Impulse Space
Impulse Space is a disruptive startup specializing in in-space transportation technology and services. The company develops orbital transfer vehicles (OTVs), such as Mira and Helios, to provide last-mile payload delivery for satellites transitioning from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to other destinations. The Mira OTV, approximately the size of a dishwasher, weighs around 300 kg (660 lbs) when fully loaded with propellant.
Founded in September 2021 by Tom Mueller, former CTO at SpaceX and principal engineer behind the Merlin and Draco rocket engines, Impulse Space quickly established itself as an industry leader.
Key Milestones and Partnerships
Mars Mission with Relativity Space
In July 2022, Impulse Space partnered with Relativity Space to develop a Mars lander. Impulse is responsible for the lander, cruise stage, and entry capsule, while Relativity will launch the spacecraft aboard its Terran R rocket, now targeting a 2026 launch.
In-Orbit Refueling with Orbit Fab
On May 25, 2023, Impulse Space secured a contract with Orbit Fab to refuel the USSF Tetra-5 satellite with up to 50 kg of hydrazine. The mission, utilizing the Mira OTV, is planned for 2025/26 and is funded by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
First Mira OTV Launch
On November 11, 2023, the first Mira OTV (LEO Express-1) launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 as part of the Transporter-9 mission, demonstrating its chemical propulsion system for orbital adjustments.
Introduction of Helios High-Energy Kick Stage
On January 17, 2024, Impulse unveiled Helios, a high-energy kick stage designed to propel payloads up to 4 tons on Falcon 9 and 5 tons on Relativity’s Terran R from LEO to geostationary orbit. With a diameter just under 3.5 meters, Helios fits within a Falcon 9 fairing. Its first flight is slated for 2026.
Partnership with HEO for Non-Earth Imaging
In February 2024, Impulse partnered with HEO to host its HOLMES-007 in-space imager on a Mira OTV as part of the LEO Express-2 mission. This marks the first commercial camera dedicated to non-Earth imaging in high LEO, enabling advanced satellite inspection capabilities.
Collaboration with EXOLaunch for Satellite Deployment
In August 2024, Germany-based space logistics firm EXOLaunch partnered with Impulse Space to provide advanced separation systems for CubeSats and MicroSats. The partnership enhances mission design and satellite deployment capabilities, leveraging Impulse’s OTVs, including Mira and Helios.
LEO Express-2 Mission Success
On August 16, 2024, EXOLaunch and Impulse Space supported the LEO Express-2 mission on SpaceX’s Transporter-11, successfully deploying multiple customer satellites and the HOLMES-007 imager for HEO.
$34.5M U.S. Space Force Contract
On October 4, 2024, Impulse Space secured a $34.5 million contract from the U.S. Space Force under the Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) program. The contract funds two ultra-mobile spacecraft missions, Victus Surgo and Victus Salo, to enhance military readiness in space operations.
$150M Series B Funding Round
In October 2024, Impulse Space raised $150 million in a Series B funding round led by Founders Fund. Existing investors Lux Capital and Spring Tide participated, alongside new investors such as DCVC. The funding will drive the development of Mira and Helios, advancing high-energy orbital transfer capabilities.
With its rapid growth and technological advancements, Impulse Space continues to redefine in-space transportation, enabling new possibilities for satellite deployment, refueling, and deep-space exploration.
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Resources
www.impulsespace.com
www.wikipedia.org
www.satellitetoday.com edition January 13th, 2023
www.spacenews.com edition May 25th, 2023
www.universemagazine.com
www.spaceinsider.com edition May 26th, 2023
www.spacenews.com edition October 1st, 2024
www.space.skyrocket.de
www.factoriesinspace.com
www.orbitfab.com
www.techcrunch.com edition October 4th, 2024