Momentus is a startup with $40 million in funding for development of microwave plasma propulsion.
The microwave plasma propulsion can have three times the efficiency of chemical rockets while having as much power as chemical rockets. Other hyper-efficient propulsion is far more limited in how much power they can use.
They will drastically reduce cost, increase safety, prolong commercial and governmental deep space missions, and provide booster stage propulsion for launch companies.
In 2022, cislunar and interplanetary rides with up to ten tons of payload will be possible with the Valoride™. This will enable the next phase of space exploration: water prospecting and delivery throughout the solar system, solar power stations, in-space manufacturing, and space tourism.
They have a plan a one hundred ton payload hyper-efficient orbit and beyond space tug. This would make large scale space operations a lot more efficient and capable.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.