry. Students and teachers say the program is a unique opportunity to show students different career paths. The eggs they produce have increased in demand as a nationwide egg shortage persists. LITHIA, Fla. - Students at one high school in Hillsborough County are getting a taste of the farming industry and helping solve the egg shortage. Newsome High School runs its program through the nationwide program, Future Farmers of America. Students get hands-on experience learning about livestock, poultry, and different aspects of the agriculture industry. The backstory Melissa Sampson teaches an agriculture class at Newsome High School. Part of her class incorporates traditional classroom education about the agriculture industry. "They learn the production side of things, the harvesting," Sampson said. "And, if they are not production animals, we learn about the breeding and what we're looking for in the breeding." READ: Alligator attack: 911 call reveals gator bit woman, snatched life vest as group kayaked in Polk County A lot of the learning also happens outside the classroom. Students and teachers manage a farm on campus with chickens, ducks, goats and other animals. "We show up around like 7, 7:30., and stay until around 8," Zoriana Mikitchook, a sophomore at Newsome High School, said. "We go around every single pen. Give them food, give them water, give them treats." Students help build the chicken coops, clean all the pens, feed the animals and provide veterinary care. "We collect the eggs, and then the fertile ones, we put an incubator in the classrooms, and then we hatch them," Emerson Goeltz, a sophomore at Newsome High School, said. Dig deeper In the classroom, students will research topics like the poultry industry and bird flu. In the field, they help raise the chickens from the moment they hatch. READ: Lakeland's George Lowe remembered by best friend and longtime radio personality Students will show some of the chickens at events like the Strawberry Festival and collect eggs from other chickens to sell. "We have a lot of birds, but just not enough to keep up with the demand," Sampson said. The eggs have been in particularly high demand recently, as the nationwide egg shortage continues to leave grocery store shelves empty. Students will collect, wash, and package some of their eggs to sell to the staff at Newsome High School. "So, we try to keep it competitive with the store," Sampson said. "And, obviously, when the store doesn't have them, teachers come to us, and they're like, 'I'll pay whatever, I'll pay whatever, we'll take it.'" Local perspective The teachers say the money from egg sales goes straight back into the program to help purchase feed and other materials that keep the farm operating. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "So, it gives them career paths," Sampson said. "It gives them an extracurricular if they have an animal they want to show or take care of." Some students say this has been a life-changing experience. "It's very unique, and it's definitely the highlight of all of high school," Goeltz said. Sampson says agriculture has been a staple at Newsome High School since it opened, but they revamped the poultry area within the last year and a half. The Source FOX 13's Kylie Jones collected the information in this story. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
