In-space mobility company Impulse Space raises $500m| Electronics Weekly

The round was co-led by 137 Ventures and BANNER VC, and brings the company’s total capital raised to $1 billion.

The funding will support hiring and future manufacturing, says the company. Such mobility infrastructure includes the vehicles themselves, propulsion systems, and operational architectures, determining where and how spacecraft move after launch.

“We’re building more than spacecraft: we’re building the economic and technical engine that will power humanity’s expansion into space,” said the founder and CEO of Impulse Space, Tom Mueller.

“From Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond, the ability to move quickly, precisely, and affordably on orbit is the fundamental capability that will unlock a true space age.”

In-space mobility

Impulse’s fleet for in-space mobility includes three types of spacecraft.

Mira, is the company’s precision manoeuvring spacecraft, which has now flown multiple missions including autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).

Helios is a high-energy kick stage due for itsd first flight in 2027. This is designed to deliver payloads to distant orbits on shorter timelines and more affordably than conventional approaches.

Finally, the design of Caravan, the company’s rideshare program, will aim to reduce the cost of access to higher-energy orbits such as GEO.

Impulse Space

Achievements  of the company include building and flying its high-thrust, manoeuvrable space vehicle for payload hosting and deployment, Mira. This was on two customer missions

Additionally, there is the execution of what it claims to be the two largest orbital manoeuvres by a nitrous-based propulsion system. It also secured 30 commercial and government contracts totalling $200 million in value.

Finally, it has developed Helios (pictured) – a high-energy kick stage – to deliver payloads to MEO, GEO. This is on track to fly in 2026.

Compatible with Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, New Glenn and other medium-lift and super-heavy rockets – using standard payload interfaces – Helios services aim at the communications, imaging, defense, and scientific sectors.

The Impulse Space headquarters are in Redondo Beach, California.

Image: Impulse Space – Helios

See also: UKSA funds 23 projects for international space partnerships